3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid is a model compound that has been shown to inhibit the bacterial metabolism of protocatechuic acid. It has also been shown to have an effect on the ATP levels in cells, as well as on enzyme activities. 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid is poorly absorbed from the gut and exhibits low bioavailability. The compound has been found in human feces and urine, and can be detected in wild-type strains of E. coli K-12. 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid inhibits neuronal death induced by amyloid beta protein, which may be due to its ability to bind with glucocorticoid receptors.