Shikimic Acid 138-59-0

Shikimic acid is a vital natural organic acid, serving as a key intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of aromatic amino acids in plants and microorganisms. Its name originates from the star anise plant (Illicium verum), as the fruits of star anise are rich in shikimic acid, making them a primary commercial source.

Efficacy and Applications of shikimic acid

The most prominent application of shikimic acid is as the crucial starting material for the anti-influenza drug Oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu). This role grants it strategic importance in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Furthermore, shikimic acid itself demonstrates certain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant biological activities. In the realm of plant extracts and health products, it is often promoted as an ingredient for immune support. In scientific research, it is an important tool for studying biosynthetic pathways.

Production Processes

The industrial production of shikimic acid primarily involves three methods:

(1) Plant Extraction: This is the most traditional method, primarily extracting the acid from the dried fruits of star anise. The process involves steps like solvent immersion, concentration, crystallization, and purification. This well-established technology is currently a major mode of commercial production, but its output is constrained by the harvest and price fluctuations of star anise.

(2) Microbial Fermentation: This is a more advanced and sustainable industrial method. Through genetic engineering, microorganisms like E. colior Corynebacterium glutamicumare optimized to efficiently convert low-cost carbon sources (e.g., glucose) into shikimic acid, which is then secreted and purified. This method offers high yield, controllable costs, and independence from plant sources, representing the mainstream direction for future development.

(3) Chemical Synthesis: Although shikimic acid can be synthesized from other chemicals, the process is typically complex, costly, and may involve non-environmentally friendly reagents. Therefore, it is currently less economical and rarely used for large-scale production.

In summary, shikimic acid is a crucial bridge compound connecting natural products with modern pharmaceuticals, with its value primarily manifested as a pharmaceutical intermediate. As biotechnology continues to advance, its production costs are expected to decrease further, potentially expanding its application scope.