Urolithin A

Urolithin A

Molecular Formula: C13H8O4
CAS Number: 1143-70-0
Application: Food industry, Health care and Functional Products; Fine chemical raw materials; Food additives; Nutritional fortifier; Medical raw materials;

Description：
Urolithin A is a metabolite of ellagic acid. It is produced by the body after you ingest compounds found in particularly high concentration in pomegranates (particularly the bitter components such as the skin and seeds) and can help recycle defective mitochondria. Since it is a metabolite that results from the transformation of the tannins in pomegranate by gut bacteria, it can be classified as a postbiotic.It has been demonstrated to stimulate mitophagy and improve muscle health in old animals and in preclinical models of aging.

Urolithin A(UA) is a major metabolite of ellagitannin and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. UA also has the ability to induce autophagy and apoptosis, inhibit cell cycle progression, and inhibit DNA synthesis. At the physiological level, UA improved muscle function in nematodes, young rodents, old mice, and muscle-wasting disorders such as Duchenne muscle dystrophy (DMD). Long-term intake of UA improves muscle endurance. In vitro studies, it has also been shown to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells in the colon, prostate and breast.
As you age, ATP production begins to put strain on your mitochondria, and eventually, energy output falls. But when exposed to urolithin A, these failing mitochondria are broken down and eliminated (very similar to taking out the trash!) to make room for new, properly functioning mitochondria to grow.
Ellagitannins and punicalagins are two natural polyphenols found in pomegranates. They have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, but once metabolized by gut bacteria, they also produce urolithin A in the digestive tract. So supplementation with pomegranate extract, along with specific bacterial species (probiotics) that can help the pomegranate compounds to produce urolithin A, can be an effective approach to maintaining healthy mitochondria.

Urolithin A is a natural product with antiproliferative and antioxidant activity. Urolithin A is formed by metabolism from polyphenols found in some nuts and fruits, particularly pomegranates. Urolithin A has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier, and may have neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer′s Disease.

In addition, researchers have exposed colon cancer stem cells to a mixture containing urolithin A and found it to be effective at inhibiting the number and size of colon cancer stem cells and also in inhibiting the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase, a marker of resistance to chemotherapy. Urolithin A can also cross the blood-brain barrier to protect against neurotoxicity and amyloid plaque accumulation.