Specifications of Shikimic Acid
Product Name |
Shikimic Acid |
CAS Registry Number |
138-59-0 |
Molecular Formula |
C7H10O5 |
Molecular Weight |
174.15 g/mol |
Purity |
95% |
Appearance |
White solid |
Melting point |
185°C |
Shelf life |
2 years |
Functions |
Induce remyelination, anti-inflammation, relieves pain. |
Description of Shikimic Acid
Shikimic acid is a cyclohexene carboxylic acid originally isolated from I. religiosum. It decreases lipid droplet accumulation in HepG2 cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes when used at a concentration of 80 µM, as well as increases the levels of phosphorylated AMPK and decreases the levels of MID1IP1 in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 adipocytes when used at 40 µM.
Shikimic acid, obtained from star anise present in its anionic form shikimate, is a cyclohexane carboxylic acid, a cyclohexene, and a cyclitol. The shikimic acid pathway is essentially used to synthesize basic amino acids by plants and lower organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Applications of Shikimic Acid
Shikimic acid, in its naturally occurring form, plays a pivotal role in various biological processes and serves as a major biosynthetic precursor for essential amino acids, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. This inherent biochemical function positions shikimic acid at the forefront of plant metabolism, influencing the synthesis of a vast array of plant alkaloids. These alkaloids, with their diverse pharmacological properties, contribute significantly to the medicinal and therapeutic potential of various plant species.
Additionally, shikimic acid is a key participant in the intricate biosynthetic pathways leading to the formation of essential plant compounds. Its involvement in the biosynthesis of lignin, a complex polymer crucial for plant structure and support, underscores its role in shaping the physical properties of plant tissues. Furthermore, shikimic acid is integral to the production of flavonoids, a diverse class of secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This multifaceted involvement in the synthesis of aromatic compounds showcases the broad impact of shikimic acid on the chemical composition and functional characteristics of plants.
Reference:
- Bohm, B.A. Shikimic Acid (3,4,5-Trihydroxy-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic Acid). Chem. Rev. 65(4), 435-466 (1965).
- Rawat, G., Tripathi, P., and Saxena, R.K. Expanding horizons of shikimic acid. Recent progress in production and its endless frontiers in application and market trends. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 97(10), 4277-4287 (2013).
- Kim, M.J., Sim, D.Y., Lee, H.M., et al. Hypolipogenic effect of shikimic acid via inhibition of MID1IP1 and phosphorylation of AMPK/ACC. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20(3), E582 (2019).
- Lu, F., Yin, D., Pu, Y., et al. Shikimic acid promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and accelerates remyelination in mice. Neurosci. Bull. 35(3), 434-446 (2019 ).