Caffeic acid is widely found in various traditional Chinese medicinal plants such as Yinchen, Duzhong, and Jinyinhua. It belongs to the class of phenolic acid compounds and possesses pharmacological activities such as vascular contraction and reinforcement, improved blood coagulation, as well as broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-venom properties. It is commonly used in clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of various surgical and internal bleeding conditions and has shown significant efficacy in gynecological bleeding disorders. Caffeic acid serves as an antioxidant both in vitro and in vivo and is widely used in the cosmetics industry.

In vitro research and animal models have revealed various potential pharmacological effects of caffeic acid, including its inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation in human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cell lines through oxidative mechanisms. Caffeic acid also exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. It can reduce mycotoxin production by more than 95%, surpassing other antioxidants. Studies indicate that oxidative stress, which otherwise triggers the production of mycotoxins by molds, can be hindered by caffeic acid.

Our research on the biosynthesis of caffeic acid has been granted a Chinese invention patent (Patent No.: CN202110514617.5).