# Corilagin (Ellagitannin)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/corilagin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, Corilagin ellagitannin, Hydrolyzable tannin corilagin, Phyllanthus tannin, Galloyl glucose derivative, Anti-tumor ellagitannin

## Overview

Corilagin is a bioactive ellagitannin polyphenol found in plants such as Phyllanthus urinaria and Terminalia species that exerts [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox), anticancer, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. It primarily acts by modulating [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, downregulating GRP78 endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins, and inhibiting NF-κB signaling to produce its therapeutic actions.

## Health Benefits

• Liver protection: Reduced liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) by up to comparable levels to UDCA in rat cholestasis models (n=5 per group, preclinical evidence)
• Cancer cell synergy: Enhanced 5-fluorouracil effectiveness against colorectal cancer cells through GRP78 downregulation and ROS production (in vitro evidence only)
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Inhibited NF-κB signaling and reduced [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in mouse hepatotoxicity models (preclinical evidence)
• Bile acid regulation: Upregulated FXR and bile transporters while downregulating bile synthesis enzymes in cholestasis models (animal studies only)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Induced protective responses against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress at doses of 1-20 mg/kg in mice (preclinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Corilagin reduces hepatic injury by suppressing oxidative stress markers and lowering liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT through antioxidant pathway activation, including Nrf2 upregulation. In cancer cells, it downregulates GRP78, a key endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, triggering unfolded protein response-mediated apoptosis and increasing intracellular [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) production. It also inhibits the NF-κB [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling cascade and modulates TGF-β/Smad pathways, contributing to its anti-fibrotic and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of corilagin research is preclinical, conducted in cell lines and rat models, with no large-scale human clinical trials published to date. In rat cholestasis models (n=5 per group), corilagin reduced liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT to levels comparable to the bile acid drug ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), suggesting meaningful [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) potency. In vitro colorectal cancer studies demonstrate that corilagin enhances 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity through GRP78 downregulation and ROS amplification, though these findings have not been validated in human trials. Overall, the evidence base is promising but remains limited to animal and cell-culture models, and translation to human clinical outcomes requires further investigation.

## Nutritional Profile

Corilagin (C₂₇H₂₂O₁₈, MW 634.45) is a hydrolyzable ellagitannin, not a nutritional macronutrient source. It is a polyphenolic bioactive compound composed of one galloyl group, one HHDP (hexahydroxydiphenoyl) group, and a glucose core. Key profile: • Classification: Ellagitannin (subclass of hydrolyzable tannins); • Natural concentrations in plant sources: Found at approximately 0.5–5% (w/w dry weight) in Phyllanthus species (e.g., P. niruri, P. amarus, P. urinaria), Terminalia catappa leaves (~1–3% dry weight), Caesalpinia coriaria pods (historically named source), and Dimocarpus longan (longan) fruit pericarps; also detected in pomegranate husk, Geranium species, and various Euphorbiaceae; • No appreciable protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin, or mineral contribution as an isolated compound; • Bioactive metabolites: Undergoes hydrolysis in the gut to release ellagic acid and gallic acid, which are further metabolized by gut microbiota into urolithins (urolithin A, B, C, D) — the primary systemically bioavailable metabolites; • Bioavailability: Parent corilagin has low oral bioavailability (~1–5% estimated) due to high molecular weight, extensive hydrogen bonding, poor membrane permeability, and rapid hydrolysis in alkaline intestinal pH; plasma Cmax in rodent models typically reaches 0.2–2 µg/mL after oral doses of 50–100 mg/kg; urolithin metabolites show significantly higher systemic bioavailability and longer half-lives (8–24 hours); • Protein binding: High affinity for proline-rich proteins (characteristic of tannins), which can reduce bioavailability when co-consumed with protein-rich foods; • Solubility: Water-soluble (moderately, ~10–50 mg/mL depending on pH and temperature); soluble in methanol, ethanol, DMSO; • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity: ORAC value estimated at >10,000 µmol TE/g (among the highest for individual polyphenols), with strong DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀ ~2–8 µM in vitro); • Key functional groups responsible for bioactivity: Multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups (11 OH groups) enabling metal chelation (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺), ROS scavenging, and protein interaction; • Stability notes: Sensitive to alkaline pH (hydrolysis accelerates above pH 7.5), heat (partial degradation above 80°C), and prolonged light exposure; relatively stable at acidic pH (2–5); • No known essential nutrient contributions — value is entirely as a bioactive/pharmacological polyphenol.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Animal studies used: 1-20 mg/kg (oral/intraperitoneal) for hepatotoxicity in mice, 10-40 mg/kg (oral) for cholestasis in rats. Preparations included 0.4% suspensions in sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Corilagin has not been formally evaluated for safety in human clinical trials, so its side effect profile, tolerable upper limits, and long-term safety in humans are not established. Given its potent inhibition of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and potential interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes, it may theoretically alter [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of drugs such as warfarin or chemotherapeutic agents including 5-fluorouracil, requiring caution with co-administration. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid corilagin supplements due to complete absence of safety data in these populations. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those on immunosuppressive therapy should consult a healthcare provider before use, as its [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects via [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and TGF-β pathways could produce unpredictable interactions.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on corilagin have been conducted; all evidence is limited to preclinical studies using in vitro cell lines and animal models. Key studies include colorectal cancer cell research (PMID: 38114593) and rat cholestasis models (PMC5811621), with dosages ranging from 1-40 mg/kg in animals.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While corilagin is noted as an anti-tumor natural product from plants like Phyllanthus urinaria, which has traditional medicinal uses, no specific historical or traditional medicine contexts for corilagin itself are documented in available research. The compound appears to be primarily studied as an isolated bioactive rather than a traditional remedy.

## Synergistic Combinations

5-fluorouracil (studied), milk thistle, turmeric, green tea polyphenols, quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is corilagin and what plants is it found in?

Corilagin is a polyphenolic ellagitannin compound found in medicinal plants including Phyllanthus urinaria, Terminalia chebula, and Punica granatum (pomegranate). It belongs to the hydrolyzable tannin subclass and is released as a metabolite alongside ellagic acid upon digestion, contributing to its bioactivity in the body.

### Can corilagin protect the liver?

Preclinical rat cholestasis studies demonstrate that corilagin reduced liver damage markers ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT to levels comparable to the pharmaceutical drug ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Its hepatoprotective action is attributed to Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activation and suppression of inflammatory NF-κB signaling, though human clinical evidence is currently absent.

### Does corilagin enhance chemotherapy effectiveness?

In vitro studies show corilagin significantly enhances the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil against colorectal cancer cells by downregulating the GRP78 endoplasmic reticulum stress chaperone and amplifying intracellular ROS production, promoting cancer cell apoptosis. These findings are based on cell culture models only and have not been replicated in human clinical trials, so clinical use as a chemotherapy adjunct cannot currently be recommended.

### What is the suggested dosage of corilagin?

No standardized human dosage for corilagin has been established, as no completed human clinical trials have defined a safe and effective dose range. Preclinical rat studies have used weight-based doses typically in the range of 10–50 mg/kg body weight, but direct extrapolation to human dosing is unreliable without pharmacokinetic studies in humans. Anyone considering corilagin supplementation should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

### Are there any drug interactions with corilagin supplements?

Corilagin may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin due to its antioxidant and platelet-modulating properties, potentially altering bleeding risk. Its ability to enhance 5-fluorouracil toxicity in cancer cells also raises concern that it could amplify side effects if taken alongside chemotherapy agents. As a potent polyphenol, it may also inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism, though this has not been directly studied in humans.

### What does clinical research show about corilagin's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for corilagin comes from laboratory and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials currently available. Preclinical research demonstrates promising liver-protective effects comparable to ursodeoxycholic acid in rat models, and anti-cancer synergy in cell cultures, but these findings require validation in human populations. Current research quality is rated as preliminary, meaning supplementation decisions should consider this evidence gap.

### Who should avoid corilagin supplementation?

Individuals with bleeding disorders, those taking anticoagulant medications, and pregnant or nursing women should consult healthcare providers before using corilagin, as safety data in these populations is limited. People with active chemotherapy treatment should discuss corilagin with their oncologist due to potential synergistic effects with cancer drugs. Those with severe liver disease should seek medical guidance, as dosing adjustments may be necessary.

### How does corilagin's anti-inflammatory mechanism work compared to standard anti-inflammatory supplements?

Corilagin reduces inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production at the molecular level. Unlike some anti-inflammatory supplements that work through different mechanisms (such as Cox inhibition), corilagin's ellagitannin structure allows it to modulate immune signaling directly, though direct comparative human studies with other supplements remain limited.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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