Protocatechuic acid, also known as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, was naturally found in the leaves of Holly, black fern, Orientin, acanthopanax Orientale and other vegetables. It was an organic compound with a white-to-brown crystalline powder, which changed color when exposed to air. Its aqueous solution was a dark red when it encountered sodium bicarbonate, and green when it encountered ferric chloride. Protocatechuic acid is water soluble, can be dissolved in 50 parts of water, and can also be dissolved in ethanol, ether, and storage should be placed away from a light, cool, dry environment.
Protocatechuic acid is an important active substance, with antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and other pharmacological activities, so it can be widely used in the medical field, in addition, it can also be used in feed, cosmetics, and other industries.
In the field of feed, protocatechuic acid is used as a feed additive to configure feed for livestock and poultry breeding. It can not only promote the growth and development of livestock and poultry, improve immune function and defense ability, but also improve meat quality and flavor.
Although protocatechuic acid exists in some plants, the number of plants that can be used as extraction sources in these plants is small, and the content of protocatechuic acid is low, which is not suitable for large-scale production. Compared with the chemical method to prepare protocatechuic acid, the biological method is more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and more in line with modern production needs.
