Influence of Phenolic Acids on Ion Uptake

The influence of naturally occurring phenolic acids on phosphate uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Karlsberg) roots was examined using (32)P-labeled phosphate. Without exception, all compounds tested, namely, benzoic, 2-hydroxybenzoic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic, cinnamic, 2-hydroxycinnamic, 4-hydroxycinnamic, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic, and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamic acids, inhibited uptake.The degree of inhibition correlated well with the lipid solubility of these phenolic compounds. This as well as kinetic data support the hypothesis of inhibition through altered membrane properties.