Nobel Functions of Ferulic Acid in the Plants, Especially in the Cereals

Abstract

Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid, ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, which can be absorbed by the small intestine and excreted through the urine. Ferulic acid is extensively reported to have preventive effects against several diseases. It can increase the ratio of HDL to VLDL+LDL cholesterol, and bioavailability of vitamin E and decrease total cholesterol in rats. It also increases vitality of sperm and is a potential medicine for male infertility. Ferulic acid shows strong antioxidant, free radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity, it increases the resistance of LDL to peroxidation, protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation and prevents the oxidative modification of LDL; it is a good topical protective agent against UV radiation-induced skin damage. The most remarkable function of ferulic acid is its anti-tumor and anti-cancer effect. Several reports have suggested that ferulic acid is chemopreventive on oral cancer and that proved that ferulic acid is a potential chemopreventive component for colon cancer.