Ellagic Acid - Medical References
Dr. Daniel Nixon
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Dr. Nixon began studying Ellagic Acid in 1993, recently published results:
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Cervical Cancer Cells - HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) exposed to Ellagic Acid from Red Raspberries experienced apoptosis
(normal cell death).
Ellagic Acid leads to G1 arrest of cancer cells, thus inhibiting and stopping mitosis (cancer cell division)
Ellagic Acid from Red Raspberries prevents destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells. P53 is regarded as the safeguard
of mutagenic activity in cervical cells.
The tests reveal similar results for breast, pancreas, esophageal, skin, colon, and prostate cancer cells. In addition,
positive responses are observed in: periodontal disease, radiation induced chromosomal damage, slowing the degenerative process of aging, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetic retinopathy.
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Other References
There is clinical evidence that Ellagic acid may inhibit tumors of the prostate and cervix. Preliminary studies in volunteers indicate Ellagic acid shows up in cervical tissue after oral
ingestion of red raspberries. One study will evaluate women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in which there is neither treatment nor clinical evaluation
available. ASCUS represents as much as 10% of all Papanicolaou smears in the US and represents approximately 5 million females. In this population, women infected with human papillomaviruses
(HPV) types 16 and/or 18 are at the greatest risk of developing cervical cancer at some stage in their lives. This population represents approximately one million women in the United States
alone, and in India is one of the two major cancers affecting women.
Ellagic acids do more than prevent cancer. Berries may also help prevent heart attacks because they contain a natural form
of aspirin called salicylates. British researchers analyzed the blood of subjects who were not taking any form of aspirin or drugs containing salicylates. They found salicylic acid and
two related compounds present in blood, presumably from dietary sources, including raspberries and blackberries.
Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in Hyattsville, Maryland established a connection between reduced
risk of heart attack and increased intake of salicylates. They found that during a 10 year period beginning in 1960, when heart attack rates began to decline, non-aspirin salicylate consumption
went up due to salicylate in processed foods which used a synthetic version to add flavor and aroma.
Ellagic acid is pharmacologically active and has been found to control haemorrhage in animals and in humans, presumably as
a result of its ability to activate Hageman factor. Animal tests suggest that red raspberry may reduce levels of glucose (blood sugar) in animals, and therefore may help in the management
of diabetes.
Ellagitannins are also believed by herbalists to be effective in treating diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and morning sickness
in pregnancy. Herbalists do not, however, recommend you use red raspberry for this purpose at home even though red raspberry leaves are included in several herbal pregnancy formulas sold
in the United States for women with a history of miscarriage or difficult pregnancy for the purpose of regulating uterine contractions, morning sickness, hot flashes, diarrhoea (use weak
tea for infants), and for reducing excessive menstrual flow. The herb is also used as a gargle for sore throats.
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Ellagic
- Detailed graph points of intervention
Ellagic
- Metabolic pathways of Ellagitannins
Ellagic Acid - Background
Ellagic Acid
- History
Ellagic Acid
- Evidence
Ellagic Acid -
Clinical Studies
Ellagic
Acid - Mode of Action
Ellagic Acid
- Medical References
Ellagic Acid
- Med. References cont.
Ellagic Acid -
Reference Papers
General Health - Resources
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