What is "cichoric acid"

n. (context organic chemistry English) A hydroxycinnamic acid of the phenylpropanoid class that stimulates phagocytosis and inhibits the function of hyaluronidase and HIV-1 integrase.

Cichoric acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid, an organic compound of the phenylpropanoid class and occurs in a variety of plant species. It is a derivative of both caffeic acid and tartaric acid.

As a suitable marker for the distinction of Echinacea species, it is often assayed using RP-HPLC and Thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods.