Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid,ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, which can be absorbed by the smallintestine and excreted through the urine. Ferulic acid isextensively reported to have preventive effects against severaldiseases. It can increase the ratio of HDL to VLDL+LDL cholesterol,and bioavailability of vitamin E and decrease total cholesterol inrats. It also increases vitality of sperm and is a potentialmedicine for male infertility. Ferulic acid shows strongantioxidant, free radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatoryactivity, it increases the resistance of LDL to peroxidation,protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and prevents the oxidativemodification of LDL; it is a good topical protective agent againstUV radiation-induced skin damage.
The most remarkable function of ferulic acid is its anti-tumor andanti-cancer effect. Several reports have suggested that ferulicacid is chemopreventive on oral cancer and that proved that ferulicacid is a potential chemopreventive component for colon cancer.
Key words: Ferulic acid, LDL, Colon, Cancer, Dietary fiber
Abbreviations used: low-density lipoprotein; LDL, |
