Ellagic acid assay

Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol derived from the breakdown of ellagitannins, widely found in plants such as pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and oak bark. It is recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties, its protective role against skin cells exposed to UV radiation (photoprotective effect), and its potential antiproliferative effects, which are being studied in nutraceutical and cosmetic research.

Measuring ellagic acid is therefore essential for characterizing and evaluating plant extracts used in health-focused dietary supplements, anti-aging cosmetics, and protective skincare products. It allows for the standardization of polyphenol-rich formulations, the control of active ingredient content, and the demonstration of an ingredient's quality from both a functional and regulatory standpoint.

Analytical methods used

The analysis of ellagic acid relies on high-performance chromatography techniques coupled with appropriate detectors:

• HPLC-DAD (UV-visible detection): a method commonly used for extracts with high concentrations or for comparative assays
• LC-MS/MS: essential for trace detection or for complex matrices,
• Specific colorimetric methods: sometimes used in rapid control or for semi-quantitative applications.

These methods guarantee high accuracy in the identification and quantification of ellagic acid, even in highly pigmented matrices or those rich in other polyphenols.

Matrices involved

The measurement of ellagic acid is relevant for many plant-based matrices, including:

• Extracts of pomegranate, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry
• Bark and wood of oak or other hardwoods rich in tannins
• Antioxidant or anti-aging dietary supplements
• Cosmetic products (serums, lotions, creams)
• Functional foods or fortified beverages
• The analysis can be part of a quality control, product development or regulatory verification process, particularly for claims of antioxidant properties or naturalness.

Additional analyses are available from YesWeLab

For a complete characterization of plant extracts intended for health or beauty purposes, YesWeLab offers several relevant complementary analyses related to ellagic acid:

1. Dosage of punicalagin : main ellagitannin of pomegranate, direct precursor of ellagic acid in the body.
2. Dosage of total flavonoids (or specific ones such as quercetin, kaempferol or rutin) – to evaluate the polyphenolic synergy of the extracts.
3. Overall antioxidant capacity (ORAC or DPPH methods) – to measure the functional effectiveness of polyphenol-rich extracts.

These analyses make it possible to demonstrate the nutritional, functional or cosmetic value of plant raw materials, and to establish a complete analytical profile for buyers, formulators or regulatory authorities.

Why choose YesWeLab for your analyses?

At YesWeLab, we rigorously select the laboratories best suited to your needs, taking into account:

• Types of matrices to analyze (liquids, dry extracts, cosmetics, food),
• Required analytical techniques (HPLC, LC-MS/MS, UV),
• And required certifications (ISO 17025, COFRAC, GLP…).

Since 2020, we have been supporting manufacturers, nutraceutical brands, R&D laboratories and formulators in their analytical needs, via a simple and responsive digital platform to centralize the management of samples, quotes and results.

Need to measure ellagic acid or other polyphenols in your products? Contact our scientific team now and get a personalized quote as soon as possible.