Synthesis of acetylated glucuronide derivatives of p-hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic acids, two compounds commonly found in wild mushrooms

Dietary phenolic compounds are widely considered to contribute to health benefits in humans. However, little is known about their bioactive forms in vivo and the mechanisms by which they may contribute toward disease prevention. Moreover, many studies on the biological effects of phenolic compounds have ignored the question of their achievable concentrations in the circulation after ingestion as well as their metabolism [1]. Wild mushrooms are extensively studied due to their medicinal properties which have been related to the presence of bioactive molecules such as phenolic compounds. p-Hydroxibenzoic acid is among the most abundant phenolic acids found in wild mushrooms, as well as cinnamic acid [2]. The present work aims at contributing to the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the healthpromoting properties of phenolic acids and precursors, usually present in mushrooms. Herein, we describe the synthesis of acetylated glucuronide derivatives of p-hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic acids, as protected glucuronide metabolites (Scheme).FCT-Portugal for financial support to the Portuguese NMR network and to FCT and FEDER-COMPETE/QREN/EU for the financial support through the research project (PTDC/AGRALI/110062/2009), research centres (PEst-C/QUI/UI0686/2011 and PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011) and through the PhD grant attributed to S.A.H. (SFRH/BD/70304/2010)