Ellagic acid is a chemical found in certain fruits, walnuts, pecans and some other plant foods. The substance has generated interest because it appears to have anti-cancer properties. The American Cancer Society cautions that nearly all research with ellagic acid has been done in the laboratory or on animals, and human research is lacking. You can obtain ellagic acid in a concentrated form in supplements, including ellagic acid extract. Consult with a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Ellagic acid kills cancer cells in laboratory dishes, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), and interferes with steps that allow cancer cells to multiply, thus slowing tumor growth. It also may help prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels. Additionally, in laboratory studies, ellagic acid appears to decrease estrogenic effects that promote breast cancer cell growth. Ellagic acid may help the liver break down or eliminate some carcinogenic substances from the blood as well.
Additional Benefits
Ellagic acid also has antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Antioxidants neutralize and eliminate free radicals, which are waste products in the body that lead to cell damage and disease. Additionally, one study has found that ellagic acid may decrease chemotherapy side effects in prostate cancer patients, explains the ACS. However, in this study, ellagic acid did not slow disease progression or improve survival rates.
Topical Uses
Ellagic acid also may have topical benefits. A study published in the September 2008 issue of the "Journal of Dermatology" investigated the effects of synthetic ellagic acid and plant extracts containing ellagic acid on participants with melasma. This dark skin discoloration develops on sun-exposed areas of the face and is most common in women with brown skin. A significant decrease in the level of the pigment melanin was determined in eight of the nine participants using gel containing synthetic ellagic acid and in all 10 participants who applied a gel containing ellagic acid extract from plant sources.
Sources
Foods with the largest amounts of ellagic acid include raspberries, strawberries and pomegranates, particularly freeze-dried forms, according to the ACS. For more concentrated amounts of ellagic acid, supplements are available, including liquid extract and dried extract in capsules, tablets and powder. Look for standardized extracts from reputable manufacturers. Standardized extracts guarantee certain amounts of active components.
Safety
Eating fruit and other food sources of ellagic acid is generally considered safe, according to the ACS. Ellagic acid supplements may affect certain enzymes in the liver, which could inhibit the liver's ability to metabolize some medications. This can lead to elevated levels of medicine in the body, which may increase side effects or lead to toxicity. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medications you take are metabolized by the liver and whether ellagic acid is contraindicated for these medicines.
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