Exploring the multifaceted potential of chlorogenic acid: Journey from nutraceutical to nanomedicine

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic acid from the family of hydroxycinnamic acid, often found in green coffee extract and tea. CGA is chemically called as 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) which is a more prevalent isomer of CGA. The role of CGA as an anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and neuroprotective agent has been explored by several researchers. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-hypertensive activities. CGA has been found to be antimicrobial against a broad variety of species, including bacteria, yeasts, moulds, viruses, and amoebas. These antimicrobial capabilities might be beneficial to the food industry's ongoing hunt for novel and natural compounds for food preservation. Additionally, CGA could also alter the glucose and lipid metabolism in both genetically susceptible and healthy metabolic diseases. Because of these characteristics, chlorogenic acid is an attractive choice for the creation of dietary supplements and functional foods. This comprehensive review mainly aims to explore various sources of CGA along with its medicinal values, chemical synthesis and various derivatives obtained from CGA. The mechanism of action, therapeutic applications, regulatory concerns related to CGA are also discussed in detail. Search engine resources such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Patent, Web of Science, and bibliographic databases of previously published peer-reviewed review papers and research works were used to gather information regarding CGA. The gathered data sets were organised sequentially in order to have a better grasp of CGA's potential. The challenges of poor solubility and poor bioavailability and development of novel drug delivery systems to overcome them has also been discussed.