Ingredient Dictionary
The basics of understanding blood glucose, body fat, and metabolic health
4-HBA
The marker compound of Ribes fasciculatum leaf and a subject of browning research
4-HBA (4-hydroxybenzoic acid) is a phenolic acid with a simple structure, found in many plants. In the human body, it is also used as a building block for coenzyme Q10, which is used in cellular energy production.
In the leaf of Ribes fasciculatum (chilhaemok), it is used as a marker compound to confirm the quality of the raw material. In cell and mouse studies, it is being researched in connection with the “browning” pathway, in which white fat turns into heat-producing beige fat.
| Category | Phenolic acid (hydroxybenzoic acid family) |
|---|---|
| Found in | Ribes fasciculatum (chilhaemok) leaf, black raspberry, and others |
| Use | Marker compound of Ribes fasciculatum leaf raw material |
| Level of research | Cell and mouse studies (browning through the AMPK–DRP1 pathway) |
The Cornus extract complex, which is controlled using 4-HBA as a marker compound, has been turned into the consumer product ‘SANBIDAM Premium’ by partner company ONDAM BIO.
Related reading
- Do you feel the cold more as you age? The story of the “heat-producing fat” in your body Health column
- 4-HBA in Ribes fasciculatum leaf, and “fat that changes colour” Health column
- Benefits of Cornus fruit: what research has confirmed and what it has not Health column
- What kind of tree is Ribes fasciculatum (chilhaemok)? Why its leaves are eaten Health column
Other ingredients: Resistant maltodextrin · Cornus extract complex · Loganin
Search more on Google: chilhaemok · 4-HBA
- Kim SH, et al. 4-hydroxybenzoic acid induces browning of white adipose tissue through the AMPK-DRP1 pathway in HFD-induced obese mice. Phytomedicine. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156353
- Lee Y, et al. Ribes fasciculatum Ameliorates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity by Elevating Peripheral Thermogenic Signaling. Molecules. DOI 10.3390/molecules27051649