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.