| benefits | 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. |
| Biochem/physiol Actions | 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. |
| Side effects | The urolithin A supplementation was generally well-tolerated, although there were a few side effects recorded: increased lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and chest pains.(But there was very little difference between the placebo group — where similar adverse effects were recorded — and the intervention group.) Most of these were mild and only one person withdrew from the trial due to side effects. |
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