What is ellagic acid?

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in certain fruits and nuts. It is studied mainly for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

What foods are high in ellagic acid?

Common sources include berries such as raspberries and strawberries, pomegranate, and some nuts. In many foods it occurs as ellagitannins that can release ellagic acid during digestion.

What are the potential benefits of ellagic acid?

Research suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with additional interest in chemopreventive mechanisms in preclinical models. Human evidence is limited and results can vary by dose and formulation.

What is a typical ellagic acid supplement dosage?

Common supplemental ranges are often around 100–500 mg per day, depending on the product. Follow the label and consider discussing dosing with a clinician, especially if you have medical conditions.

Is ellagic acid safe and are there interactions?

Ellagic acid from foods is generally considered safe for most people. With supplements, safety data are more limited, and interactions are possible, so use caution if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

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Ellagic Acid

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant found in berries and nuts, studied for anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer effects.

Anti-inflammatory Cardiovascular Support Cancer-inhibitor Antioxidant

dose range

100–500 mg

Divided into 1–2 daily doses with food.

Consumption

Take with or after food for optimal absorption.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Best when consumed with first meal or in the morning, but can be taken with any meal containing fats to aid bioavailability.

Description

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenol concentrated in berries, pomegranates, and nuts. Most research is preclinical, highlighting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possible chemopreventive roles.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Most effects shown in cell or animal studies, with limited human research and variable bioavailability.

Antioxidant Activity

Moderate

Helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, potentially decreasing the risk of oxidative-damage-related conditions.

Particularly relevant for: General public · People at risk of oxidative stress

S1 · PubMed Review: Ellagic Acid—Review of Pharmacological Activities and Molecular Mechanisms S5 · Examine.com—Ellagic Acid S7 · NIH—Dietary Polyphenols Fact Sheet

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Limited

May modulate inflammatory pathways, offering potential support for inflammatory and metabolic disorders based on preclinical evidence.

Particularly relevant for: Those with inflammation · General wellness

S1 · PubMed Review: Ellagic Acid—Review of Pharmacological Activities and Molecular Mechanisms S6 · Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity—Ellagic Acid and Inflammation

Possible Chemopreventive Effects

Limited

Preclinical data suggest ellagic acid may inhibit cancer cell growth and promote apoptosis, especially in colon, breast, and prostate cancer models.

Particularly relevant for: People interested in cancer prevention

S2 · Cancer Letters: Ellagic acid and cancer chemoprevention

Cardiovascular Support

Limited

May improve lipid profiles, reduce blood pressure, and support vascular health according to animal and limited human pilot studies.

Particularly relevant for: Heart health support

S3 · J Med Food: Cardioprotective Effect of Ellagic Acid

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally safe at typical dietary and supplemental doses, but caution advised for specific groups.

warning notices

Mild GI upset possible at higher doses.
Anticoagulant risk: May increase bleeding tendency in susceptible individuals.
Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless under medical supervision.
Do not use ellagic acid supplements if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulant medications without clinician approval.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin): Possible enhanced bleeding risk.

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (supplemental use not recommended without clinician guidance)
Active bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications (supplemental use not recommended unless monitored)

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Ellagic acid may interact with anticoagulants and certain chemotherapy drugs; data for other clinically meaningful nutrient-supplement interactions are extremely limited.