Title:Ellagic Acid: A Logical Lead for Drug Development?
VOLUME: 24 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Abolfazl Shakeri, Mohammad Reza Zirak and Amirhossein Sahebkar*
Affiliation:Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad
Keywords:Polyphenol, ellagic acid, pharmacology, phytomedicine, gallic acid, antioxidant.
Abstract:Background: Naturally occurring polyphenols are the subject of increasing attention due to their potent
antioxidant activity and their marked effects on the prevention of various oxidative stress-associated diseases
such as cancer. Ellagic acid (EA) is an herbal polyphenol that is structurally a condensed dimer of gallic acid.
Methods: This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the biological activities of EA
and potential therapeutic applications.
Results: EA is found in fruits and nuts, either in the combined form with hexahydroxydiphenic acid or in the
bound form (ellagitannins). EA exhibits many biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer
and apoptosis-inducing activities. These biological and pharmacological properties are relevant to the treatment of
several human diseases.
Conclusion: Owing to its multiple mechanisms of action, EA represents a potential therapeutic agent against
human diseases particularly cancer.
