莽草酸

Shikimic acid, also known as shikimate or acid, shikimic, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as shikimic acids and derivatves. These are cyclitols containing a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid substituted with three hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 4, and 5. Shikimic acid exists as a solid, soluble (in water), and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Shikimic acid has been detected in multiple biofluids, such as urine and blood. Within the cell, shikimic acid is primarily located in the cytoplasm. Shikimic acid exists in all eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to humans. Outside of the human body, shikimic acid can be found in a number of food items such as black chokeberry, wakame, saskatoon berry, and pistachio. This makes shikimic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.