Echinacea Extract: 5 Benefits of Chicoric Acid

Chicoric acid is a caffeic acid derivative found in natural plants such as echinacea. In this paper, the biological activities and pharmacological effects of Echinacea Purpurea Extract cichoric acid are reviewed, which aims to provide a reference for the in-depth research, development and utilization of cichoric acid.

1. Antioxidant

Chichoric acid is a potent antioxidant. It can reduce the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxide malondialdehyde, scavenge free radicals, and inhibit oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). , exert the pharmacological effects of anti-oxidative damage, anti-aging and cardiovascular protection.

2. Antibacterial and antiviral

The integration of human HIV DNA into the host genome is accomplished by HIV integrase, which is a key step in viral replication. Cichoric acid is an HIV integrase inhibitor, which can exert anti-HIV activity by inhibiting HIV integrase to achieve its cytoprotective effect. In addition, cichoric acid inhibited the replication of wild-type virus.

3. Boost immunity

In Europe and America, echinacea is a well-known "immune" plant. It has outstanding anti-infection and immune-promoting effects, and cichoric acid is one of its main active ingredients.

4. Anti-inflammatory effect

Chichoric acid has good anti-inflammatory activity and has inhibitory effects on systemic inflammation-induced neuroinflammation, amyloid, and cognitive impairment. Not only can cichoric acid be used alone, it can enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin when used in synergy with luteolin.

5. Liver Protection

Chichoric acid is a potential natural nutritional supplement. It regulates hepatic glucose homeostasis and antioxidant response, thereby improving insulin resistance and liver damage in diabetic patients.

Summary

Chichoric acid has rich pharmacological activities, and has been proven to have antioxidant, anti-aging, cardiovascular protection, anti-HIV, anti-hepatitis B virus, hypoglycemic, treatment of fatty liver, uric acid and other effects.