Caffeoylquinic acids: chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity

Area of Science:

• Plant biochemistry and metabolomics
• Nutritional science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are widely consumed plant metabolites with known health benefits.
• Recent discoveries include new biosynthetic pathways and enzymes involved in CQA metabolism.
• Existing confusion in CQA nomenclature complicates bioactivity assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity of CQAs.
• To address the nomenclature inconsistencies and propose unification.
• To recommend standardized dietary controls for CQA bioactivity research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on recent advancements in CQA research.
• Analysis of published data on CQA biosynthesis, metabolism, and bioactivity.
• Discussion of analytical techniques and challenges in CQA identification.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel enzymatic pathways for CQA synthesis and transformation.
• Evidence linking CQAs to memory improvement and indirect antioxidant effects via Nrf2 activation.
• Highlighting critical nomenclature issues and their impact on bioactivity interpretation.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing CQA nomenclature is crucial for accurate bioactivity assessment.
• Synthetic, CQA-free diets are recommended for controlled laboratory studies.
• Further research into CQA biotransformation, biosynthesis, and therapeutic potential is warranted.