ELLAGIC ACID



Other common name(s): None

Scientific/medical name(s): None

DESCRIPTION

Ellagic acid is a compound found in raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, pomegranates, and other plant foods.

OVERVIEW

Research in animal and laboratory models has found that ellagic acid inhibits the growth of tumors caused by certain carcinogens. Studies in humans are underway to determine the effect of long-term daily consumption of raspberries on cell activity in the human colon.

How is it promoted for use?

Ellagic acid has been found to cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells in the laboratory. How it works is not yet well understood. Some also claim it prevents the binding of carcinogens to DNA, and strengthens connective tissue, which may keep cancer cells from spreading. Ellagic acid has also been said to reduce heart disease, birth defects, liver fibrosis, and to promote wound healing. Many of these claims are currently under investigation.

What does it involve?

The highest levels of ellagic acid are found in raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranates, especially when they are freeze-dried. Red raspberry leaves, which also contain ellagic acid, are available in capsule, powder, or liquid form. The correct dosage of these preparations are not known.

What is the history behind it?

Early studies of nutrition and cancer focused on macronutrients (eg, protein, carbohydrates, and fat) and micronutrients (eg, vitamins and minerals). More recently, studies have begun focusing on phytochemicals, which are compounds produced by plants (see Phytochemicals). There is an enormous amount of folklore that surrounds phytochemicals, and scientific investigation is currently in the early stages. Early published research on ellagic acid appeared in the 1970s and 1980s, and the first studies began in 1993.

What is the evidence?

Ellagic acid has been demonstrated in animal models to inhibit tumor growth caused by carcinogens. A human study is being completed at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center. Twelve participants, some of whom had undergone surgery to have cancerous polyps removed, ate one cup of red raspberries daily for a year with some continuing for longer. The study was to determine if eating red raspberries could prevent colon cancer by both inhibiting the abnormal division of cells and promoting the normal death of healthy cells. The results of the study have not yet been published.

Other studies have also found positive effects. A recent animal study found that ellagic acid protected mice against chromosome damage from radiation therapy. A separate study of ellagic acid indicated that it was effective at inhibiting tumor growth from esophageal cancer cells in mice. Animal studies may show a certain substance holds promise as a beneficial treatment, but further studies are necessary to determine if the results apply to humans.

A balanced diet that includes five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables along with foods from a variety of other plant sources such as breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta, and beans is more effective than eating one particular food, such as raspberries, in large amounts.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Ellagic acid is not available in supplement form; however, eating berries is considered safe. The raspberry leaf, or preparations made from it, should be used with caution during pregnancy because they may initiate labor.

References

Agricultural Research Services. Boosting ellagic acid in strawberries. United States Department of Agriculture Web site. Available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov. Accessed October 8, 1999.

Ahn D, Putt D, Kresty L, Stoner GD, Fromm D, Hollenberg PF. The effects of dietary ellagic acid on rat hepatic and esophageal mucosal cytochromes P450 and phase II enzymes. Carcinogenesis. 1996;17:821-828.

Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complimentary and Alternative Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp; 1999.

Harttig U, Hendricks JD, Stoner GD, Bailey GS. Organ specific, protocol dependent modulation of 7,12-dimethylbenz-[a]anthracene carcinogenesis in rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) by dietary ellagic acid. Carcinogenesis. 1996;17:2403-2409.

Medical Economics. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998.

Narayanan BA, Geoffroy O, Willingham MC, Re GG, Nixon DW. P53/p21 (WAF1/CIP1) expression and its possible role in G1 arrest and apoptosis in ellagic acid treated cancer cells. Cancer Lett. 1999;136:215-221.

Stoner GD, Morse MA. Isothiocyanates and plant polyphenols as inhibitors of lung and esophageal cancer. Cancer Lett. 1997;114:113-119.

Thresiamma KC, George J, Kuttan R. Protective effect of curcumin, ellagic acid and bixin on radiation induced genotoxicity. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 1998;17:431-434.

Note: This information was reprinted from the American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods. Copyright©2000, American Cancer Society. This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions, is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs.

Revised: 09/18/2000 01:00:00 AM

 
 
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