ellagic acid

[ uh-laj-ik ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a yellow crystalline substance, C 14 H 6 O 8 , isolated from oak galls and tannins and used as a hemostatic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ellagic acid¹

1800–10; < French ellagique, equivalent to ellag- anagram of galle gall ³ + -ique -ic

Example Sentences

In addition to containing anthocyanins, Krikorian said strawberries contain additional micronutrients called ellagitannins and ellagic acid that have been associated with health benefits.

From Science Daily

One compound, ellagic acid, has been shown to change the way “fat genes” express themselves, boosting the metabolism and slowing the growth of existing and new fat cells.

From Time

Sip about 16 ounces of the juice per day, which is rich in polyphenols, isoflavones, and ellagic acid that may team up to fight cancer.

From Time

Oxidizing agents, such as arsenic acid, convert it into ellagic acid, C14H8O9 + H2O, probably a fluorene derivative, a substance which occurs in gall-nuts, in the external membrane of the episperm of the walnut, and probably in many plants, and composes the “bezoar stones” found in the intestines of Persian wild goats.

From Project Gutenberg

Carrots were the most common source of beta-carotene, oranges and orange juice the most common source of beta-cryptoxanthin, spinach the most common source of lutein/zeaxanthin, strawberries the most common source of ellagic acid and mustard the biggest provider of isothiocyanates.

From BBC