Ellagic acid is an antioxidant antiproliferative agent found in wide range of fruits and vegetables. It is these properties that have spurred preliminary research into the potential health benefits of ellagic acid consumption. Ellagic acid has a chemoprotective effect in cellular models by reducing oxidative stress. In some studies it has been found to be antagonistic with catechins, such as those found in tea.

Chemical synthesis

Weigh 200 g of gallic acid methyl ester, Place in the reaction flask, then added 600 mL of acetic acid, Stir and heat to 80 ° C to dissolve the methyl gallate, 200 g of K2S2O8 was added, and the reaction was stirred under reflux for 12 h to stop the reaction. The reaction solution was cooled and crystallized, filtered, and the filter cake was washed with hot water at 80 °C. The filter cake was dissolved in a 10% NaOH solution, and 20 g of activated carbon was added thereto, and the mixture was decolorized by stirring at 25 ° C, filtered, and the filtrate was extracted three times with ethyl acetate, and the filtrate was separated. The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH 1.5 with 10% hydrochloric acid, crystallization, filtration, and vacuum drying to obtain pale yellow ellagic acid. The yield is 78% and the relative content is up to 95%.

Anticarcinogenic and Antioxidant Properties

Ellagic acid has been reported to have potent anticarcinogenic effects which initiate the modulation of the metabolism of environmental toxins and prevent the onset of carcinogenesis induced by these chemicals. Besides, it exhibit chemoprotective properties through selective enhancement of the members of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) detoxification system in different cancer cells. Ellagic acid was also found to significantly reduce the number of bone marrow cells with chromosomal aberrations and chromosomal fragments as effectively as alpha-tocopherol. Studies have shown that ellagic acid is a potent inhibitor of DNA topoisomerases which are involved in carcinogenesis. 

Ellagic acid is available freely in plant foods like nuts and other plant foods. Possible mechanisms of the glucose-lowering effect include stimulation of insulin production from β-cells or enhancement of glucose transport to peripheral tissues. By its normoglycemic effect, oral administration of ellagic acid to STZ-induced diabetic rats lowered the production of glycosylated hemoglobin. In addition, it is involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, NO2 radicals, and peroxynitrite, at rates equivalent to several well-known anti-oxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C; some studies showed it is more protective than vitamin E against oxidative stress. Furthermore, it removes free radicals, binds to potential oxidants, controls enzymatic activities and cell signaling modulations, and controls gene expression. The protective effects of ellagic acid are due to several things, such as its ability to bind to DNA, stop ROS from being made, get rid of ROS, and protect DNA from alkylating damage.

Foods That Contain Ellagic Acid

These food sources are rich in ellagic acid and so much more! Even better, they’re delicious and worth including in your diet.

1. Raspberries

Raspberries are fruits with some of the highest levels of ellagic acid (EA). Red raspberries are especially healthy as they also pack a lot of fiber. Raspberries may help reduce blood pressure or decrease the risks of hypertension. They may also improve lipid profile and prevent atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits on the artery walls.They can also stabilize blood sugar levels, which make the fruit beneficial for those with diabetes. Raspberries have even been shown to enhance the recovery of people with brain injuries.

2. Pomegranates

One of the ancient fruit shrubs from the Mediterranean, pomegranates contain EA and a handful of other critically essential nutrients. These include 7 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, as well as folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Pomegranate juice also has punicalagins, which are antioxidants that are more potent than the ones found in green tea.Studies show the pomegranate fruit's antioxidants can help reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The EA, along with luteolin, may decrease ovarian cancer metastasis by regulating two genes, MMP9 and MMP2.The level of ellagic acid in pomegranate extract is particularly high, at 250-500 mg per serving. Studies show that this extract may be particularly effective against prostate and colorectal cancer. 

3. Pecans

Pecans are some of the healthiest nuts, partly thanks to their ellagic acid content. It helps prevent certain types of carcinogens from attaching themselves to the body's DNA.They also contain other essential types of acid such as oleic acid that may help fight against breast cancer. Compared to other nuts, pecans have higher amounts of fiber, which makes them good for digestion. They are also low in sugar!

4. Blackberries

Blackberries contain up to 55 milligrams of EA for every 100 grams. The evergreen blackberries may also have around 1.4 milligrams of catechins, another phenol that reduces chronic inflammation. Like the other berries, blackberries are also high in vitamin C. A cup of these super fruits can help you meet half of the daily recommendation for the vitamin. Vitamin C plays a significant role not only in improving immunity but also in healing wounds and keeping your skin young. It is an integral component for collagen, which serves as the protein structure for connective tissues and skin.

5. Strawberries

The ellagic acid found in strawberries can be in the leaves, seeds, and fruit pulp, although the highest levels are in the leaves. More than 30 varieties of strawberries possess this phenol, but Delite and Tribute strawberries tend to have the highest content. The level of the acid can also vary according to the cultivating conditions and manner of storage.Strawberries are functional foods, which means they provide a wide range of health benefits. One of these is in eye protection. The EA along with the phytochemicals can help decrease the chances of developing macular degeneration and eye infections. They can also prevent increased eye pressure, which may result in permanent nerve damage.

6. Beefsteak Fungus

One food that contains ellagic acid is the beefsteak fungus. Also known as the ox tongue mushroom, it is a parasite that resembles raw meat.The mushroom has many helpful compounds, of which EA is the highest. It comprises almost half of the phenolic compounds. These substances work like free radical scavengers, and they tend to be effective in regulating two kinds of radicals. These are the superoxide radical called DPPH and hydroxyl radical.

7. Guavas

Do you suffer from joint pain or osteoarthritis, the progressive deterioration of the bone's cartilage? You may want to consume more guavas. In an animal study, the scientists discovered an inverse correlation between cartilage destruction and the levels of ellagic acid present in the synovial joints. It may indicate that polyphenol can delay the progression of the disease by inhibiting the damage to the cartilage.

8. Peaches

Peaches also contain EA, although the amount may not be as high as that present in the berries or certain types of nuts. Still, it pays to eat this delicious fruit because of its other nutrients. If you're trying to avoid the bad types of sugar, you can eat peaches, which have 14 grams of carbs. A 2013 study also showed the compounds present in the fruit may be helpful for people prone to allergies. They can slow down or even prevent the release of histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms.

9. Grapes

The ellagic acid benefits present in grapes can help reduce the risks of colorectal cancer. The 2017 research suggested it may change the way the cancer cells behave. EA can trigger apoptosis or the death of these cells, as well as modify their manner of proliferation or spread.If you're tired of eating grapes, you can also drink red wine. A U.S. study on mice revealed EA may assist in weight loss and obesity. It prevents new fat cells from forming and burns the fat stores in the liver. It can also lower triglycerides and regulate blood sugar levels, which are both obesity markers.

10. Walnuts

Walnuts are not only high in ellagic acid, but they’re also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential in improving cardiovascular health In another study, the nut may help improve gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria. These include microorganisms that produce a certain type of fat that nourishes the small intestine. There’s no test to determine whether you’re deficient in EA, but you can consider taking ellagic acid supplements. Studies suggest that EA is most effective at doses between 80-850 mg. Note, though, there may be ellagic acid supplement side effects, especially if you’re taking other dietary supplements, medications or under a drug therapy (e.g., chemotherapy).The best source of this acid is plant life. Even better, eat these foods with potent green blends to boost your intake of polyphenols. Plants produce polyphenols such as ellagic acid to ward off pests and insects that can cause disease. Now, science tells us they can be just as beneficial to you.

References

[1] GUIYANG BEILONG BIOTECHNOLOGY - CN110066284, 2019, A

[2] S.J.S. Flora. (2013). Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry II (Second Edition): From Elements to Applications (Vol. 3, pp. 987-1013). Elsevier.

[3] Stoenescu, A. M., & Trandafir, I. (2023). Ellagic acid: A review on natural sources and medicinal importance. Annals of the University of Craiova, Series: Biology, Horticulture, Food Products Processing Technology, Environmental Engineering.