Unique health benefits and huge scientific research potential have led to the much-anticipated urolithin A

Urolithin A: the fuel of cellular“power source”

Mitochondria are the "powerhouse" of the cell, producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the electron transport chain. However, this process also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage proteins, fatty acids, and nucleic acids, triggering an oxidative chain reaction. Therefore, damaged mitochondria need to be removed promptly to avoid damage to cells. Urolithin A is an effective mitophagy inducer that can activate mitophagy in multiple ways, thereby selectively clearing damaged mitochondria and protecting cells from damage.

Urolithin A activates mitophagy through the PINK/Parkin-dependent pathway. Urolithin A can activate parkin protein, triggering the ubiquitination of damaged mitochondrial proteins and then being recognized by P62 protein, and then binds to the LC3 protein family on autophagosomes to initiate mitophagy. In addition, urolithin A can also promote the binding of PINK/Parkin pathway-independent proteins such as BNIP3, NIX and FUNDC1 to LC3.

Urolithin A not only helps reduce the production of ROS and prevent mitochondrial DNA damage and mutations, but also effectively clears dysfunctional mitochondria. Therefore, urolithin A plays an important protective role in pathological processes such as cell aging and neurological diseases. Multiple studies have confirmed that urolithin A has the following health effects:

Prolong life. Multiple animal experiments have shown that urolithin A can extend the life of experimental animals. For example, urolithin A extends the life span of roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) by more than 45%, and there is an obvious dose-response relationship, while ellagic acid at the same concentration does not have the same effect.

Increase muscle endurance. Clinical trials have shown that when middle-aged and elderly people take daily supplements of urolithin A, their strength, aerobic endurance and exercise performance are significantly improved. 

Figure 1: Mitochondrial autophagy mechanism of urolithin A

Improve immunity. Mouse experiments have shown that urolithin A can promote the differentiation of mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), activate the lymphatic areas of the mouse immune system, and enhance the overall performance of HSCs. 6 After feeding 50mg/kg urolithin A to old rats daily for four months, the hematopoietic ability of the old rats returned to the level of their youth. At the same time, urolithin A promotes lymphopoiesis and enhances the proliferation and efficiency of senescent CD8 + T cells.

Alleviating neurodegeneration. Urolithin A can inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes, scavenge free radicals, inhibit oxidases, activate AMPK and block the p38/MAPK and p65/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as The production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ultimately improves cognitive function, relieves neuroinflammation, and prevents neuronal apoptosis.

 

lose weight. Studies have shown that urolithin A can prevent diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction without adverse effects. Urolithin A increases triiodothyronine (T3) levels in adipose tissue, promotes the production of body heat in brown adipose tissue, and induces browning of white adipose tissue, thereby increasing energy consumption and reducing adipocytes and fat mass.