Development of the Functional Intestinal Metabolite Urolithin A JSNFS Award for Technology and Innovation (2023)

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-produci...

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Published inNihon Eiyō, Shokuryō Gakkai shi Vol. 76; no. 6; pp. 383 - 390
Main Authors Ukawa, Yuichi, Kudoh, Masatake, Sawada, Shoichi, Ishiwa, Shunsuke, Nakajima, Takanori
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Japanese
Published Tokyo Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science 2023
Japan Science and Technology Agency
Subjects
autophagy
Bacteria
co-culture system
Ellagic acid
Functional materials
Hay fever
Hydrolysates
Inflammation
Intestine
intravascular dysfunction
Keratinocytes
Lipids
Manufacturing industry
Metabolites
Mitophagy
Osteoclastogenesis
Polyphenols
Pomegranates
urolithin A
well-being
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0287-3516
1883-2849
DOI:10.4327/jsnfs.76.383