Phytochemical Of The Month

 Ellagic Acid 

Ellagic acid is a fused four-ring polyphenol. Pure ellagic acid is a cream to light yellow crystalline solid.

Synonyms : Benzoaric acid, eleagic acid, elagostasine, gallogen.

Sources:
Ellagic acid is present in many red fruits and berries, including raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, pomegranate and some nuts including pecans and walnuts. The highest levels of ellagic acid are found in raspberries. In plants, ellagic acid is present in the form of ellagitannin, which is ellagic acid bound to a sugar molecule.

Mol. Weight : 302.19

Chemical Formula: C14H6C8

Structure



Health Benefits :-

Ellagic acid has antioxidant, anti-mutagen and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown the anti-cancer activity of Ellagic acid on cancer cells of the breast, oesophagus, skin, colon, prostate and pancreas. More specifically, ellagic acid prevents the destruction of P53 gene by cancer cells. Ellagic acid can bind with cancer causing molecules, thereby making them inactive. The effects of dietary ellagic acid on rat hepatic and esophageal mucosal cytochromes P450 and phase II enzymes were seen. Ahn D et al showed that ellagic acid causes a decrease in total hepatic mucosal cytochromes and an increase in some hepatic phase II enzyme activities, thereby enhancing the ability of the target tissues to detoxify the reactive intermediates. Ellagic acid also showed chemoprotective effect against various chemically induced cancers. A study by Thresiamma KC and Kuttan R.Indian (Indian Journal Physiology and Pharmacology, 1996 October) indicate that oral administration of ellagic acid by rats can circumvent the carbon tetrachloride toxicity and subsequent fibrosis of the liver.

Facts :-
  • Ellagic acid has also anti-viral and anti-bacterial activities.
  • Plants produce ellagic acid to protect themselves from microbiological infection and pests.


 Epicatechin 

Pure epicatechin is an odorless white powder. Epcatechin is a flavonol belonging to the group of flavonoids.

Synonyms :-
(2R,3R)-2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl) -3,4-dihydro-1(2H) -benzopyran-3,5,7-triol; cis-3,3',4',5,7-Pentahydroxyflavane; Epicatechol; epi-Catechin;epi-Catechol;

Source :-
Epicatechin is present in many plants. High quantities can be found in cocoa, tea and grapes.

Mol Weight :- 290.3

Chemical Formula :- C15H14O6

Structure :-



Health Benefits :-
Epicatechin is a strong antioxidant, has insulin mimic action and improves heart health. Dr. Norman Hollenberg of Harvard Medical School found that Kuna indians, who live on the San Blas Island Chain in Panama and drink high quantities of cocoa drinks, have a lower risk of stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes as compared to the Indians living on the mainland. Dr. Norman Hollenberg even suggests considering epicatechin as a vitamin.

Attenuation of diabetes :-
Studies show that epicatechin and other flavonoids exert a protective role on osmotic fragility of cells, similar to that of insulin. The mechanism of action of epicatechin is different to that of insulin and remains speculative. In diabetic red blood cells epicatechin causes an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity. This activity is significantly lower in type 2 diabetic patients.

Heart health :-
Epicatechin reduces lipid peroxidation and inhibits platelet aggregation. Epicatechin cause blood vessel dilation by regulating nitric oxide, a molecule secreted by the blood vessel endothelium to signal surrounding muscle to relax.