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Review
. 2025 Apr 3;14(1):55.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-025-00645-0.

Urolithin as a Metabolite of Ellagitannins and Ellagic Acid from Fruits and Nuts Produced by the Gut Microbiota: Its Role on Non-Communicable Diseases

Marcia Ribeiro  1   2   3 , Livia Alvarenga  4   5 , Ludmila F M F Cardozo  5   6 , Beatriz G Baptista  7 , Danielle Nascimento  4 , Marta Esgalhado  8 , Denise Mafra  4   5   7
Affiliations
Review

Urolithin as a Metabolite of Ellagitannins and Ellagic Acid from Fruits and Nuts Produced by the Gut Microbiota: Its Role on Non-Communicable Diseases

Marcia Ribeiro et al. Curr Nutr Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: This narrative review investigates how urolithins produced by the gut microbiota can regulate transcription factors (such as NRF2, NF-kB, and PPAR-γ) associated with senescence, inflammation, and imbalanced redox status. It also discusses the potential benefits of urolithins for patients with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.

Recent findings: Studies have shown that urolithins have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. They are also linked to improved mitochondrial function and imbalanced redox associated with activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway. Urolithins are metabolites produced by gut microbiota from ellagic acid and ellagitannins, polyphenols primarily found in nuts and fruits, including pomegranates and berries like raspberries, cloudberries, and blackberries.

Keywords: Chronic diseases; Ellagic acid; Fruits; Gut microbiota; Urolithin.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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