REVIEW: Ellagitannin; biosynthesis, isolation, and biological activities

Abstract

Abstract. Ellagitannin is one of the bioactive groups produced by some medicinal plants. Ellagitannin is a hydrolyzable tannin compound biosynthesized via shikimic acid – gallic acid – pentagalloilglucose pathway. Ellagitannin can be isolated by cascade extraction procedures followed by column chromatography method and preparative HPLC method. The biological activities of ellagitannin are caused by the molecular bond between ellagitannin and some other compounds, especially protein that makes complex compounds and changes physiological processes in cells or tissues of the living things. Ellagitannin’s biological activities included anti-diabetic, anti-microbes, anti-viruses, anti-hypertension, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer or anti-tumor.