Skip to main content
. 2021 Dec 16;26(24):7632. doi: 10.3390/molecules26247632

Table 4.

Phenolic acids commonly found in Lamiaceae and their molecular targets explored in pain and inflammation.

Compound Structure Mechanisms of Action References
Rosmarinic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i020.jpg Antioxidant activity. [75]
Suppression of TNF-α, iNOs, apoptotic factors (Bax, caspases 3 and 9), Iba-1, TLR4 and GFAP levels. [181]
Gallic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i021.jpg ERK-Nrf2-Keap1-mediated antioxidant activity. [182]
Reduction in TBARS, total calcium, TNF-α, superoxide anion, and MPO activity levels; and decreased GSH level. [183]
TRPA1 antagonist. [184]
Chlorogenic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i022.jpg Inhibition of CD80/86 and Th1 cytokines. [185]
GABAA receptor agonist. [186]
Inhibition of NF-kB and JNK/AP-1 signaling pathways. [187]
Vanillin graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i023.jpg Inhibition of protein and lipid oxidation processes. Increased activity of GSH, SOD, catalase.Suppresses the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and plasma AST and ALT enzymes. [188]
α2-adrenergic and opioid receptor agonist [189]
Caffeic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i024.jpg Reduction in the IκBα degradation and p65 phosphorylation in the NF-kB pathway. [190]
Inhibition of MPO, MDA and nitrite generation. [191]
Vanillic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i025.jpg α2-adrenoceptor agonist.5HT3 and 5HT1 receptor agonist Interaction with TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 receptors. [192]
Inhibition of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and NF-kB activation. [193]
Ferulic acid graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i026.jpg The level/activity of elastase, lysosomal enzymes, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β); and the mRNA expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes, caspase-1, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NF-kB p65 were decreased. [194]
Inhibition of xanthine oxidase and COX-2 enzyme. [195]

Abbreviations: 5HT: Serotonin; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AP-1: Activator protein 1; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; Bax: Bcl-2-associated X protein; CD80/86: CD28 receptor binds to the B7; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; ERK: Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; GABAA: γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor; GFAP: Glial fibrillary acidic protein; GSH: Glutathione; Iba-1: Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1; IL-: Interleukin-; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; IkBα: Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; Keap1: Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; MDA: Malondialdehyde; MPO: Myeloperoxidase; mRNA: Messenger Ribonucleic acid; NF-kB: Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; NLRP3: Family pyrin domain containing 3; NRf2: nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2; p65: Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; Th1: T helper type 1; TLR4: Toll like receptor 4; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; TRPA1: Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1; TRPA1: Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1; TRPM8: Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin), member 8; TRPV1: Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1.