Ellagic acid has roots in botanical history. Centuries ago, healers brewed teas and potions from fruits and leaves with rich, deep colors. They didn’t know why some berries healed wounds or soothed sore throats, but modern research attributed part of that magic to polyphenols like ellagic acid. The compound got its name in the early 19th century when chemists isolated it from oak galls and pomegranate bark, borrowing from the Greek word “ellag,” which points to its connection with tannins. Those early efforts laid a foundation for understanding plant-based health remedies, shaping today’s nutritional thinking.
Sourced from fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranates, ellagic acid shows up in concentrated forms as powders or capsules, but it also hides in our diet—inside walnuts, pecans, and even red wine. Companies ship it globally for dietary supplements, food colorants, and skincare. Customers ask for it by different names depending on use and origin, but no matter the form, the goal remains: to tap into its antioxidant strength and its ability to block unwanted cell changes.
Solid, pale yellow, and slightly bitter, ellagic acid doesn’t easily blend with water. The powder dissolves better in organic solvents like ethanol, guiding how labs and supplement makers work with it. Structurally, its four hydroxyl groups lock together through hydrogen bonds, giving it a firm shape and lending it stability against normal environmental swings in temperature and pH. At a glance, those physical attributes determine whether scientists use ellagic acid in a cream, a beverage, or a lab reaction.
In the marketplace, supplement labels list ellagic acid content often in milligrams per serving, with purity claims stretching upwards of 90%. Producers list water or heavy metal content and residual solvents from the extraction process—no regulator wants mystery ingredients. Country of origin holds weight. Supply chains matter for traceability. For food or cosmetics, companies state both the botanical source and additive use permissions, while supplement makers need to pass through quality checks under rules set by agencies like the US FDA, EFSA in Europe, and others. If there’s an allergen risk, smart brands surface it right on the front or supplement facts panel.
Large-scale extraction uses fruits and plant residues that might otherwise go to waste. After grinding, processors flush the mix with solvents—methanol, ethanol, or acetone—under controlled heat and light exposure to coax ellagic acid out of tough plant cell walls. Some use enzyme treatment as a cleaner, greener solution, breaking down tannins before isolation and purification. Final purification often relies on chromatography, allowing labs to reach the high-purity standards that supplement buyers want. Producers routinely test for active content by HPLC, and keep a close watch on by-products and contaminants left behind by the process.
On the laboratory bench, ellagic acid acts as a building block for more complex molecules. Researchers attach sugar residues—glycosylation—to nudge its solubility for better use in food and skincare. Oxidation reactions alter its core to produce urolithins, which are key players in gut health. Some chemists have sought to anchor ellagic acid onto polymers, hoping to stabilize it in creams or hydrogels for wound care, because the raw molecule tends to degrade quickly under sun or oxygen. These chemical adventures keep the research community busy, looking for the next breakthrough in delivery or stability.
The ingredient wears many hats. In scientific circles, it’s known as 4,4’,5,5’,6,6’-Hexahydroxydiphenic acid dilactone or simply EA. Health brands might market it as “pomegranate extract,” “berry polyphenols,” or “anti-aging antioxidant complex.” CAS Number 476-66-4 pins it down for global trade. Synonyms arise from botanical source, regional labeling, or marketing spins. No matter what name it takes, regulators and scientists track it by chemical structure and purity.
Good practices begin with clean sourcing. Processors audit their supply chains for contaminants and pesticide residues, especially for berries grown near heavy agriculture. Worker safety in extraction plants means proper ventilation where solvents are used. Supplement manufacturers need rigorous batch testing for purity, potency, and absence of heavy metals, meeting thresholds set by the US Pharmacopeia or European standards organizations. Operations managers train staff to monitor critical control points to avoid cross-contamination with allergens, especially tree nuts, another source of ellagic acid. Skincare formulators follow rules on permitted levels for topical use; these limits depend on skin absorption data and any sign of irritation in patch tests.
Dietary supplement makers pursue ellagic acid for its claimed power to neutralize free radicals. They blend it into daily capsules or powders chasing market demand for “natural defense” against aging, inflammation, or cellular changes. Skincare companies use it to brighten pigmentation or improve sun-damage recovery, formulating serums for hyperpigmentation or after-sun creams. Beverage companies sometimes add it to fortified juices and functional drinks, highlighting berry content for flavor and antioxidant marketing. Researchers keep testing its preventative effects, hoping to find benefits against chronic disease without stepping into drug territory, where research rules change and regulations tighten.
Clinical and preclinical studies have dug deep into antioxidant effects, shifting from in vitro results to animal models and eventually some small human trials. Studies point to the ability of ellagic acid to squelch certain chemical messengers involved in inflammation and cell growth. Pharmaceutical companies are interested, but face hurdles with bioavailability—swallowing the raw powder doesn’t mean much reaches the bloodstream. Academic teams have approached this by making nanoparticles or chemical modifications that sneak the molecule through digestive barriers. The focus stays on efficacy, safety, and identifying the populations who really stand to benefit from supplementation, not just those chasing the latest health trend.
Food safety authorities consider ellagic acid a low-risk compound at levels found naturally in a normal diet. Animal studies set loose limits—much higher than what humans typically eat—before side effects appear, mostly related to digestive discomfort or rare allergic reactions. Researchers watch for downstream metabolites, like urolithins, which might have their own risks with long-term, high-dose use. Early cell studies sometimes suggested effects that pointed to DNA changes, but follow-up research failed to confirm those fears in realistic settings. Toxicology groups recommend balance: consumers with nut allergies, compromised livers, or who take certain medications should check with a healthcare provider before adding large doses to their daily regimen.
The story of ellagic acid is still unfolding. As extraction and purification get more efficient, supplement and food companies will bring new delivery forms—nanoemulsions, sustained-release capsules, beverages that hold the active without bitterness. Researchers hunt for ways to boost its absorption or partner it with probiotics for gut health benefits. Medical teams hope to leverage ellagic acid as a support for standard therapies in chronic inflammation or skin degeneration, provided clinical trial results keep trending positive. Reliable, high-quality supply chains and clear product labeling will drive long-term trust. I’ve watched cycles of enthusiasm come and go, but promising science shapes policy, and smart business all at once—folks learn what really works only when strong research, transparency, and common sense guide decisions.
Ellagic acid, a compound found in fruits like pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, and nuts such as walnuts, finds its way onto the nutrition scene for very good reasons. Decades of research hint at real value behind all the health buzz. My own family used to pass around pomegranates like precious rubies each winter, and now science is catching up to why our elders held this habit dear.
Think about oxidative stress as the biological rust that can age cells and set the stage for chronic conditions. Ellagic acid acts as a strong antioxidant, countering unstable molecules before they can damage DNA or proteins. One study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that eating foods rich in ellagic acid can reduce oxidative markers in the human body. Antioxidants don’t just sound good—they play out as real-world factors in lowering the risk of illnesses from heart disease to certain cancers.
Findings from lab studies show ellagic acid can slow down tumor growth in some cases. The American Cancer Society points out laboratory evidence that this plant compound helps interrupt cancer cell cycles. Human trials remain limited, but a diet rich in berries and nuts makes good sense as part of a healthy plan that doesn’t just focus on cancer but general wellness. My grandmother always added extra walnuts to her morning porridge. Science suggests her habit may give some real-life protection—not magic, but meaningful support for long-term health.
Cardiovascular health partly comes down to cutting out inflammation and balancing harmful cholesterol. Ellagic acid seems to encourage better cholesterol profiles and less inflammation in blood vessels. Studies point to lowered LDL oxidation—a key risk factor for atherosclerosis—when people eat more berries or pomegranate. It won’t take the place of daily walks or a good sleep schedule, but every bit helps, especially for those looking for small changes that add up.
Ellagic acid may also strengthen the stomach against ulcers and stomach upset. Animal research from the European Journal of Pharmacology saw less ulceration among test groups given ellagic acid. In my own life, eating more fresh fruit feels better than popping antacids. Food never functions as a one-stop cure, yet including antioxidants in meals seems to build a foundation that drugs alone can’t offer.
Doctors and dietitians agree: eating whole foods beats popping supplements for most nutrients and plant compounds, including ellagic acid. Choosing seasonally fresh fruit—organic if you can afford it—creates a simple, satisfying path to better health. Washing berries and keeping nuts on hand makes snacking easier and more nourishing. Research still evolves, so looking for variety on your plate and aiming for color and freshness puts the odds in your favor.
Everyday choices matter. Instead of focusing on miracle compounds, look for patterns that stack up—like making berries a habit at breakfast, reaching for walnuts over chips, and swapping sugary drinks for real fruit blends. You don’t need a laboratory to benefit. Our ancestors relied on their senses, and now their wisdom aligns with science. Ellagic acid belongs in the bigger picture of wholesome living, not tucked into a supplement bottle but celebrated on your plate.
Ellagic acid pops up in headlines as a plant compound that some call a “super antioxidant.” Found in berries, pomegranate, and walnuts, its reputation comes from years of research connecting it to benefits like inflammation reduction and, in animal studies, even slowing tumor growth. But eating a handful of raspberries is different than popping a capsule of pure ellagic acid. That’s why this supplement gets so much attention and raises real questions about how safe it feels to add to one’s daily routine.
Supplements have become part of the morning ritual for many families—mine included. Long ago, a well-meaning friend introduced me to a shelf lined with bottles, each promising big health rewards. The truth is, despite my curiosity, most of those-backed-by-magic claims never delivered as promised. That uncertainty shapes my own skepticism toward “miracle” compounds.
Ellagic acid steps into the marketplace surrounded by fierce marketing, yet supplements often operate in a gray zone when it comes to regulation. In the United States, the FDA treats supplements like food, not medication. Manufacturers don’t have to prove safety or effectiveness before bottles land on store shelves. Sometimes, what you read on a label doesn’t line up with what’s inside the pill.
Human studies that dig into ellagic acid’s effects move at a glacier’s pace compared to the explosion of studies done in lab animals or test tubes. Most investigations focus on how the compound might help, not so much who could get hurt by taking too much. No widespread reports of severe toxicity exist when people consume ellagic acid from foods. Berries and nuts never raise alarms in healthy diets. But, getting a super-concentrated dose in a pill is where things slide into uncertain territory.
In controlled studies using supplements, some have felt mild stomach pain, heartburn, or, occasionally, nausea. That isn’t shocking. Swallowing any concentrated extract every day, whether it’s green tea or something else, can stress a body in ways a balanced diet can’t. Ellagic acid interacts with how certain enzymes process drugs and toxins. People on regular medication or with chronic conditions might be especially at risk. That rings true for most herbal extracts and nutraceuticals, not just ellagic acid.
Some solutions sound simple but often work best: get advice from health professionals before adding new supplements, especially if you deal with ongoing health issues or take prescriptions. Choose brands tested for purity by a third-party lab. Look for certifications—like those from NSF International or USP—that check contents and ban heavy metals or contaminants. Skip mega-dose products. Until scientists understand more, high daily doses lack clear support and could increase unpleasant side effects.
Pay attention to your own body. If a new supplement causes digestive discomfort, headaches, or skin reactions, it isn’t just your stomach talking back. That could signal an interaction or even an allergic reaction. Every person processes supplements a little differently.
Ellagic acid shines in fruits and nuts, not as a capsule in a medicine cabinet. The wider science world leans on the approach of eating a variety of fresh foods rather than relying on isolated compounds to punch above the weight of a good meal. This isn’t only about safety—it connects to long-term health and knowing what fuels the body best.
Ellagic acid pops up pretty often in conversations about health supplements. People hear berries or pomegranates, and right behind, ellagic acid gets a mention. Boosting antioxidants in the diet sounds smart, but the details get murky when talk turns to dosage. That’s where most of us start to scratch our heads, skimming vague numbers online and wondering if anyone really knows the sweet spot for safe use.
Most supplements come with research-backed dosing recommendations. With ellagic acid, published studies don’t always pin down an amount that everyone can hang their hat on. In clinical trials, participants get doses usually ranging from 50 to 1,000 milligrams per day. On occasion, certain studies in cancer research have involved even higher dosages, but those take place under strict medical supervision, and the results aren’t always clear cut.
A 2018 review from the Journal of Dietary Supplements notes that ellagic acid's absorption in the body changes a lot depending on whether you’re getting it through whole food or a supplement. That means popping a pill might not give the same effects as eating raspberries, walnuts, or pomegranates—foods with a natural matrix for this compound.
Folks often fall into the trap of thinking more is always better with antioxidants. With ellagic acid, safety data sticks mostly to the lower end of dosing scales. Clinical research has flagged upset stomach, mild allergic reactions, and, rarely, risk of interactions with prescription medications—especially blood thinners and drugs processed through the liver. Anyone with liver issues or who’s taking medication for chronic illness should be cautious and get advice from a physician before adding high-dose ellagic acid to their routine.
If berries, nuts, or pomegranates are already in your kitchen, the body knows how to handle this compound just fine from foods. A handful of raspberries contains 1.5 to 2 milligrams of ellagic acid. Two or three servings a day of fruit and nuts covers the basics for most adults without needing a supplement. At the supplement counter, labels often recommend 250 to 500 milligrams per day, reflecting what research tends to consider safe for short-term use.
It’s tough to ignore the appeal of a simple pill, but it pays to remember that most nutrition experts, including those at the NIH and Mayo Clinic, agree that dietary sources trump supplements in safety and overall health value. No matter what’s on the label, more studies must map out how well the body uses pure ellagic acid from capsules compared to eating whole foods.
With health topics online, everyone seems to have an opinion, but sorting out trustworthy information takes real work. The FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements the way it monitors prescription drugs, which can lead to wildly varying product quality and dose accuracy. Trustworthy brands should provide third-party lab testing results and clear dosing instructions.
Talking with your healthcare provider honestly about supplement plans makes sense, especially for people managing health issues or juggling multiple medications. Checking up on recommended upper limits, watching for side effects, and tuning into the body’s reactions helps keep things safe and effective.
Nutrition plays out over a lifetime, not in single doses. Ellagic acid sounds promising, but finding the right amount isn’t as simple as following a chart. Food can offer modest benefits without much risk; jumping into high doses without guidance doesn’t have enough support in the research yet. A little skepticism, paired with honest conversations between patients and healthcare professionals, leads to better health outcomes than chasing quick fixes or miracle claims.
Ellagic acid comes from fruits such as pomegranates, strawberries, and raspberries. Scientists point to its antioxidant punch as a reason people reach for it. It’s a regular on the supplement shelf now, targeting cancer cells in petri dishes and animal models. Plenty of folks read about its perks for reducing inflammation or even getting an edge in fighting chronic disease. It’s easy to trust what comes from fresh fruit, but curiosity grows once it turns up in capsules at high doses.
Supplements always leave a question mark around side effects. After all, something billed as “natural” still impacts the body’s chemistry. For ellagic acid, reports in newspapers talk about mild digestive issues like stomach upset, gas, or bloating for a few users. In some online forums, individuals mention changes in stool color or frequency. Nothing life-threatening has tied itself to this compound directly, but mild gut reactions seem fairly normal at higher doses. For most, food sources rarely cause problems; supplements change the game.
Problems could ramp up if someone uses more than what’s found in a healthy serving of fruit. Both research and health-focused organizations note there’s no established safe upper limit for ellagic acid. High doses bring uncertainty, especially with long-term use that hasn’t run through sufficient human trials. Experience reminds any curious user that overdoing anything—even a molecule praised in fruit—can backfire.
A family member started asking whether ellagic acid pills would clash with their blood pressure meds. This question isn’t trivial. Researchers identify interactions in early lab models, especially given that antioxidants sometimes alter how enzymes process prescriptions. Ellagic acid might affect the way the liver breaks down drugs, especially those using the cytochrome P450 system. Some anticoagulants, cholesterol-lowering medicine, and chemotherapy drugs pass through these metabolic lanes. There isn’t enough clinical evidence yet, but the possibility alone means anyone on medication should ask their doctor before doubling down on supplements.
A few tests point to a tug-of-war between ellagic acid and cancer treatments. Instead of helping, taking both might mute the impact of a prescribed therapy. At the same time, mixing high doses with herbal supplements that thin the blood or lower cholesterol could invite trouble with bruising, bleeding, or unexpected reactions. These examples serve up the bigger picture: self-treatment decisions, even with colorful plant compounds, carry risks when layering drugs and supplements.
It’s hard to separate hype from helpful advice on the internet. Ellagic acid gets headlines for cancer prevention, heart health, and skin protection. Personal experience—and watching friends try the latest supplement trends—brings home the need to check sources, look for real science, and let healthcare providers know about anything new. Safety checks start with dose, source (food or capsule), current medications, and a look at personal health.
For those drawn to supplements, fruit-based choices bring the rewards of ellagic acid and other nutrients without dropping a heavy dose into the system. Talking with pharmacists or doctors about potential interactions shuts out guesswork. The journey with new compounds deserves questions and second opinions, not blind trust. Nature’s powerful molecules bring both promise and unknowns; the balance depends on trusted sources, not just labels or word-of-mouth.
People talk about antioxidants, superfoods, and wellness trends as if they’re rare finds. Yet, something almost magical like ellagic acid shows up in fruits easy to find at markets and even backyard gardens. My own experience with fresh produce has taught me that flavor and nutrition often arrive in the same basket. Ellagic acid, which the scientific community recognizes for its antioxidant power, shows up richest in certain berries, nuts, and even a handful of surprising staples.
Strawberries and raspberries jump out as clear winners for ellagic acid content. Few snacks beat a bowl of summer-picked berries, sun-ripened and brimming with flavor, and they pack plenty of this nutrient. Raspberries feel almost purpose-built for this purpose; in 100 grams, you get about 40 milligrams of ellagic acid. That’s a top tier return for a serving of fruit that’s already loved by so many. Tossing a handful into breakfast, dessert, or even a salad means tapping into years of research—these berries have helped scientists connect plant foods with reduced inflammation, supported by robust data from the USDA and clinical nutrition studies.
Ever picked blackberries on a morning hike? These dark berries make strong contributions to dietary ellagic acid, with levels almost as high as raspberries. Blackberries, unlike some of the so-called “superfoods” flown from across the globe, grow just as well in chilly climates and need little fuss. Every bite serves up not just joy, but a scientifically-backed punch of antioxidants, which are known for helping protect cells from free radical damage.
Crack open a bag of walnuts, and you’ll find more than good fats. Walnuts claim an impressive spot as one of the best nut sources of ellagic acid. In my years of trying plant-forward eating, adding chopped walnuts to cereal, yogurt, or even grain bowls feels like a simple way to help cell health along. A Journal of Nutrition article makes it clear: regular walnut consumption connects with improved biological markers linked to heart health, in part because of the ellagic acid and other phytochemicals inside.
Pecans join walnuts as another delicious source. Slip them into a snack mix, or sprinkle some over roasted veggies. The sweetness of pomegranates also makes an appearance in this conversation. Seeding a pomegranate takes a little effort, but those vibrant arils give a tart burst along with a solid dose of ellagic acid—plus fiber and vitamin C for bonus points. Scientific reviews in food chemistry journals have documented the ellagic acid content in pomegranate juice and seeds, backing up family health traditions that have lasted centuries.
Diversifying a plate with these foods isn’t just a nutritionist’s cliché. Seasonal eating, growing a few berry bushes out back, or shopping the farmers’ market for nuts and produce gives direct access to this natural compound. For people aiming to support wellness the old-fashioned way—through real food—there’s no need for rare powders or pricey supplements. A varied diet leaning into berries, nuts, and pomegranate covers both flavor and some of the nutrition bases modern research and traditional experience both respect.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 5,5′,6,6′,7,7′-Hexahydroxy[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid |
| Other names |
2,3,7,8-Tetrahydroxychromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione
4,4′,5,5′,6,6′-Hexahydroxydiphenic acid 2,6,2′,6′-dilactone 2,3,7,8-Tetrahydroxy-1-benzopyrano[5,4,3-cde]1-benzopyran-5,10-dione |
| Pronunciation | /ɪˈlædʒɪk ˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 476-66-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 146973 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:30770 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1365 |
| ChemSpider | 7186 |
| DrugBank | DB12389 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.007.335 |
| EC Number | EC 215-478-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 55332 |
| KEGG | C08250 |
| MeSH | D004599 |
| PubChem CID | 5281855 |
| RTECS number | KM5775000 |
| UNII | 3S084AQ19V |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H6O8 |
| Molar mass | 302.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.8 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble in water |
| log P | 1.37 |
| Vapor pressure | 7.77E-15 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 6.69 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 11.92 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.47 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 354.4 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -128.5 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1083 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A16AX14 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P270, P272, P273, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0-"- |
| Autoignition temperature | 550°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (mouse, oral): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50: 5,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | Not established |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established |
| REL (Recommended) | 800 mg/day |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Urolithin A
Urolithin B Urolithin C Urolithin D Gallic acid Tannic acid Punicalagin |
