Shikimic Acid (also known as Acid, Shikimic, 1-Cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, (3R-(3alpha,4alpha,5beta))-): A tri-hydroxy cyclohexene carboxylic acid metabolite of the shikimate pathway. It is important in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, flavonoids and alkaloids in plants and microorganisms

NIH MeSH · D012765Chemicals and Drugs

Shikimic Acid

Also known asAcid, Shikimic · 1-Cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, (3R-(3alpha,4alpha,5beta))- · Shikimates · Shikimic Acid Derivatives

Definition

A tri-hydroxy cyclohexene carboxylic acid metabolite of the shikimate pathway. It is important in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, flavonoids and alkaloids in plants and microorganisms.

MeSH classification

  • D02.241.223.268.792
  • D02.241.511.852
  • D02.455.426.392.368.367.379.750

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Related concepts

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Common questions about Shikimic Acid

What does Shikimic Acid mean in medicine?
A tri-hydroxy cyclohexene carboxylic acid metabolite of the shikimate pathway. It is important in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, flavonoids and alkaloids in plants and microorganisms. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Shikimic Acid known by any other names?
Yes. Shikimic Acid is also referred to as Acid, Shikimic, 1-Cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, (3R-(3alpha,4alpha,5beta))-, Shikimates, Shikimic Acid Derivatives in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Shikimic Acid sit in the medical classification?
Shikimic Acid falls under the broader medical category "Chemicals and Drugs" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: D02.241.223.268.792, D02.241.511.852, D02.455.426.392.368.367.379.750). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Shikimic Acid?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D012765) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗