Ellagic acid is a polyphenol found in certain fruits and vegetables, mainly berries, pomegranate and some oilseeds. It is known for its antioxidant properties: it helps eliminate toxins and protects against free radicals. Basically, plants produce this compound as a defense mechanism against infections and parasites.
Ellagic acid is a good photo-protector for the skin: it limits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals (oxidative stress), as well as the degradation of collagen due to UV-B rays, which reduces the formation of wrinkles, epidermal thickening and pigmentation, making the skin more luminous. 1,2,3,4 Some studies on mice even suggest that it could be a good treatment for inflammatory skin diseases (dermatitis, edema), or wound healing.5,6
Ellagic acid could be a good anti-carcinogen because it inhibits tumor cell proliferation in animals. It also modulates inflammation and may block viral infections. 7 It also regulates lipid metabolism and the intestinal microbiota, and alleviates the complications of type 2 diabetes.8
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Indications :
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. The recommended daily allowance should not be exceeded. In general, food supplements are not suitable for pregnant and nursing women, children and adolescents. Keep out of reach of children.
Scientific references :
- Bae, J. Y. et al. Dietary compound ellagic acid alleviates skin wrinkle and inflammation induced by UV-B irradiation. Experimental Dermatology 19, (2010).
- Kasai, K., Yoshimura, M., Koga, T., Arii, M. & Kawasaki, S. Effects of oral administration of ellagic acid-rich pomegranate extract on ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in the human skin. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 52, 383–388 (2006).
- Yoshimura, M., Watanabe, Y., Kasai, K., Yamakoshi, J. & Koga, T. Inhibitory effect of an ellagic acid-rich pomegranate extract on tyrosinase activity and ultraviolet-induced pigmentation. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry 69, 2368–2373 (2005).
- Baek, B., Lee, S. H., Kim, K., Lim, H. W. & Lim, C. J. Ellagic acid plays a protective role against UV-B-induced oxidative stress by up-regulating antioxidant components in human dermal fibroblasts. Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 20, 269–277 (2016).
- Mo, J., Panichayupakaranant, P., Kaewnopparat, N., Songkro, S. & Reanmongkol, W. Topical anti-inflammatory potential of standardized pomegranate rind extract and ellagic acid in contact dermatitis. Phytotherapy Research 28, 629–632 (2014).
- Yuniarti, W. M., Primarizky, H. & Lukiswanto, B. S. The activity of pomegranate extract standardized 40% ellagic acid during the healing process of incision wounds in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Veterinary World 11, 321–326 (2018).
- Zhang, H. M. et al. Research progress on the anticarcinogenic actions and mechanisms of ellagic acid. Cancer Biology and Medicine 11, 92–100 (2014).
- Kang, I., Buckner, T., Shay, N. F., Gu, L. & Chung, S. Improvements in Metabolic Health with Consumption of Ellagic Acid and Subsequent Conversion into Urolithins: Evidence and Mechanisms. Advances in Nutrition 7, 961–972 (2016).