An extract of Chinese blackberry (Rubus suavissimus) has been found to
inhibit angiogenesis, and two active fractions isolated. Gallic acid was
shown to be one of the active anti-angiogenic compounds by an in vitro
human angiogenesis model. Aqueous extracts from other plants either known
or found to have gallic acid were also found to have anti-angiogenic
activity. Various derivatives of gallic acid were found to inhibit
angiogenesis. The extract from Chinese blackberry also slowed the growth
of a pancreatic tumor and of corneal neovascularization in rats. Extracts
from pomegranate were shown to inhibit angiogenesis in fat tissue.
Extracts from Rubus spp, and other plants with gallic acid, and gallic
acid and its derivatives will be useful for treating various diseases
associated with neovascularization, including diabetic retinopathy,
psoriasis, tumors, obesity, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.