Development of the Functional Intestinal Metabolite Urolithin A

(JSNFS Award for Technology and Innovation (2023))

Abstract

Urolithins are functional polyphenols produced by human intestinal bacteria metabolizing ellagitannin and ellagic acid, contained in pomegranates and their hydrolysates. We have succeeded in producing urolithin A in one pot from ellagic acid as a starting material by co-culturing urolithin A-producing bacteria and urolithin C-producing bacteria. Based on this technology, in May 2021 we developed a process that can stably ferment and produce urolithin A through co-culture, thus making it possible to establish an industrial-level manufacturing process and commercialize a food material containing 10% urolithin A (Urorich^®). Urolithin A has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to mitophagy-promoting effects. We have clarified that urolithin A has functionalities such as suppression of lipid droplet accumulation, suppression of osteoclast differentiation, alteration of human epidermal keratinocytes, and anti-allergic effects on hay fever. Furthermore, we evaluated its vascular endothelial function in humans and clarified the mechanism responsible. Urolithin may contribute to the maintenance and improvement of health as a functional material that meets current needs for human well-being.