Herbal Plant Acids

What Are Herbal Plant Acids?

Most of the acids that are found in herbs are rather weak and mild, though some of them exist in free form. Acids are a major component of Herbal plants and a majority of these acids are found in compound forms in combination with salts, esters or amides. So far, the impact of herbal plant acids is not yet understood properly and their perceived activity is limited in the context of an overall herbal preparation. Fruits and vegetables contain a number of excellent plant acids and the beneficial effects of these acids are felt only when they are consumed on a consistent basis.

Herbal Plant Acid Groups

Herbal Plant acids are always carbolic acids with a simple chemical structure and these acid molecules join in various combinations to provide the following acid groups:
Moncarboxylic Acid: These are the simplest of all plant acids, with a very basic chemical composition holding its molecules together. Acids like formic acid, acetic acid and various fatty acids form the core group of Monocarboxylic acid.
Polybasic Acid: Most of the plant acids are polybasic in their nature and the basic chemical composition is made up of several simple acids. Oxalic acid, succinic acid and fumaric acids are some of the examples.
Hydroxy Acid: These acids are known to act both as an alcohol, as well as plant acids due to their acidic and alcoholic structures. Citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid are some of the examples of hydroxy acids.
Aromatic or Volatile Oils: These acids belong to a group of acids that are cyclic in their composition which is based on salicylic acid and phenol molecules.

Using Herbal Plant Acids

Herb wise, many of these acids are therapeutic in nature and are used sometimes as drugs for treating many simple symptoms and conditions. Unsaturated fatty acids are universally found in all plants, and in plant parts like seeds and other reproductive tissues. These herbal plant acids are very important in your diet and digestive activities; these acids are required for building and repairing cell and tissues, such as the cell wall membranes, and more importantly, tissues in the central nervous system, and also for prostaglandin synthesis.

Formic acid molecules from Stinging Nettle are especially helpful in treating arthritic conditions and joint inflammation. On the other hand, acetic acid forms the major base of kitchen grade vinegar solution which is useful in kitchen as a good digestive.

Succinic acids and tartaric acids find their use in many digestive functions and they help the digestive system in passing food from one organ to another in a smooth and fluid motion. Citric acids that are found in many fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of rare phytofactors that are useful in fighting diseases and infections. They are useful in flushing out bile stones and in facilitating the smooth flow of bile juice into the digestive system.