Tag: Plant polyphenols

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a type of phenolic acid, a powerful plant compound found in many common foods and traditional medicines. Its pharmacological actions have been shown to include strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in numerous studies.

Recent studies have confirmed that unripe banana peels contain high levels of tannins, powerful polyphenolic compounds with numerous applications. Tannins are responsible for the astringent, bitter taste in many plants and play a vital role in food processing, traditional medicine, and even leather tanning. This guide explains how to extract tannin from bananas and banana peels for various uses.

Originally isolated from cinchona bark, quinic acid is a naturally occurring cyclic polyol found in a wide variety of plant-based foods. This organic compound contributes to the characteristic acidity of many fruits and beverages and acts as a precursor for other important phytochemicals. Understanding where quinic acid is found can help you incorporate more of this potentially beneficial compound into your diet.