Trans-caffeic acid (3,4-Dihydroxybenzeneacrylic acid) can be used as a highly sensitive fluorescent probe for the detection of laccase in food and can also stimulate the growth of germ tissue.

Trans-caffeic acid exhibited antiproliferative effects in human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. After treatment with 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM for 24, 48, and 72 hours, MTT assays showed time- and dose-dependent inhibition. At 50 μM for 48 hours, Trans-caffeic acid significantly induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanied by elevated ROS levels and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting involvement of oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathways[1].

In BALB/c nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors, Trans-caffeic acid was administered intraperitoneally at 25 mg/kg once daily for 21 days. The treatment significantly reduced tumor volume compared to control without observable toxicity. Tumor tissues showed increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression, indicating mitochondrial pathway–mediated apoptosis[1].