Ellagic Acid: Radiosensitization and Radioprotection

Abstract

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol found in grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, etc. exhibits anti-cancer properties. Because of its diverse molecular targets and biological mechanisms it as been gaining popularity. Also, studies have shown that it imposes a differential radioprotective effect onnormal cells and a radiosensitzing effect on tumor cells. The present-day cancer treatment regimes include the use of synthetic chemicals that harm DNA to kill both cancerous and healthy cells. But because DNA repair processes in cells are effective, both healthy and cancer cells can fend off the effects of these treatments and eventually develop drug resistance. Hence, a modality that would cause DNA damage and profit from inhibiting DNA damage repair must be included.  Studies on a range of tumour forms in laboratories have shown that EA has a substantialanti-carcinogenic activity. Evaluation using mouse models is done in several studies. EA with ionising radiation could show to be a potent anticancer medication in oncology clinics.