Health-enhancing activity of ellagic acid and ellagitannin of selected species from the genus Rubus – Review

Numerous species of plants from the genus Rubus contain biologically active compounds that can be used in the prophylaxis and phytotherapy of various diseases. Among active compounds ellagic acid and ellagitannin exhibit a broad spectrum of health-enhancing properties, e.g. antioxidant, coagulant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-mutagenic activity. Ellagic acid inhibits the activity of such carcinogens as benzo(a)pyrene, aflatoxin B1, and nitroso compounds. It can also be used in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease. Ellagitannins, i.e. precursors of ellagic acid, exert an effect on the activity of enzymes involved in the proper functioning of the circulatory system vessels. The two main ellagitannins, i.e. sanguiin H-6 and lambertianin C, are the major compounds responsible for the antioxidant properties of raspberry fruit. The fruits and leaves of Rubus plants containing phytotherapeutic compounds, e.g. ellagic acid and ellagitannins, are used for the production of cakes, sweets, syrup, jam, juice, teas, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The cultivation of plants from the genus Rubus containing ellagic acid and ellagitannins should be propagated due to their health-promoting effects useful for the prevention of many diseases and as natural phytochemicals in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.