Discovery of Cinnamate Derivatives from Palm Fruit (Elaeis guineensis): Their Structural Classification, Extraction Process, and Bioactivity

Cinnamic acid derivatives are less explored constituents of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), as these compounds are water-soluble and occur at low concentrations compared to the bulk products of palm oil. Considering their potential roles and promising use as precursors for drug discovery purposes and cosmetic products, we comprehensively discuss in this review the important aspects of cinnamic acid derivatives found in palm fruit and waste (Elaeis guineensis), ranging from their optimized extraction processes, structural classification, and pharmacological potentials. Caffeoyl-shikimic acids and other cinnamic acid analogs, including caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and sinapic acids, have been found to possess various beneficial effects, such as antioxidants, anticancer, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activities. This review is expected to provide insight into improving the value of agricultural by-products in the oil palm industry.