ABSTRACT
p-coumaric acid is mainly found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fungi, and is also abundant in Chinese herbal medicines. The pharmacological effects of p-coumaric acid has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor effects, antiplatelet aggregation, cardiovascular protection, prevention and improvement of diabetes, and neuroprotection, while the anti-oxidant activities of p-coumaric acid is the important basis of other pharmacological effects. In addition, p-coumaric acid has a certain inhibitory effect on bacteria, and also can inhibit melanin formation and delay skin aging. This paper reviews the main pharmacological effects of p-coumaric acid and provides reference for the development of both medicinal and food resources.