THE EFFECT OF PHENOLIC ACIDS ON LIVING ORGANISMS

Phenolic acids belong to a numerous group of polyphenolics exhibiting strong antioxidant properties. They are considered to be health-promoting substances and have been proposed as agents in the prevention and control of many diseases, viruses, bacteria, microscopic fungi and yeast. They exhibit different effects on living organisms, slowing or completely limiting their development. In addition to the positive effects of their antioxidant properties, they may also have adverse effects on other living organisms. Literature sources present very limited information on the toxic effect of phenolic acids in relation to animals or humans, although detected LD50 values suggest their toxic influence on these organisms. The aim of this study was to clarify the current state of knowledge on toxic properties of phenolic acids, as well as indicate their adverse effect on living organisms starting from plants through microorganisms, animals and humans.