Scientists have discovered that urolithin A, a substance produced in the gut when eating pomegranates, can improve heart function, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the natural compound urolithin A can improve the functioning of damaged heart muscle. This substance is not present in the fruit itself but is produced by beneficial gut microbiota after consuming pomegranates, certain berries, and walnuts.
Experiments showed that urolithin A activates mitophagy, a natural process that clears damaged mitochondria from cells. In heart failure, these cellular powerhouses malfunction, leading to tissue death. The new mechanism helps clean myocardial cells of dangerous debris and restore their proper function.
The scientists plan to conduct a series of clinical trials to develop an effective medical drug based on this compound. The dosage of urolithin A in the medication would be significantly higher than what one could obtain from a normal diet. Experts hope the therapy could help thousands of patients worldwide avoid severe complications.