Research

Ellagic Acid

34 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

2
Meta-analyses
2
Systematic reviews
20
RCTs
10
Other studies
Meta-analyses (6%)
Systematic reviews (6%)
RCTs (59%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)·Kornvipa Settakorn, Ratchanon Inpan, Mingkwan Na Takuathung, et al

Ellagic acid as a potential therapeutic agent in metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of glycemic control markers and kidney function tests in animal and clinical studies.

Meta-analysisNutrition Inflammation Heart Health Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ellagic acid on glycemic control markers and kidney function tests in animal and human models with metabolic syndrome. Ellagic acid significantly reduced blood glucose concentration and improved insulin resistance in animal studies, but did not significantly affect these markers in human studies. It also decreased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in animal studies, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for metabolic syndrome.

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2025·Nutrition reviews·Kornvipa Settakorn, Ratchanon Inpan, Mingkwan Na Takuathung, et al

Effects of Ellagic Acid on Lipid Profiles, Fat Weight, and Anthropometric Parameters in Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Animal and Human Studies.

Meta-analysisHeart Health Physique

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 78 studies assessing the effects of ellagic acid on lipid profiles, fat weight, and anthropometric parameters in animals and humans with metabolic syndrome. Ellagic acid significantly reduced triglyceride levels and increased high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in both animals and humans, and reduced fat weight and waist circumference.

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2024·Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology·Hossein Ghazaee, Alireza Raouf Sheibani, Haniyeh Mahdian, et al

Ellagic acid as potential therapeutic compound for diabetes and its complications: a systematic review from bench to bed.

Systematic reviewInflammation Hormone Health Heart Health Brain Health Womens Health Mens Health Gut Health

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and preventive mechanisms of ellagic acid (EA) on diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. EA counteracted DM and its complications by diminishing inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, apoptosis, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid profile, and histopathological alterations. EA showed protective effects against diabetes complications such as hepatic damage, testicular damage, endothelial dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and behavioral deficit.

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2022·Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology·Vahid Maleki, Sepideh Abbaszadeh, Seyyed Morteza Seyyed Shoura, et al

Potential roles of ellagic acid on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.

Systematic reviewInflammation Nutrition

This systematic review summarizes evidence on the effects of ellagic acid on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus. It includes 21 animal studies and two randomized controlled trials, reporting improvements in glycaemic indicators, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation following ellagic acid administration.

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2025·Inflammopharmacology·Mohammad Mahmoudi Azar, Matin Shirazinia, Mohsen Nematy, et al

The effects of ellagic acid in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients: a randomized, add-on, double-blind, controlled trial.

RCTn = 60Inflammation

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of 200 mg ellagic acid supplementation combined with a hypocaloric diet in 60 MASLD patients over 8 weeks. Ellagic acid significantly reduced hepatic fat, improved liver function markers, and enhanced metabolic profiles compared to placebo.

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2023·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·Ghazaleh Hajiluian, Sahar Jafari Karegar, Farzad Shidfar, et al

The effects of Ellagic acid supplementation on neurotrophic, inflammation, and oxidative stress factors, and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase gene expression in multiple sclerosis patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

RCTn = 50Mood Inflammation Brain Health

A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of 180 mg Ellagic acid supplementation on neurotrophic, inflammation, and oxidative stress factors in MS patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. The study found significant improvements in depression scores, reductions in NO, cortisol, IFN-γ, and IDO gene expression, and increases in BDNF and serotonin levels.

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2021·Journal of ovarian research·Mahnaz Kazemi, Fatemeh Lalooha, Mohammadreza Rashidi Nooshabadi, et al

Randomized double blind clinical trial evaluating the Ellagic acid effects on insulin resistance, oxidative stress and sex hormones levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

RCTn = 60Hormone Health Inflammation Womens Health Nutrition

RCT evaluating the effects of 200 mg/day Ellagic acid supplementation on insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and sex hormone levels in 60 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome over 8 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in insulin resistance, oxidative stress markers, and sex hormone levels in the intervention group compared to placebo.

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2025·BMC complementary medicine and therapies·Sara Mighani, Rasoul Samimi, Mohamadreza Rashidi Nooshabadi, et al

A randomized double-blind clinical trial investigating the effects of ellagic acid on glycemic status, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

RCTn = 44Inflammation

A randomized double-blind clinical trial with 44 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) assessing the effects of 180 mg/day ellagic acid (EA) for 8 weeks. The EA group showed significant decreases in insulin, insulin resistance, triglycerides, liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory factors, with an increase in total antioxidant capacity.

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2021·The Turkish journal of gastroenterology : the official journal of Turkish Society of Gastroenterology·Zahra Mirzaie, Ali Bastani, Sepideh Hesami, et al

Improving Effect of Ellagic Acid on Sleep Quality and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patient With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 44Sleep Gut Health

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the effects of 180 mg of ellagic acid per day on sleep quality and gastrointestinal symptoms in 44 IBS patients over 2 months. Ellagic acid improved sleep quality and reduced IBS symptoms compared to placebo.

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2020·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Mahnaz Ghadimi, Farshad Foroughi, Sima Hashemipour, et al

Randomized double-blind clinical trial examining the Ellagic acid effects on glycemic status, insulin resistance, antioxidant, and inflammatory factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RCTn = 44Inflammation Nutrition

RCT of 44 type 2 diabetic patients evaluating the effects of 180mg/day ellagic acid supplementation for 8 weeks. The intervention group showed significant decreases in blood sugar, insulin, insulin resistance, HbAc, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, MDA, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6, and increases in total antioxidant capacity and activity of GPx and SOD enzymes.

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2020·Molecular nutrition & food research·Kristen M Roberts, Elizabeth M Grainger, Jennifer M Thomas-Ahner, et al

Dose-Dependent Increases in Ellagitannin Metabolites as Biomarkers of Intake in Humans Consuming Standardized Black Raspberry Food Products Designed for Clinical Trials.

RCTn = 40

RCT involving men with localized prostate cancer consuming black raspberry confections or nectar in varying doses for 4 weeks. The study assessed safety, adherence, and ellagitannin metabolism, finding dose-dependent increases in urinary metabolites with significant individual variation.

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2019·Nutrients·Yeni Lim, Tae-Jin Song, Woochang Hwang, et al

Synergistic Effects of Sanghuang⁻Danshen Bioactives on Arterial Stiffness in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Healthy Smokers: An Integrative Approach to in silico Network Analysis.

RCTn = 72Heart Health

RCT of 72 healthy chronic smokers assessing the effects of Sanghuang-Danshen bioactives on vascular stiffness. 4-week consumption at 900 mg/day improved pulse wave velocity, reduced systolic blood pressure, and increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation. Network analysis linked bioactives to vascular dilation and metabolism pathways.

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2019·Food & function·Jianfeng Long, Yuanqiang Guo, Jieping Yang, et al

Bioavailability and bioactivity of free ellagic acid compared to pomegranate juice.

RCT

Cross-over study with healthy volunteers comparing bioavailability and bioactivity of ellagic acid from a dietary supplement versus pomegranate juice. No difference in plasma EA concentration was found, but urinary dimethylellagic acid glucuronide was higher after PomJ. Plasma insulin increased after PomJ, while glucose decreased below baseline after PomJ but not EA. Plasma leptin decreased after both, and MCP1 decreased only after PomJ.

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2017·Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme·Ying Liu, Shuyi Yu, Fen Wang, et al

Chronic administration of ellagic acid improved the cognition in middle-aged overweight men.

RCTn = 150Brain Health Mental Clarity

RCT investigating the effects of 50 mg ellagic acid on cognitive deficits in 150 middle-aged men, including normal-weight and overweight participants, over 12 weeks. Ellagic acid improved lipid metabolism, increased plasma BDNF, reduced saliva cortisol, and enhanced cognitive function in overweight individuals.

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2014·Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·S Mişe Yonar, M E Yonar, Y Yöntürk, et al

Effect of ellagic acid on some haematological, immunological and antioxidant parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

RCTImmunity Inflammation Nutrition

The study examined the effect of ellagic acid on haematological, immunological, and antioxidant parameters in rainbow trout. Fish were fed diets with varying levels of ellagic acid for 21 days. Results showed positive effects on haematological parameters, immune response, and antioxidant enzyme activities.

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2013·Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·Amanda Dahl, Margarita Yatskayer, Susana Raab, et al

Tolerance and efficacy of a product containing ellagic and salicylic acids in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots in comparison with 4% hydroquinone.

RCTn = 54Skin Hair Health

This double-blinded clinical study compared the skin-lightening efficacy and tolerance of a topical product containing 0.5% ellagic acid and 0.1% salicylic acid to a 4% hydroquinone product in 54 multiethnic subjects over 12 weeks. The test product demonstrated comparable efficacy and tolerance to the hydroquinone product, with better esthetics.

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2010·Molecular nutrition & food research·Antonio González-Sarrías, Juan A Giménez-Bastida, María T García-Conesa, et al

Occurrence of urolithins, gut microbiota ellagic acid metabolites and proliferation markers expression response in the human prostate gland upon consumption of walnuts and pomegranate juice.

RCTn = 63Mens Health -

RCT assessing the presence of ellagic acid metabolites in the human prostate after consumption of walnuts or pomegranate juice in patients with BPH or PCa. Urolithin A glucuronide was the main metabolite detected, but no changes in proliferation biomarkers were observed.

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2010·Journal of cosmetic science·Young Heui Kim, Ki Ho Kim, Chang Sung Han, et al

Anti-wrinkle activity of Platycarya strobilacea extract and its application as a cosmeceutical ingredient.

RCTSkin Hair Health

The study investigated the anti-wrinkle activity of Platycarya strobilacea fruit extract as a cosmeceutical ingredient. It measured free-radical scavenging, elastase inhibitory activity, and collagen synthesis in human fibroblast cells. The extract and ellagic acid increased type I collagen mRNA expression, and a clinical study showed significant anti-aging effects compared to placebo.

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2005·European urology·Mario Falsaperla, Giuseppe Morgia, Alfredo Tartarone, et al

Support ellagic acid therapy in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) on standard chemotherapy using vinorelbine and estramustine phosphate.

RCTHormone Health

RCT assessing the effects of ellagic acid support therapy on toxicity and clinical response in HRPC patients treated with vinorelbine and estramustine phosphate. Ellagic acid reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicity, particularly neutropenia, and improved objective response rate, individual clinical response, and biochemical response compared to chemotherapy alone.

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2017·The American journal of clinical nutrition·Asimina Kerimi, Hilda Nyambe-Silavwe, Julia S Gauer, et al

Pomegranate juice, but not an extract, confers a lower glycemic response on a high-glycemic index food: randomized, crossover, controlled trials in healthy subjects.

RCTn = 16Nutrition

Two randomized, crossover, controlled trials tested the effect of pomegranate juice and a polyphenol-rich extract on the glycemic response to bread in 16 healthy volunteers. Pomegranate juice significantly reduced postprandial blood glucose levels, while the extract did not. Pomegranate polyphenols inhibited α-amylase in vitro and modulated glucose uptake in cell studies.

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2013·Journal of cosmetic dermatology·Zoe Draelos, Amanda Dahl, Margarita Yatskayer, et al

Dyspigmentation, skin physiology, and a novel approach to skin lightening.

RCTn = 82Skin Hair Health

This single-center investigator-blinded 12-week study compared a novel formulation containing hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid to a standard prescription combination of 4% hydroquinone cream and 0.025% tretinoin cream in 82 subjects. Both products showed parity in evening skin tone and improving pigmentation, with the cosmetic formulation having better tolerability.

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2012·American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism·Baosheng Chen, Methodius G Tuuli, Mark S Longtine, et al

Pomegranate juice and punicalagin attenuate oxidative stress and apoptosis in human placenta and in human placental trophoblasts.

RCTn = 12Womens Health

RCT testing pomegranate juice on oxidative stress in human placenta. Pregnant women were randomized to pomegranate or apple juice. Pomegranate juice reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in placental tissues and trophoblast cultures. Punicalagin, a polyphenol in pomegranate juice, also reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in vitro.

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2008·The Journal of dermatology·Ilgen Ertam, Basak Mutlu, Idil Unal, et al

Efficiency of ellagic acid and arbutin in melasma: a randomized, prospective, open-label study.

RCTn = 30Skin Hair Health

This randomized, prospective, open-label study compared the effectiveness of gel formulations containing arbutin, synthetic ellagic acid, and plant extracts with ellagic acid on melasma in 30 patients. Significant decreases in melanin levels were observed in patients using synthetic ellagic acid, plant extract containing ellagic acid, and arbutin, suggesting these formulations are effective for treating melasma.

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2006·Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology·Kouichi Kasai, Mineka Yoshimura, Takuro Koga, et al

Effects of oral administration of ellagic acid-rich pomegranate extract on ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in the human skin.

RCTn = 39Skin Hair Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of ellagic acid-rich pomegranate extract on UV-induced skin pigmentation in female subjects. The study found that the extract inhibited the decrease in luminance values and showed ameliorating tendencies in skin brightness and pigmentation.

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2021·Pharmaceutics·Khaled AbouAitah, Abdou K. Allayh, J. Wojnarowicz, et al

Nanoformulation Composed of Ellagic Acid and Functionalized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Inactivates DNA and RNA Viruses

In vitro

The study presents a novel nanoformulation composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with triptycene organic molecules and impregnated with ellagic acid. This formulation efficiently inhibited DNA and RNA viruses, showing potential as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19. Ellagic acid alone exhibited higher cytotoxicity than the nanoformulation against host cells.

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2024·Antioxidants·Tharani Senavirathna, A. Shafaei, R. Lareu, et al

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Ellagic Acid for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Review

This narrative review summarizes the therapeutic potential of ellagic acid and its metabolite urolithin in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Ellagic acid and urolithin are noted for their ability to alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis associated with NAFLD/NASH.

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2020·Nanotechnology·Claudia Ceci, G. Graziani, I. Faraoni, et al

Strategies to improve ellagic acid bioavailability: from natural or semisynthetic derivatives to nanotechnological approaches based on innovative carriers

Review

This narrative review discusses strategies to improve the bioavailability of ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound with health-beneficial effects against chronic diseases. The review covers approaches such as chemical structure modifications, encapsulation within nano-microspheres, and molecular dispersion in polymer matrices to enhance ellagic acid's solubility and oral absorption.

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2019·BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·Maisa Alnaqeeb, Kenza A. Mansor, Eyad Mallah, et al

Critical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-herb interactions in rats between warfarin and pomegranate peel or guava leaves extracts

Animal study

The study investigated drug-herb interactions between warfarin and pomegranate peel or guava leaves extracts in rats. Pomegranate peel and guava leaves extracts, along with their constituents ellagic acid and quercetin, significantly increased prothrombin time and INR values, enhancing warfarin's anticoagulant activity. Guava leaves extract also significantly affected warfarin pharmacokinetics, altering Cmax, AUC, CL, and Vz. The study confirmed serious interactions, suggesting a high risk of bleeding when these herbal extracts are co-administered with warfarin.

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2018·Journal of ethnopharmacology·F. Les, J. Arbonés-Mainar, M. Valero, et al

Pomegranate polyphenols and urolithin A inhibit α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, lipase, triglyceride accumulation and adipogenesis related genes in 3T3-L1 adipocyte-like cells.

In vitroInflammation Nutrition

The study evaluates the effects of pomegranate juice, ellagic acid, punicalagin, and urolithin A on metabolic disease targets. These compounds inhibited lipase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and displayed anti-adipogenic properties by reducing triglyceride accumulation and gene expression related to adipocyte formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

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2015·Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences·M. Dolatshahi, Y. Farbood, A. Sarkaki, et al

Ellagic acid improves hyperalgesia and cognitive deficiency in 6-hydroxidopamine induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Animal studyBrain Health Inflammation

The study examined the effects of ellagic acid (EA) in a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by 6-hydroxidopamine. EA treatment reversed hyperalgesic responses and cognitive deficits in MFB-lesioned rats, suggesting its neuroprotective effect on the nigrostriatal pathway.

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2012·PLoS ONE·P. Njomnang Soh, B. Witkowski, A. Galès, et al

Implication of Glutathione in the In Vitro Antiplasmodial Mechanism of Action of Ellagic Acid

In vitro

The study investigates the antimalarial mechanism of action of ellagic acid (EA) in vitro. EA, ascorbic acid, and NAC were evaluated for their effects on ROS production during the erythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. EA significantly reduced ROS production at lower concentrations than ascorbic acid. The antiplasmodial activity of EA was found to be independent of ROS production and may involve reducing glutathione content inside the Plasmodium parasite.

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2017·Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine·S. Mirsane, S. Mirsane

Benefits of ellagic acid from grapes and pomegranates against colorectal cancer

ReviewInflammation Gut Health

The paper discusses the potential benefits of ellagic acid from pomegranates and grapes against colorectal cancer (CRC). It highlights the anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic acid, including its role in inhibiting colorectal tumorigenesis and cell proliferation.

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2013·Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM·J. Espín, M. Larrosa, M. García-Conesa, et al

Biological Significance of Urolithins, the Gut Microbial Ellagic Acid-Derived Metabolites: The Evidence So Far

ReviewInflammation Longevity Gut Health

The paper reviews the health benefits of urolithins, metabolites derived from ellagic acid by gut microbiota. It highlights their anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiglycative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, with limited in vivo studies showing preventive effects on gut and systemic inflammation.

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2010·Antonie van Leeuwenhoek·Mirian Ueda Yamaguchi, Francielle Pelegrin Garcia, Diógenes Aparício Garcia Cortez, et al

Antifungal effects of Ellagitannin isolated from leaves of Ocotea odorifera (Lauraceae).

In vitro

The study investigated the antifungal properties of Ocotea odorifera, yielding Tellimagrandin II (TEL) with potent inhibitory activity against Candida parapsilosis. TEL acted synergistically with antifungal drugs and caused morphological alterations in yeast cells. The methanolic extract showed low cytotoxicity and was not mutagenic.

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