It exists in cis and trans forms; the latter is the more common. It has a role as a plant metabolite, an EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 2.5.1.18 (glutathione transferase) inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.34 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an antioxidant and an EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor. It is a hydroxycinnamic acid and a member of catechols.