Natural sources, biosynthesis, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of shikimic acid and its derivatives

Abstract

Shikimic acid is a hydroaromatic compound possessing critical biological properties, such as antibacterial and antiviral activity. This review mainly focused on shikimic acid and its derivatives. We first briefly introduced the sources of shikimic acid and its derivatives and discussed their biosynthesis. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that shikimic acid and its derivatives exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, bone protective, skin protective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. We mainly focused on the related molecular mechanisms. Overall, the wide range of bioactivities of shikimic acid and its derivatives indicate that a more detailed exploration of their potential for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is warranted.

Keywords

Natural products / Shikimate / Ginkgo biloba / Neuroprotection / Inflammation

Acknowledgments

GRG would like to thank Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi, Kerala, for complete research assistance.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Funding

This project received financial support from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi, India, in the seed money category for minor faculty research projects.

Authors’ contributions

GRG, ABSV, PJA, MMM, MNFF, SAC, and VEH contributed to conception and design; GRG, SAC, ABSV, and MMM contributed to supervision; GRG, ABSV, MMM, MNFF, and VEH contributed to writing the original draft; GRG, DL, and SAC contributed to manuscript editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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