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Ellagic Acid Side Effects

Ellagic acid is a plant chemical found in certain foods. Research has found that it may slow the growth of some tumors caused by carcinogens. Other research indicates that it may reduce heart disease, liver problems, birth defects and promote wound healing. Ellagic acid is sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. In this form it has some side effects.

  1. Description

    • According to the American Cancer Society, (ACS) , ellagic acid is a phytochemical, or plant chemical found in raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans and pomegranates. The highest levels are found in freeze-dried raspberry seeds or leaves, pomegranates, and strawberries. The dietary supplements are sold in capsule, liquid and powder form. The best dose has not yet been determined.

    Uses

    • According to the ACS , ellagic acid acts as an anti-oxidant, and has been found to cause cancer cell death in cancer cells in the laboratory. Other studies indicate that ellagic acid may reduce the effect of estrogen in promoting the growth of breast cancer cells in tissue cultures. It may also help to remove or break down some cancer-causing substances found in the blood, reduce heart disease, liver problems, birth defects and promote wound healing.

    Side Effects

    • The ACS reports that ellagic acid supplements may affect certain enzymes in the liver; this can alter the way some drugs are absorbed. Pregnant women are advised to use supplement preparations made from the raspberry leaf with extreme caution; it may initiate labor. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center there are no known adverse reactions but there can be herb-drug interactions; a doctor should be consulted before adding a new supplement.

    History

    • According to the ACS, in the 1960s, ellagic acid was studied mainly for its effectiveness on blood clotting. In the 1970s and 1980s, published research on cancer and ellagic acid began to appear. In the mid-1990s, with the publication of some small laboratory studies, ellagic acid began being promoted as a supplement and was sold over the internet and elsewhere. It was said to prevent and treat cancer.

    Warning

    • Naturally occurring in foods, ellagic acid is also sold as a dietary supplement. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), companies are not required to prove their product is safe or effective. Such supplements may contain contaminants, and may have harmful interactions with food, medicine, and other supplements and herbs. The ACS reports that relying on this type of treatment alone, delaying or avoiding conventional cancer care may have serious health consequences.

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