Ferulic acid is an antioxidant phytonutrient that helps to neutralize free radicals that contribute to in DNA damage.

Animal and test tube studies suggest that ferulic acid may protect against breast cancer and liver cancer by causing cancer cells to self-destruct (a process called apoptosis).

References

Kampa M, Alexaki VI, Notas G, Nifli AP, Nistikaki A, Hatzoglou A, Bakogeorgou E, Kouimtzoglou E, Blekas G, Boskou D, Gravanis A, Castanas E. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of selective phenolic acids on T47D human breast cancer cells: potential mechanisms of action. Breast Cancer Res. 2004; 6(2: R63-74. Epub 2003 Dec 15; PMID 14979919. Lee YS. Role of NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species in the mechanism of apoptosis induced by phenolic acids in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Arch Pharm Res. 2005 Oct; 28(10): 1183-9; PMID 16276977. Mori H, Kawabata K, Yoshimi N, Tanaka T, Murakami T, Okada T, Murai H.Chemopreventive effects of ferulic acid on oral and rice germ on large bowel carcinogenesis. Anticancer Res. 1999 Sep-Oct; 19(5A): 3775-8; PMID 10625957