One of the purported miracle cures for cancer on the market, ellagic acid has antimutagenic and anticarcincogenic action, according to the University of Wisconsin Food Research Institute. This is leading researchers to study whether ellagic acid can be used to treat or prevent cancer. Meanwhile, a host of supplements are available for people who seek to heal themselves with ellagic acid though, so far, benefits to humans are unproven. It's best to consult a health care professional before using ellagic acid.
Identification
Ellagic acid is a phytochemical, meaning a plant chemical. It is found in several plant foods including strawberries, raspberries, pomegranates and grapes, according to "Food Biotechnology," by Kalidas Shetty. It's also present in cranberries, pecans and walnuts.
Potential
Some proponents of ellagic acid claim that treatment with this supplement can cure or prevent cancer. The assertion is unproven, however, according to the American Cancer Society. Laboratory studies do appear promising regarding ellagic acid's anti-cancer properties. Unfortunately, substances that show promise in laboratory studies often are not useful in people. In the lab, ellagic acid can act as an antioxidant, has been shown to cause death to some cancer cells, and seems to reduce the effect of estrogen in promotion of breast cancer cell growth. The ACS says that ellagic acid might reduce chemotherapy side effects in men who have advanced prostate cancer, though no improvements in survival rate or disease progression have been noted. More research is necessary to confirm this possible benefit.
Types
Ellagic acid is taken in supplement form. Extracts are taken from pomegranates, red raspberry leaves or seeds and other sources said to contain high ellagic acid levels. These are available in liquid, capsule or powder form. The best dosage for ellagic acid supplements is not known, according to ACS. Ellagic acid also has been applied topically in mouse studies, where it was found to inhibit skin tumors, according to the "Handbook of Antioxidants," by Enrique Cadenas and Lester Packer.
History
Researchers in the 1960s originally studied ellagic acid to examine its effects on blood clotting. The first published research on ellagic acid as a potential cancer fighter appeared in the 1970s and 80s. After several small laboratory studies were published in the mid-1990s, people started promoting ellagic acid, often via the Internet, as a means to prevent and treat cancer.
Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised at least one Internet marketing company that its claims regarding ellagic acid violates the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act due to their claims that it can treat, cure or prevent a disease. The FDA cautioned the company that its products would be classified as "new drugs" based on the claims made. The FDA approves new drugs after scientific data proves they are safe and effective. It's illegal to market drugs that are not generally recognized as safe. Supplements, however, can be marketed if medical claims are removed.
References
- American Cancer Society: Ellagic Acid
- "Food Biotechnology;" Kalidas Shetty; 2006
- PubMed.gov: "Basic Life Sciences;" Antitumor-promoting activities of tannic acid, ellagic acid, and several gallic acid derivatives in mouse skin; J. P. Perchellet; 1992
- Federal Drug Administration: Compliance Regulatory Information
- "Handbook of Antioxidants;" Enrique Cadenas and Lester Packer; 2002; page 455
