MOLECULE

Shikimic acid

Shikimic acid, also known as shikimate or acid, shikimic, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as shikimic acids and derivatves. These are cyclitols containing a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid substituted with three hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 4, and 5. A cyclohexenecarboxylic acid that is cyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 3, 4 and 5 (the 3R,4S,5R stereoisomer). Shikimic acid is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Shikimic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, Shikimic acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as barley, macadamia nuts, nutmegs, winter squash, and borages. This could make shikimic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Shikimic acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.