3-羟基-4-甲氧基肉桂酸，主要为反式

3-Hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid, predominantly trans is available as white crystals. 3-Hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid is isolated from the aerial part of Artemisia capillaris, Chinese medicinal plant. It is a component of chinese herbal medicine used for a pain killer and stomachic. It is an efficient acetylcholine inhibitor. 3-Hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid is bioactive metabolite of Spilanthes acmella Murr. It increases the resistance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation.

3-Hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid was used in the synthesis of tranilast and various tranilast analogs (cinnamoyl anthranilates) by genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain. It was also used in the synthesis of glycoside compounds by undergoing glycosidation.