Preservatives

Citric acid is a natural preservative and food tartness enhancer. Citric acid induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and S phase in HaCaT cells. Citric acid cause oxidative damage of the liver by means of the decrease of antioxidative enzyme activities. Citric acid is also an acidulant, emulsifier, sequestrant and buffering agent widely used across many industries.

Carvacrol is an orally active and blood-brain barrier-permeable monoterpenic phenol that can be extract from an abundant number of aromatic plants, including thyme and oregano, possessing antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, spasmolytic, and vasorelaxant properties. Carvacrol also causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1, downregulates Notch-1, and Jagged-1, and induces apoptosis. Carvacrol is used in low concentrations as a food flavoring ingredient and preservative, as well as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Natamycin (Pimaricin) is a macrolide antibiotic agent produced by several Streptomyces strains. Natamycin inhibits the growth of fungi via inhibition of amino acid and glucose transport across the plasma membrane. Natamycin is a food preservative, an antifungal agent in agriculture, and is widely used for fungal keratitis research.

Propylparaben (Propyl parahydroxybenzoate) is an antibacterial preservative that can be produced by plants and bacteria. Propylparaben is an orally active weak estrogen receptor agonist. Propylparaben regulates the PI3K-AKT and JNK signaling pathways, and induces oxidative stress. Propylparaben is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods, and can be used in studies related to ovarian aging and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Ethylparaben is the ethyl ester of paraben and is used as an antifungal preservative and food additive.

Sorbic acid is an antibacterial preservative effective against most molds, yeasts, and some bacterial species. Sorbic acid inhibits microbial growth. Sorbic acid suppresses the activity of intestinal microorganisms in zebrafish, alters the composition of intestinal flora, and reduces the levels of intestinal immune biomarkers, including IgG, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Sorbic acid can be used in research on the prevention and treatment of mold, yeast, and bacterial infections.

Benzoic acid lithium is an aromatic alcohol found in many plants and is a common additive in food, beverages, cosmetics and other products. Benzoic acid lithium inhibits bacteria and fungi and acts as a preservative.