Syringic Acid (Hydroxybenzoic Acid · Neuroprotective · Antidiabetic)
| Compound | Syringic Acid |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — Hydroxybenzoic Acid (4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic Acid) |
| CAS | 530-57-4 |
| Primary source | Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Vitis vinifera (grape), many plant foods |
| Key applications | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Elderberry extract co-constituent; wine polyphenol fraction; isolate |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Elderberry Extract Powder - Sambucus nigra → Elderberry Oil Soluble Extract - Sambucus → |
Name origin: From Syringa (lilac genus), where it was first identified as a cell wall phenolic acid. Syringic acid is the 3,5-dimethoxy analogue of gallic acid — two of gallic acid’s hydroxyls are methylated, leaving one free hydroxyl at position 4. The dimethoxy pattern is the same as in sinapic acid’s A-ring substitution. Traditional use: As a constituent of elderberry and grape wine preparations, syringic acid contributes to the broad polyphenol profile of these traditional preparations. It has no targeted traditional use as an isolated compound. Research trajectory: Syringic acid has growing research interest for neuroprotective activity (MAO-B inhibition, relevant to Parkinson’s disease models), antidiabetic mechanisms (insulin secretion stimulation), and anti-inflammatory NF-κB suppression. Its formation from syringin (the glucoside in lilac) via gut microbial hydrolysis makes it a relevant metabolite in multiple botanical contexts. Commercial source: Available as a co-constituent of elderberry and grape polyphenol extracts. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Syringic Acid Applications
Neuroprotective via MAO-B inhibition: Syringic acid inhibits monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) in vitro at low micromolar concentrations, reducing dopamine catabolism. MAO-B inhibition is the mechanism of action of selegiline (deprenyl) in Parkinson’s disease. Animal models show syringic acid reduces neuroinflammation and protects dopaminergic neurons. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical; no human neuroprotection trials).
Antidiabetic activity: Syringic acid stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells and improves glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in animal diabetic models. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition contributes to post-prandial glucose management. Relevant as a co-active in metabolic support formulations. Claim strength: Moderate.
Anti-inflammatory: Syringic acid inhibits NF-κB and reduces macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Anti-inflammatory potency in assay systems is moderate, consistent with its dimethoxy-reduced hydroxyl count versus gallic acid. Claim strength: Moderate.
Elderberry Extract Powder - Sambucus nigra →
Elderberry Oil Soluble Extract - Sambucus →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
No established isolated supplement dose for syringic acid. Dietary exposure estimates: 1–10 mg/day from wine, berries, and diverse plant foods. For supplement delivery, elderberry extract at 200–500 mg/day co-delivers syringic acid as a minor phenolic acid fraction alongside the dominant anthocyanin content. Isolated syringic acid is available as a research-grade material from specialist chemical suppliers.
Syringic acid has good water solubility. Stable at acidic to neutral pH; sensitive to strong alkaline conditions. The dimethoxy groups provide some oxidative stability versus catechol-type phenolic acids. Compatible with standard supplement formats.
Frequently Asked Questions — Syringic Acid
Is syringic acid the MAO-B inhibitor in red wine?
Syringic acid is one of several polyphenols in red wine with MAO-B inhibitory activity, alongside resveratrol and quercetin. The hypothesis that red wine’s historical association with Parkinson’s risk reduction relates to MAO-B inhibition by polyphenols has been proposed but not clinically substantiated. Syringic acid is a contributing candidate within this hypothesis rather than a demonstrated clinical MAO-B inhibitor at wine consumption doses.
How does syringic acid relate to syringin in plant biosynthesis?
Syringin is the glucoside (4-glucoside of sinapyl alcohol) found in lilac and other plants. Syringic acid is a distinct compound — the carboxylic acid form — formed during lignin biosynthesis and degradation. Both share the syringyl substitution pattern (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy) but are structurally and biosynthetically distinct molecules.
Is syringic acid a meaningful contributor to elderberry extract bioactivity?
Syringic acid is a minor constituent of elderberry polyphenol fraction — significantly less abundant than the dominant cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside anthocyanins. It contributes to the overall antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile but is not considered a primary active in elderberry extract’s antiviral or immune-stimulating properties.
Can syringic acid be used in a brain health formulation?
The MAO-B inhibition and neuroinflammation-reducing mechanisms provide a rationale for inclusion in cognitive and neuroprotective blends. Given the preclinical-only evidence base, position as “studied to support healthy neuroinflammatory balance” and co-formulate with better-evidenced neuroprotectants such as pterostilbene, bacopa, or lion’s mane for a clinically defensible brain health formulation.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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