ELLAGIC ACID

OTHER NAME(S):

3,4,3',4'-hydroxyl-benzopyranol[5,4,3-c,d,e][1]benzopyrn-6-6'-dione, Acide Ellagique, Ácido Elágico, Gallogen.

Overview

Overview Information

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring substance. The best sources of ellagic acid in the diet are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, and walnuts.

Some people take ellagic acid by mouth for cancer, mental function, and viral or bacterial infections.

Ellagic acid is applied to the skin as a lightening agent.

How does it work?

Ellagic acid may bind to chemicals that cause cancer, and it may also prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, ellagic acid is poorly absorbed and is also eliminated quickly from the body. These characteristics may limit its usefulness as a medicine.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Mental function. Early research shows that taking ellagic acid for 12 weeks improves mental function and IQ in overweight males. It doesn't improve these outcomes in males with normal body weight.
  • Darkening and discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation). Early research shows that applying ellagic acid plus salicylic acid to the face for 12 weeks decreases the size and number of dark spots. It seems to work about as well as applying hydroquinone. But applying hydroquinone seems to improve skin firmness better.
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV). High-risk HPV is linked with cervical cancer. Early research shows that taking ellagic acid and graviola for 6 months has antiviral activity against high-risk HPV. It might also prevent precancerous cells from becoming worse in women with high-risk HPV and precancerous cells.
  • Brown patches on the face (melasma). Early research shows that applying ellagic acid to the face can lighten brown spots. It seems to work about as well as a prescription skin whitening agent.
  • Prostate cancer. Early research shows that taking ellagic acid during chemotherapy for prostate cancer reduces the side effects of cancer treatment. But it doesn’t seem to reduce tumors or improve survival.
  • Preventing cancer.
  • Treating viral infections.
  • Treating bacterial infections.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ellagic acid for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Ellagic acid is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin, short-term. There is not enough information available about taking ellagic acid long-term.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of ellagic acid during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for ELLAGIC ACID Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of ellagic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for ellagic acid. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Anderson KJ, Teuber SS, Gobeille A, et al. Walnut polyphenolics inhibit in vitro human plasma and LDL oxidation. J Nutr 2001;131:2837-42. View abstract.
  • Barch DH, Rundhaugen LM, Stoner GD, et al. Structure-function relationships of the dietary anticarcinogen ellagic acid. Carcinogenesis 1996;17:265-9.. View abstract.
  • Constantinou A, Stoner GD, Mehta R, et al. The dietary anticancer agent ellagic acid is a potent inhibitor of DNA topoisomerases in vitro. Nutr Cancer 1995;23:121-30.. View abstract.
  • Dahl A, Yatskayer M, Raab S, Oresajo C. Tolerance and efficacy of a product containing ellagic and salicylic acids in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots in comparison with 4% hydroquinone. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(1):52-8. View abstract.
  • Dell'Agli M, Parapini S, Basilico N, et al. In vitro studies on the mechanism of action of two compounds with antiplasmodial activity: ellagic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl(6'-O-aalloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Planta Med 2003;69:162-4. View abstract.
  • Ertam I, Mutlu B, Unal I, Alper S, Kivçak B, Ozer O. Efficiency of ellagic acid and arbutin in melasma: a randomized, prospective, open-label study. J Dermatol. 2008;35(9):570-4. View abstract.
  • Falsaperla M, Morgia G, Tartarone A, Ardito R, Romano G. Support ellagic acid therapy in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) on standard chemotherapy using vinorelbine and estramustine phosphate. Eur Urol. 2005;47(4):449-54 View abstract.
  • Le Donne M, Lentini M, Alibrandi A, et al. Antiviral activity of Ellagic acid and Annona Muricata in cervical HPV related pre-neoplastic lesions: A randomized trial. J Funct Food 2017;35:549-54.
  • Liu Y, Yu S, Wang F, et al. Chronic administration of ellagic acid improved the cognition in middle-aged overweight men. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2018;43(3):266-73.View abstract.
  • Mullen W, Stewart AJ, Lean ME, et al. Effect of freezing and storage on the phenolics, ellagitannins, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of red raspberries. J Agric Food Chem 2002;508:5197-201.. View abstract.
  • Priyadarsini KI, Khopde SM, Kumar SS, Mohan H. Free radical studies of ellagic acid, a natural phenolic antioxidant. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50:2200-6. View abstract.
  • Xu Y, Deng JZ, Ma J, et al. DNA damaging activity of ellagic acid derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2003;11:1593-6.. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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