Corilagin

PhytochemicalTanninBest taken away from food

What is it

Corilagin is an ellagitannin polyphenol found in plants such as Phyllanthus species, Terminalia, and various medicinal herbs. It is studied as one of the active compounds in these traditional medicines.

How it works

Corilagin has shown anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antitumor activity in cell-culture and animal models. It can inhibit several inflammatory mediators and modulate signaling pathways including NF-kB and TNF-alpha. Human clinical evidence specific to isolated corilagin is limited. Most clinical experience comes from Phyllanthus or Terminalia preparations standardized for total tannin or polyphenol content rather than for corilagin specifically.

Dosage

There is no established daily intake recommendation for isolated corilagin. Phyllanthus extract supplements vary widely in standardization and dose.

When and how to take it

Corilagin-rich preparations are typically taken between meals to optimize absorption and reduce interference with mineral absorption.

1 commercial form

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Phyllanthus or Terminalia extract (corilagin-rich)

Most clinical use is via whole-plant extracts rather than isolated corilagin.

Tannin absorption variable; some hydrolyzed by gut bacteria.

Safety

Phyllanthus and Terminalia preparations are generally well tolerated in traditional doses. High-tannin intake can reduce mineral absorption when taken with meals.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid in the absence of safety data. People with iron-deficiency anemia should separate corilagin-rich preparations from iron supplements.

Interactions

May reduce iron and other mineral absorption if taken at the same time as iron-rich foods. Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants. Limited formal interaction data.

Frequently asked questions

What is corilagin used for?

It is one of the main actives in Phyllanthus and Terminalia herbs, with preclinical activity in liver, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory contexts. Direct human evidence for isolated corilagin is limited.

Is it safe?

Whole-herb preparations have a long traditional use record. Isolated high-dose corilagin has less direct human safety data.

References

Corilagin on WikidataWikidata link

Corilagin (ChEBI:3884)ChEBI link

Corilagin (PubChem CID 73568)PubChem link

Corilagin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database)NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Corilagin (PubMed search)PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.