The introduction of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzoic acid (Veratric acid)

Description

Veratric acid (VA; 3,4-Dimethoxybenzoic acid) is a natural compound isolated from Sparassis crispa (cauliflower mushroom), which is an edible mushroom containing b-glucan that enhances anti-tumor responses.

Benefits

VA has been reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photo-protective effects. VA reduces DNA damage, redox state imbalance, and inflammation in UV-irradiated keratinocytes. Veratric acid also acts as a protective agent against hypertension-associated cardiovascular remodeling. In hypertension-induced rats, veratric acid decreased blood pressure by reducing the NO concentration and attenuating oxidative stress[1].

Mode of action

Veratric acid negatively regulates iNOS by suppressing cytokines, transcription factors, and MAPKs in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The suppressive effects of veratric acid on the expression of IFN-c and IL-6 were mediated by the inactivation of STAT-1 and STAT-3, respectively. The regulation of IL-6 expression is especially induced by GSK-3b, which inhibits the phosphorylation of NF-jB. In addition, inactivated NF-jB affects down-regulate iNOS as the role of transcription factor. Veratric acid exhibited inhibitory effects on the inactivation of MAPKs, including p38, JNK, and ERK1/2. Hence, Kim et al. expect the regulatory effects of veratric acid to neutralize the overproduced NO in inflammatory responses, preventing exacerbation of inflammatory diseases[2].

VA attenuated the expression of MMPs, increased cell proliferation, type I procollagen, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and filaggrin against UV radiation; however, it has no effect on the improvement of expressions of elastic fiber. In addition, treatment with cream containing VA improved facial wrinkles in a clinical trial. These findings indicate that VA improves wrinkle formation by modulating MMPs, collagens, and epidermal layer integrity, suggesting its potential use in UV-induced premature skin aging.

References

[1] Kyung-Eun Lee. “A study of facial wrinkles improvement effect of veratric acid from cauliflower mushroom through photo-protective mechanisms against UVB irradiation.” Archives of Dermatological Research 308 3 (2016): 183–192.

[2] Woo-Suk Choi . “The regulatory effect of veratric acid on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.” Cellular immunology 280 2 (2012): Pages 164-170.