Ácido ferúlico: uma revisão sobre modificações tecnológicas e sua estabilidade

Abstract

Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound found in various natural sources and used in traditional medicine, exhibits remarkable pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and photoprotective actions. However, its application is hindered by characteristics such as low permeability, limited bioavailability, and rapid oxidation, which compromise its stability and efficacy. In this context, thermal analysis, using techniques such as thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), emerges as a fundamental tool for pharmaceutical development, allowing the characterization of essential properties such as thermal stability, purity, and compatibility of FA-containing formulations. The review analyzed studies that explored the complexation of ferulic acid with various substances, seeking to optimize its properties. Among the substances investigated for complexation, the following stand out: β-cyclodextrin, a hydrophilic oligosaccharide; hyaluronic acid, known for its moisturizing and biocompatible properties; chitosan nanoparticles, used as drug carriers and antibacterial action for implementation in industrialized food packaging; whey protein isolate, a high biological value protein; and different sunscreens, aiming to improve stability and photoprotective efficacy in cosmetic formulations. The results of these studies demonstrated that FA complexation with these substances represents an effective strategy to overcome its intrinsic challenges, significantly improving its stability, bioavailability, and consequently, its therapeutic potential. The research demonstrated that complexation and thermal analysis are key strategies to overcome the instability challenges of ferulic acid, paving the way for the development of innovative and effective formulations in various areas. However, the need for further in vivo studies and clinical trials is of paramount importance to fully validate the therapeutic applications of FA and elucidate its mechanisms of action in detail, thus consolidating knowledge about this promising compound