Ellagic acid is a phenol derived from certain plant-based foods, while trimethyglycine --- also called TMG or betaine --- is a substance that your body manufactures. Ellagic acid is found primarily in walnuts, red raspberries and strawberries, as well as pecans, cranberries and pomegranates. You might take trimethylglycine or ellagic acid for a variety of medicinal purposes, but you should consult your doctor before doing so to discuss the potential dangers and correct dosage.
Function
Ellagic acid appears to have antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic actions, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The phenolic compound's anticarcinogenic properties seem to have inhibitory effects against colorectal, liver, prostate and esophageal cancer cells. Essentially, ellagic acid could potentially slow down the growth of carcinogen-related tumors, explains the American Cancer Society. Trimethylglycine, on the other hand, works with folic acid, vitamin B12, choline and S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, in your body to support healthy liver function, protect against toxins and promote cell reproduction. Trimethylglycine helps to protect against kidney damage and to manufacture carnitine. Trimethylglycine also acts to break down homocysteine in your body, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Effects
Ellagic acid may help to reduce your risks for heart disease and birth defects, as well as to improve wound healing and protect against liver problems, according to the American Cancer Society. Trimethylglycine is most commonly used to treat high homocysteine levels, which may also reduce heart-disease risks, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. High homocysteine levels are linked to increased risks for heart disease. Trimethyglycine's liver-protective actions may help in treating alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Talk with your physician before taking ellagic acid or trimethylglycine for any health purpose.
Potential
Ellagic acid's antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties could have the potential to help prevent certain types of cancer, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In addition to carcinogen-related cancers, ellagic acid could have some inhibitory actions on estrogen's stimulating effects on breast cancer cells, notes the American Cancer Society. Trimethylglycine could potentially help in treating or preventing atherosclerosis and in improving athletic performance. The substance may also be a possible substitute for SAMe supplements, states the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No conclusive, widely-accepted medical research supports the use of ellagic acid or trimethylglycine for any of these purposes, however.
Considerations
Although both ellagic acid and trimethylglycine seem to have benefits for preventing heart disease and protecting your liver, you shouldn't take the supplements together unless your doctor advises you to do so. Ellagic acid and trimethyglycine supplements don't appear to interact negatively with each other, however. Still, you should discuss with your healthcare provider any potential risks associated with taking these supplements together, or with any other supplements or medications that you're currently taking.
Warning
Ellagic acid derived from raspberry leaves could stimulate labor in pregnant women, warns the American Cancer Society. Ellagic acid could also interfere with your liver enzymes, which may affect the absorption of certain medications. Trimethyglycine could worsen your cholesterol profile, which is especially dangerous if you already have high cholesterol levels, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
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