Impact of the Natural Compound Urolithin A on Health, Disease, and Aging
- PMID: 34030963
- DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.04.009
Impact of the Natural Compound Urolithin A on Health, Disease, and Aging
Abstract
Urolithin A (UA) is a natural compound produced by gut bacteria from ingested ellagitannins (ETs) and ellagic acid (EA), complex polyphenols abundant in foods such as pomegranate, berries, and nuts. UA was discovered 40 years ago, but only recently has its impact on aging and disease been explored. UA enhances cellular health by increasing mitophagy and mitochondrial function and reducing detrimental inflammation. Several preclinical studies show how UA protects against aging and age-related conditions affecting muscle, brain, joints, and other organs. In humans, benefits of UA supplementation in the muscle are supported by recent clinical trials in elderly people. Here, we review the state of the art of UA's biology and its translational potential as a nutritional intervention in humans.
Keywords: aging; inflammation; mitochondria; mitophagy; muscle health; urolithin A.
Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Conflict of interest statement
Declaration of Interests The authors declare the following competing interests: D.A, P.A.A., P.V., and A.S. are employees of Amazentis, C.R. is CEO and a board member of Amazentis, and J.A. is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Amazentis.
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