Ellagic Acid may be one the most potent ways to fight Cancer. Ellagic Acid is found in red raspberries. Ellagic Acid, a phenolic compound, is a proven anti-carcinogen, anti-mutagen, and anti-cancer initiator!
Research conducted at the Hollings Cancer Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) indicates that Ellagic Acid slows the growth of abnormal colon cells in humans, prevents the development of cells infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) which is linked to cervical cancer, and promotes apoptotic growth (natural death) of prostate cancer cells. The apoptotic process, triggered by this antioxidant also has beneficial effects on breast, lung, esophageal, and skin cancer (melanoma).
Medical findings in Europe further show that ellagic acid reduces the incidence of birth defects, promotes wound healing, reduces and reverses chemically induced liver fibrosis, and is helpful in the fight against heart disease!
HOW DOES IT WORK? Ellagic Acid is a phenolic compound that has become known as a potent anti-carcinogenic/anti-mutagenic compound. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Ellagic Acid itself is not thought to be naturally present in plants. Instead, polymers of gallic acid and hexahydroxydipenoyl (HHDP) are linked to glucose centers to form the class of compounds known as ellagitannins. When two gallic acid groups become linked side by side within a tannin molecule an HHDP group is formed. Ellagic Acid is the result when the HHDP group is cleaved from the tannin molecule and spontaneously rearrages. It is the ellagitannins that are present in red raspberries. The Meeker Red Raspberry is the best source of Ellagic Acid, followed by the Chiliwak and Willamette. The Meeker variety is specific to the Pacific Northwest and is grown primarily for commercial use in Washington State. The availability to the body of Ellagic Acid from dietary sources has only been confirmed with red raspberries. Other foods such as strawberries, pomegranates, and walnuts contain far lesser amounts of Ellagic Acid. The bioavailability from these has not yet been confirmed!
ELLAGIC ACID REDUCES THE INCIDENCE OF CANCER! Ellagic acid acts as a scavenger to bind cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive! It inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. In addition, Ellagic Acid from red raspberries prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA, and reduces the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens.
