*Article* **Comparison of the Antihypertensive Activity of Phenolic Acids**

**Myeongnam Yu 1, Hyun Joo Kim 2, Huijin Heo 1, Minjun Kim 1, Yesol Jeon 1, Hana Lee 1,\* and Junsoo Lee 1,\***

	- **\*** Correspondence: dlgksk0514@naver.com (H.L.); junsoo@chungbuk.ac.kr (J.L.)

**Abstract:** Phenolic acids, found in cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, have various biological functions. We aimed to compare the antihypertensive potential of different phenolic acids by evaluating their ACE inhibitory activity and cytoprotective capacity in EA.hy 926 endothelial cells. In addition, we explored the mechanism underlying the antihypertensive activity of sinapic acid. Of all the phenolic acids studied, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid significantly inhibited ACE activity. Moreover, gallic acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid significantly enhanced intracellular NO production. Based on the results of GSH depletion, ROS production, and MDA level analyses, sinapic acid was selected to study the mechanism underlying the antihypertensive effect. Sinapic acid decreases endothelial dysfunction by enhancing the expression of antioxidant-related proteins. Sinapic acid increased phosphorylation of eNOS and Akt in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate the potential of sinapic acid as a treatment for hypertension.

**Keywords:** phenolic acids; sinapic acid; ACE inhibition; hypertension; endothelial dysfunction
