A naturally occurring compound produced by gut bacteria after the consumption of pomegranate-derived substances could offer a promising new strategy for combating cardiovascular disease, according to researchers at Cardiff University.
The compound, known as urolithin A, is generated when intestinal microbes metabolize polyphenols found in pomegranates and other plant-based foods. Scientists found that it may reduce inflammation within blood vessels and help stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, potentially lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Although cholesterol-lowering drugs have significantly improved cardiovascular care, heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Researchers are increasingly exploring the roles of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiome in the development of atherosclerosis.
Led by Professor Dipak Ramji, the Cardiff team investigated how pomegranate-derived compounds influence the biological pathways involved in plaque formation. Their experiments identified urolithin A as the most biologically active metabolite produced from punicalagin, a major polyphenol found in pomegranates.
Laboratory studies showed that urolithin A reduced oxidative stress, suppressed inflammatory signaling, limited the infiltration of immune cells into blood vessel walls, and decreased cholesterol accumulation in vascular cells.
The researchers then tested the compound in mice predisposed to atherosclerosis. Animals receiving urolithin A developed smaller, less inflamed, and more stable plaques, reducing the likelihood of plaque rupture—a key trigger of heart attacks and strokes.
The findings also highlight the critical role of the gut microbiome. Because the ability to produce urolithin A varies considerably among individuals depending on the composition of their gut bacteria, people may respond differently to diets rich in pomegranate polyphenols.
Importantly, the cardiovascular benefits were observed without significant changes in cholesterol levels, suggesting that urolithin A works through mechanisms distinct from conventional lipid-lowering therapies. Researchers believe it could eventually be used alongside statins and other treatments to further reduce cardiovascular risk.
Urolithin A has additional advantages for drug development. Unlike many plant-derived compounds, it is well absorbed by the body and reaches biologically meaningful concentrations in the bloodstream. Previous human studies conducted in other fields have demonstrated favorable safety profiles and potential benefits for muscle function, mitochondrial health, and immune aging.
However, dedicated clinical trials in cardiovascular disease have not yet been conducted. The Cardiff team is now planning further preclinical studies, including dose optimization, pharmacokinetic analyses, and investigations into whether the compound can reverse existing arterial plaques.
If future studies confirm its effectiveness, urolithin A could emerge as a novel adjunct therapy aimed at reducing inflammation and improving plaque stability in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter