Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Ecology Candidate: Kamila Zemanová Supervisor: PharmDr. Jana Karlíčková, Ph.D. Title of Thesis: Interaction of phenylpropionic acids with copper Copper is an essential trace element which is essential for our body. It has a significant effect on the correct functioning of important organs and it plays an important role in the transfer of electrons at the major enzymatic pathways as a prostetic group. On the other hand, excess or deficiency of copper in the human body can cause many diseases. Phenylpropionic acids are group of substances which can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. They are involved in the scavenging of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. In this diploma thesis, I tested copper chelating activity of six phenylpropionic acids at different pHs by spectrofotometric methods using a hematoxylin and a bathocuproinedisulfonic acid disodium salt as an indicator. 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid showed the highest chelating potential but only using a hematoxylin. KEYWORDS: Copper, Phenylpropionic acids, Antioxidants, Chelating activity, Hematoxylin, Bathocuproin