Urolithin A is a microbial metabolite produced by the gut microbiota. Many studies provide evidence that it may have potential use against CNS disorders. It is known to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and maintain a favorable safety profile. CNS disorders are a growing concern due to the global aging population.
Where does it come from?
The precursors to urolithin production are found in many foods including pomegranates, various berries, nuts, tropical fruits, and tea. However, because urolithin itself is produced in the gut, and gut microbiota can vary across different populations, everyone may not get the all benefits of urolithin, even while consuming the same foods. Therefore, direct supplementation could allow all populations to gain the benefits provided by urolithin. Safety studies have shown a high limit of tolerability and the US FDA has granted ‘generally recognized as safe’ status to this compound to be used as a food additive.
Potential Benefits
Many benefits of urolithin have been uncovered so far. These include regulating mitochondrial function, modulating immunometabolism, and reducing DNA damage-induced senescence. This molecule has shown protective effects across many disease models including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes-associated cognitive impairment, stroke, and traumatic CNS injury. In addition, it shows positive effects against several cancer models, radiation brain injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy.
Knowledge Gaps
All in all, a lot of research has shown positive effects of urolithin A. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible are not yet completely understood. Most of the research so far has focused on cellular and animal models, and the same effects may or may not be observed in human subjects. In addition, there remain gaps in knowledge regarding side-effects, long-term safety profile and drug interactions. While many studies have shown an abundance of positive results for this chemical, there is still quite a bit of additional information to be filled in. Further research is certainly warranted for this chemical. Not only for urolithin A, but for other urolithins as well.
Urolithins available at LKT Labs include:
Zhang Q, Zhang W, Yuan X, et al. Urolithin A in central nervous system disorders: therapeutic applications and challenges. Biomedicines. 2025 Jun 25;13(7):1553. PMID: 40722629