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.<br/><br/>

Overview

Overview Information

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

Medicinally, ellagic acid is used to prevent cancer and treat viral and bacterial infections.

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

  • 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

There isn't enough reliable information available about ellagic acid to know if it is safe.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.