Ellagic Acid

What is Ellagic Acid?

This compound is a natural polyphenolic compound that has gained significant attention in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. This bioactive compound, chemically known as 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione, has been recognized for its potential health benefits since its first isolation in the early 19th century. With a CAS number of 476-66-4, ellagic acid presents as a pale yellow crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C14H6O8 and a molecular weight of 302.197 g/mol.

The compound’s structure features four hydroxyl groups and two lactone groups, contributing to its unique chemical properties and biological activities. In its pure form, ellagic acid powder demonstrates limited water solubility. However, it shows better solubility in organic solvents, making it an exciting ingredient for various formulation approaches in the supplement industry.

Common Source of Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid is widely distributed in nature, predominantly occurring in various fruits and plants. The primary natural sources include:

Berries: Particularly concentrated in raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries

Pomegranates: Both in the fruit and rind

Walnuts and pecans: Present in significant quantities

Wood and bark tissues: Found in various tree species

These natural sources contain ellagic acid both in its free form and as complex ellagitannins, which are hydrolyzable tannins that release ellagic acid upon hydrolysis.

How does Ellagic Acid work?

Ellagic acid works through three primary mechanisms in the body. First, it acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing destructive free radicals that can damage cells. Second, its unique chemical structure allows it to bind with metal ions and regulate enzyme activities that control inflammation and cell growth. Third, when consumed, gut bacteria convert ellagic acid into compounds called urolithins, which are more easily absorbed by the body and help regulate critical cellular processes, including immune function and stress response. This three-part action makes ellagic acid effective in supporting overall cellular health and function.

How to produce Ellagic Acid?

Step 1: Raw Material Selection

The production of ellagic acid begins with careful material selection. Manufacturers source premium-quality raw materials from approved suppliers and test each batch for purity, contaminants, and moisture content. These materials are stored in temperature-controlled rooms at 20-25°C with humidity below 60% until processing begins.

Step 2: Extraction or Chemical Synthesis

For natural extraction, the process starts with preparing plant materials through cleaning and size reduction. These materials undergo solvent extraction to isolate the ellagitannins, followed by controlled hydrolysis to release ellagic acid. The mixture then goes through multiple filtration stages to remove impurities, followed by concentration and crystallization to obtain crude ellagic acid.

Alternatively, chemical synthesis involves controlled oxidation of gallic acid derivatives under precise temperature and pH conditions, with intermediate purification steps to ensure product quality.

Step 3: Purification

The crude ellagic acid then enters the purification phase. It undergoes multiple recrystallization steps to improve purity, followed by advanced chromatographic separation techniques. Quality testing occurs between each purification stage to monitor the process and ensure specifications are met.

Step 4: Final Processing

Final processing involves carefully drying the purified ellagic acid under controlled conditions to achieve the desired moisture content. The dried material is then standardized to specific particle sizes through milling and sieving. Before packaging, the final product undergoes comprehensive quality assurance testing to verify its purity, particle size distribution, and compliance with all specifications.

Specifications Sheet Reference

Ellagic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Antioxidant Properties

As a powerful antioxidant, Ellagic Acid aids in the protection of cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. It acts like a shield, reducing oxidative stress that can harm cells and tissues, which helps maintain overall cellular health and function.

Immune System Support

Ellagic acid plays an essential role in supporting the immune system. It helps regulate immune responses and strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanisms. This enhancement of immune function helps the body better protect itself against various health challenges.

Cardiovascular Health

In cardiovascular health, ellagic acid helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels and supports the health of blood vessels. It helps protect the heart and blood vessel tissues, improving overall cardiovascular function and maintaining health.

Cellular Health Support

At the cellular level, ellagic acid supports healthy cell growth and development. It helps protect DNA from damage and strengthens cells’ natural defense systems. This cellular support is crucial for maintaining healthy tissue function throughout the body.

Is It FDA-approved?

Different countries have different rules about using ellagic acid. In the United States, the FDA considers ellagic acid safe (GRAS) for use in dietary supplements and food products. You can legally sell products containing ellagic acid under U.S. dietary supplement laws, but you must follow FDA rules about product claims.

The European Union also allows ellagic acid in food supplements, with specific guidelines in their food safety regulations.

Similarly, Japan lists ellagic acid as an approved food additive and permits its use in various products.

Australia allows ellagic acid in medicines and health products.

Canada includes it in their natural health products list.

Please take note that each country has its own specific requirements for product labels, recommended use levels, and health claims. Manufacturers need to check and follow the local rules for each market where they plan to sell their products.

Side Effects: Is Ellagic Acid safe?

Ellagic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used at recommended doses. However, some sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach discomfort. It’s important to note that ellagic acid may interact with certain medications, so consulting a health professional before use is recommended, especially for those on prescription medications.

Recommended Dosage

The typical daily dosage for dietary supplements ranges from 250 to 500mg. However, specific dosage needs may vary depending on the application and product formulation.

What is Ellagic Acid used for?

Dietary Supplements

Ellagic acid is commonly used in supplement formulations, appearing in both single-ingredient products and multi-ingredient blends. It’s trendy in specialty wellness products for antioxidant support and overall health maintenance.

Functional Foods

Ellagic acid is incorporated into various functional products in the food industry, including fortified beverages, nutritional bars, and specialty snacks. These products are developed to deliver the benefits of ellagic acid in convenient, everyday food formats.

Personal Care Products

The personal care industry utilizes ellagic acid in various formulations, particularly in skin care products and anti-aging solutions. It’s also found in beauty supplements designed to support skin health from within.

Animal Nutrition

Ellagic acid plays a vital role in animal nutrition. It is used in pet food supplements, livestock feed additives, and veterinary formulations. These applications help support animal health and wellness across different species and needs.

Ellagic Acid VS Urolithin A

Ellagic acid (CAS: 476-66-4) is the precursor compound, while Urolithin A (CAS: 1143-70-0) is its gut metabolite. Ellagic acid has a molecular weight of 302.197 g/mol and appears as a pale yellow powder, while Urolithin A has a molecular weight of 228.211 g/mol and presents as a white to off-white powder.

The key distinction lies in their bioavailability and mechanism of action. While ellagic acid has limited direct absorption, Urolithin A shows superior bioavailability and is considered the bioactive form responsible for many health benefits attributed to ellagic acid consumption.

Ellagic Acid in Strawberry VS Raspberry

Strawberries and raspberries contain significant amounts of ellagic acid, but their profiles differ notably. Strawberries typically contain 0.63-2.0 mg/g of ellagic acid (dry weight), while raspberries contain 1.5-3.0 mg/g (dry weight).

The ellagitannin composition also varies between these fruits, affecting the bioavailability and metabolism of ellagic acid. Raspberries generally show higher stability of ellagic acid content during processing and storage than strawberries.

Ellagic Acid VS Oxalic Acid

Ellagic acid (C14H6O8) and oxalic acid (C2H2O4) are distinct compounds with different molecular structures and biological roles. While ellagic acid is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties, oxalic acid is a simple dicarboxylic acid commonly found in plants.

The key differences include their molecular weights (ellagic acid: 302.197 g/mol VS oxalic acid: 90.03 g/mol), solubility profiles, and biological activities. Ellagic acid is valued for its health benefits, while oxalic acid is often considered an anti-nutrient that can form calcium oxalate crystals.

How to store Ellagic Acid powder?

Ellagic acid must be stored properly to keep it fresh and effective. It comes in sealed containers that keep air and moisture out and should be kept in a room-temperature space (20-25°C) away from sunlight. When stored correctly, ellagic acid stays suitable for two years. Manufacturers can order it in different sizes to match their needs: small 1kg bags, medium 5kg bags, or large 25kg drums. Each package is specially designed to protect the powder during shipping and storage.

Why Choose Nutri Avenue Inc?

Nutri Avenue is an FDA-registered supplier specializing in raw materials for dietary supplements. With five warehouses across the United States, we ensure quick delivery and consistent supply for our customers. Our quality standards are backed by rigorous third-party testing and certifications, giving you peace of mind about product safety and quality.

We work directly with leading manufacturers worldwide, which helps us offer competitive prices while maintaining reliable supply chains. Whether you need air, sea, or ground shipping, we can arrange the best transportation option for your business needs.

Beyond just supplying raw materials, we offer complete manufacturing solutions. Our services include custom formula development, contract manufacturing (OEM/ODM), and various product forms like capsules, tablets, soft gels, powders, and oils. We proudly serve supplement manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private label businesses throughout North America, Europe, and South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does natural ellagic acid differ from synthetic versions?

A: Natural ellagic acid is extracted from plant sources and may contain trace amounts of beneficial co-factors, while synthetic ellagic acid offers higher purity levels and more consistent specifications. Both forms are effective for supplement applications when properly manufactured.

Q: What testing methods are used to verify ellagic acid purity?

A: Primary testing methods include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and melting point determination. Additional tests, such as heavy metals analysis and microbial testing, may be included depending on the ingredient’s intended use.

Q: Does natural ellagic acid work better than synthetic ellagic acid?

A: The body similarly absorbs both natural and synthetic ellagic acids. While natural ellagic acid from plants may contain additional helpful compounds, how well it works mainly depends on how the product is made and delivered, not whether it’s natural or synthetic.

Q: Can I mix ellagic acid with other antioxidants?

A: Yes, ellagic acid works well with other antioxidants such as Quercetin, and Vitamins C and E. When combined, they can provide better antioxidant benefits. However, manufacturers should test these combinations to make sure they remain stable and effective over time.

Q: How do you test for ellagic acid quality in raw materials?

A: The primary testing method is HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) with UV detection, considered the best way to measure ellagic acid content. We also use other testing methods like UV-Vis spectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography for additional verification. Each batch goes through these tests to ensure quality.

Q: Why does particle size matter in ellagic acid products?

A: The size of ellagic acid particles is essential for how well the product works. Smaller particles (80-120 mesh) dissolve better in liquids and are more easily absorbed by the body in tablet or capsule form. However, when particles are too small, they can be harder to handle during manufacturing.