Protocatechuic acid can be found in various natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.Some common dietary sources of protocatechuic acid include green tea, red wine, coffee, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.It can also be found in some traditional herbal medicines such as Alpinia oxyphylla, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Sanguisorba officinalis. Additionally, protocatechuic acid can be synthesized in the laboratory from various precursor compounds.
Protocatechuic acid is a natural antioxidant that can help prevent food oxidation and spoilage, and by preserving something with protocatechuic acid, it can maintain its quality and freshness for a long time, in addition, it has been shown to have potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Protocatechuic acid can be preserved by storing it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a refrigerator or freezer. It is also important to keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture and oxygen from degrading it. Additionally, adding a small amount of an antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), can help to further protect it from oxidation.