With the increasing global attention to natural health ingredients, consumers are actively seeking solutions that can support their health and longevity. In the current health products and functional food market, anti-aging, cell health, and energy metabolism have become core hotspots. It is in this context that a unique intestinal metabolite, Urolithin A, is gradually receiving widespread attention from scientific research and industry. It is considered a nutrient with enormous potential to play a key role in delaying aging and improving overall health. This article explains “what is urolithin A” and “the benefits of urolithin A”.
What is Urolithin A(CAS 1143-70-0)？
Definition
Urolithin A(UA) is generated by gut microbiota and is a natural metabolite of ellagitannins, a type of compound found in pomegranate and other fruits and nuts. It is called a “longevity molecule” by scientists because its discovery and research have attracted widespread attention in the fields of anti-aging and healthy longevity.
According to relevant research, UA plays a protective role in a variety of cancers (such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer), cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, it can protect the kidneys and prevent diseases such as proctitis, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc degeneration. In addition, studies have shown that UA has significant effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, UA has a positive effect on various metabolic diseases and has broad application prospects in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
Natural Sources
Urolithin A itself is not found directly in food, but its precursors, ellagitannins and ellagic acid, are widely present in many foods we consume daily. The following are the main food sources:
- Pomegranates: This is one of the main sources, especially the peel and juice.
- Raspberries: This includes both red and black raspberries.
- Walnuts: Rich in ellagitannins, they are another important source.
- Others: Some berries and nuts are also included.
History of Discovery
Urolithin A was first discovered in the mid-20th century. Scientists found that urolithin A is actually a metabolic product of ellagic acid and ellagitannins by intestinal microorganisms. Since the 21st century, researchers have revealed the biological activity of urolithin A and found that it has multiple biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis, which has attracted widespread attention.
Chemical Information
Appearance: White to pale yellow solid powder
CAS No.: 1143-70-0
Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₈O₄
Molecular Weight: 228.20
Density: Approximately 1.516 g/cm³
Melting Point: Approximately 340-345°C
Urolithin A benefits
1. Oxidation resistance
The free radicals generated by oxidation can harm cells. UA can accurately identify these free radicals and neutralize reactive oxygen species such as peroxide and superoxide, reducing oxidative stress in cells, reducing the occurrence of oxidative stress from the source, and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
2. Anti-inflammatory effect
Moderate inflammation is a normal repair process in the body, but excessive or persistent inflammation can hinder muscle recovery and growth. UA can alleviate various inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, enteritis, and pneumonia by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. In the treatment of arthritis, UA can alleviate joint swelling and pain; In the treatment of enteritis and pneumonia, urolithin UA can promote the repair of intestinal and alveolar epithelial cells and improve tissue function.
3. Improve mitochondrial function
Mitochondria are the “energy factories” of cells and are crucial for maintaining normal cellular function. Mitochondria can be damaged due to various stresses. UA can induce autophagy in dysfunctional mitochondria, regulate mitochondrial biosynthesis, inhibit the proliferation of aging mitochondrial dysfunction, and enable cells to obtain sufficient energy for work. This characteristic makes UA have great potential in the field of anti-aging.
4 . Regulating cell renewal
It can induce autophagy in cells, remove harmful substances such as damaged organelles and protein aggregates, promote the stability of the intracellular environment, and help with cell renewal and repair. It can also regulate the cell cycle and affect key proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclin. Thereby controlling the growth and division of cells. UA can induce cell death through various pathways, ultimately leading cells towards apoptosis.
5. Muscle Health and Strength
Urolithin A has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can accelerate the healing speed of muscle cells, reduce muscle soreness and discomfort, and enhance muscle function and performance. It increases energy production, enhances the recovery ability of muscle cells, and enables muscles to recover more quickly and effectively.
Muscles can be damaged during exercise and require repair and growth to achieve muscle hypertrophy. Urolithin A promotes mitochondrial function and increases ATP synthesis, thereby creating a more favorable environment for muscle cell repair and growth. This enhances the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, increases muscle protein content, and improves muscle strength, ultimately promoting muscle hypertrophy.
6. Assistance for related diseases
- Nervous system disease: UA has biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stress, and anti-apoptosis, and can exert neuroprotective activity through the blood-brain barrier. It is a potential active small molecule for intervening in neurodegenerative diseases. Relevant research shows that UA can prevent and treat diabetes related Alzheimer’s disease.
- Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: UA can reduce the initial inflammatory reaction of myocardial tissue to hyperglycemia, improve the myocardial microenvironment, and promote the recovery of myocardial cell contractility and calcium dynamics, indicating that UA can be used as an auxiliary drug to control diabetes cardiomyopathy and prevent its complications.UA can improve mitochondrial and muscle function by inducing mitochondrial autophagy, and cardiac mitochondria are key organelles responsible for producing energy-rich ATP. Mitochondrial dysfunction is the fundamental cause of heart failure and is currently considered a potential therapeutic target. UA has also become a new candidate drug for treating CVD.
- Metabolic disease: The incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes is increasing year by year, and the beneficial effects of dietary polyphenols on human health have been confirmed in many ways.UA not only increases fat excretion, but also reduces visceral adipose tissue mass and body mass, decreases liver fat accumulation and oxidative stress by regulating genes related to fat production and fatty acid oxidation.
Can we obtain urolithin A from foods?
Urolithin-A does not exist in its natural state and is hydrolyzed into tannic acid in the human gut by consuming foods rich in ellagitannin. Specific gut bacteria then metabolize ellagitannin into UA.
The hydroxyl polarity in the molecular structure of ellagitannin is relatively high, which is not conducive to intestinal wall absorption. Its bioavailability is very low, and not all intestines can decompose it to obtain UA. About 40% of people have the correct microbial community to carry out this conversion.
Urolithin A side effects and safety
Safety Assessment
Multiple human trials have shown that urolithin A is well-tolerated at conventional doses, and no serious side effects have been observed. Liver function, kidney function indicators, and cardiovascular health were not affected, and there were no issues such as toxicity or discomfort. In the food industry, urolithin A has obtained GRAS certification from the US Food and Drug Administration and is safe for reasonable use.
Potential side effects
- Minor Side Effects: The most common side effect of Urolithin A is muscle pain, typically manifesting as mild muscle discomfort or soreness. Additionally, some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, including bloating, mild stomach discomfort, or occasional diarrhea. These symptoms are generally mild and transient, and most people gradually resolve with continued use.
- Risks of High Doses: High doses may pose certain health risks. First, high doses may disrupt the natural balance of intestinal flora, inhibiting the growth of some beneficial bacteria and, in turn, affecting the intestinal microecological environment. This imbalance may lead to digestive abnormalities, including gastrointestinal inflammation, indigestion, and other related symptoms.
Where Can You Buy Urolithin A(CAS 1143-70-0)?
If you are looking for a reliable Urolithin A supplier, RunTai Chemical offers high-quality Urolithin A powder with many years of production and export experience. As a leading manufacturer, RunTai Chemical specializes in providing high purity Urolithin A suitable for pharmaceutical and cosmetic grade applications.
High-Quality Urolithin A (Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Grade)
RunTai Chemical’s Urolithin A powder meets strict quality standards, with purity levels typically above 98%, ensuring excellent quality and consistency for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic uses.
Certifications Guaranteeing Quality
Our products are manufactured under GMP and ISO certifications, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This ensures customers receive stable and reliable batches of Urolithin A.
Price Advantage & Stable Supply
With extensive production capacity and a well-established supply chain, RunTai Chemical offers competitive pricing and stable supply, suitable for both bulk orders and long-term partnerships.
Many Years of Production and Export Experience
RunTai Chemical has years of experience in chemical production and international export, providing reliable delivery and customized solutions to meet clients’ specific needs worldwide.
FAQ about Urolithin A(CAS 1143-70-0)
1. What is Urolithin A(CAS 1143-70-0)?
Urolithin A is a natural metabolite produced by the gut microbiota from ellagitannins, compounds found in foods like pomegranate, walnuts, and certain berries. It is widely studied for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and mitochondrial health benefits.
2. What is Urolithin A powder?
Urolithin A powder refers to the purified, concentrated form of this compound, usually produced through advanced fermentation or chemical synthesis for use in dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics. The powder format ensures higher purity, stability, and bioavailability compared to natural dietary conversion.
3. What are the main sources of Urolithin A?
There is no direct natural food source of Urolithin A. Instead, it is produced in the human gut when certain types of microbiota convert ellagitannins from foods such as pomegranate, walnuts, strawberries, and raspberries. Since not everyone’s gut can perform this conversion, Urolithin A supplements and powders are widely used as reliable sources.
