A thorough assessment on the recent pharmacological and therapeutic potential of ellagic acid

This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of ellagic acid (EA). A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, employing keywords related to EA’s biological sources, derivatives and efficacy focusing on studies published up to February 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research and mechanistic reviews in English, while editorials, non-English publications and studies lacking direct EA focus or sufficient data were excluded. EA, a dietary polyphenol, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, demonstrating therapeutic potential across various disease areas. Mechanistically, EA modulates key signalling pathways like NF-κB, MAPK and Nrf2/ARE, impacting cellular processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation. Preclinical studies highlight EA’s efficacy in combating cancer (inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis), cardiovascular diseases (ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress), neurodegenerative disorders (enhancing neuronal viability and reducing neuroinflammation), diabetes (improving glucose homeostasis), liver and kidney pathologies (reducing fibrosis and oxidative damage) and fertility (modulating reproductive hormones and sperm protection). Additionally, EA demonstrates cytoprotective and anti-ulcer effects, protecting against cellular damage and gastric mucosa injury. EA presents a promising therapeutic agent with diverse pharmacological activities. Its ability to modulate multiple signalling pathways and exert protective effects against various pathologies underscores its potential. Further studies will validate efficacy, optimize delivery and explore synergistic effects, ultimately translating preclinical findings into effective clinical applications.