From the Guidelines
Urolithin A has been shown to induce mitophagy, increase longevity, and prevent age-related muscle impairment, making it a potential therapeutic agent for improving healthspan and lifespan. The benefits of Urolithin A are primarily related to its role in improving mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation, as evidenced by studies such as 1. This compound, produced by gut bacteria from compounds found in many fruits and vegetables, helps clear damaged mitochondria through a process called mitophagy, essentially acting as a cellular cleanup mechanism.
Some of the key benefits of Urolithin A include:
- Inducing mitophagy in cell cultures
- Increasing longevity in nematodes
- Preventing age-related muscle impairment in mouse models, as shown in studies such as 1
- Improving mitochondrial and cellular health in healthy, sedentary elderly individuals, as demonstrated by changes in muscle mitochondrial gene expression 1
It is essential to note that while Urolithin A supplements are available, individual responses may vary based on gut microbiome composition, and not everyone can naturally produce sufficient amounts from food sources. Therefore, starting with foods rich in compounds that can be converted to Urolithin A, such as those found in many fruits and vegetables, and gradually incorporating supplements under healthcare provider guidance represents a sensible approach. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term effects, but the current evidence suggests that Urolithin A may be a valuable tool for improving healthspan and lifespan, as supported by studies such as 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Urolithin A
- Urolithin A has been shown to have anti-aging effects, including increasing type I collagen expression and reducing matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) expression 2
- It has also been found to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, although the biological effects of urolithin A are still not entirely understood 2
- Urolithin A may have potential health benefits in a broad range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive impairment, and diabetes 3
- It has been shown to activate autophagy and inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress in the pancreas, thus decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis 3
- Urolithin A enhances cellular health by increasing mitophagy and mitochondrial function and reducing detrimental inflammation 4
- It has been found to protect against aging and age-related conditions affecting muscle, brain, joints, and other organs 4
- Urolithin A supplementation has been shown to improve muscle endurance and plasma biomarkers in older adults, suggesting that it may counteract age-associated muscle decline 5
- It has a favourable safety profile and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans 6
Specific Health Benefits
- Urolithin A may have potential activities in ameliorating various pancreatic diseases via inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways, activating autophagy, maintaining the mitochondrial function, and improving the immune microenvironment 3
- It may improve muscle function in older animals and induce mitochondrial gene expression in older humans 5
- Urolithin A has been found to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species, which may be partially due to activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidative response 2
- It may also reduce cellular senescence and improve mitochondrial membrane potential 2