Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application

Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(6):332-336. doi: 10.1159/000491755. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Abstract

Ferulic acid has low toxicity and possesses many physiological functions (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, and antidiabetic effect). It has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industry. Ferulic acid is a free radical scavenger, but also an inhibitor of enzymes that catalyze free radical generation and an enhancer of scavenger enzyme activity. Ferulic acid has a protective role for the main skin structures: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, elastin. It inhibits melanogenesis, enhances angiogenesis, and accelerates wound healing. It is widely applied in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent, delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component. Nonetheless, its use is limited by its tendency to be rapidly oxidized.

Keywords: Ferulic acid antioxidant; Photoaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / chemistry
  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Coumaric Acids / chemistry
  • Coumaric Acids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Regeneration
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Coumaric Acids
  • ferulic acid