Title:Antimicrobial Properties of Mandelic Acid, Gallic Acid and their Derivatives
Volume: 21
Issue: 17
Author(s): Renata Choińska*, Katarzyna Dąbrowska, Renata Świsłocka, Włodzimierz Lewandowski and Artur H. Świergiel
Affiliation:
- Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka 36, 02-532 Warsaw,Poland
Keywords:
Mandelic acid, gallic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, arylalkyl.
Abstract:
Purpose: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are one of the classes of hydroxy acids being beneficial
for human health. The manuscript summarizes the biological properties of two popular members
of AHAs, i.e., Mandelic Acid (MA) and Gallic Acid (GA), with particular emphasis on antimicrobial
properties. Moreover, attempts to design new derivatives improving the natural properties of AHAs by
using the chemical and physical approach are discussed.
Methods: Antimicrobial properties of MA, an arylalkyl AHA containing phenyl group attached to α-
carbon, and GA, an aromatic trihydroxybenzoic acid containing the phenolic ring and carboxylic acid
functional group, and their derivatives against common human and plant pathogenic fungi have been
reviewed.
Results: The antimicrobial activity of MA and GA is a complex phenomenon strictly correlated with
other properties exhibited by these acids, e.g., pro-oxidative activity and hydrophobicity. In most cases,
the acids derivatives exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the acids themselves. This is
probably because of the higher lipophilicity of moiety that allows better penetration through the cell
membrane.
Conclusion: MA and GA present an excellent health-promoting tool and are valuable starting materials
for the design of new compounds such as metal complexes with alkali, or alkali earth metals. The
lipophilic, antimicrobial, and pro-oxidative properties act synergistically, supporting the pharmacological
and therapeutic effect of acids and their derivatives.