An update on ellagic acid as a natural powerful flavonoid

Abstract

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol compound present in many fruits, nuts, and seeds, such as pomegranates, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, and almonds. Some studies in the past indicated that ellagic acid showed powerful free radical scavenging action, and also has anti-diabetic, chemoprotective, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. While ellagic acid and its complex derivatives such as ellagitannins (ETs) play an important role in human nutrition and endowed with numerous biological properties, thus this substance may be suitable as a defensive factor against free radicals. Hence the aim of this paper is to review current research into the therapeutic potential of ellagic acid in prevention and treatment of some chronic conditions such as cancers or various chronic disease due to its main role as a potent scavenger of oxygen species.

Keywords: Ellagic acid, Cancer, Diabetic nephropathy, Free radicals, Reactive oxygen species, Diabetes mellitus, Antioxidants, Oxidative stress, Renoprotective effects