Natural metabolite urolithin A boosts heart relaxation in experimental heart-failure study
Researchers found that urolithin A, a compound produced after eating pomegranates and other foods, improved heart function by up to 80% in animal models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
A team at King's College London discovered that urolithin A, a metabolite generated after consuming pomegranates, walnuts and certain berries, can improve measures of cardiac performance by as much as 80% in animal models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The molecule promoted relaxation of stiff heart muscle, lowered fibrosis and prevented pathological enlargement of cardiac cells, effects linked to activation of the PKGIα protein pathway.
Experiments using engineered human heart tissue also demonstrated significant improvements in tissue relaxation, suggesting translational potential. The researchers note that urolithin A has already been tested in humans and appears safe, but human clinical trials are needed before therapeutic use. Experts highlighted that HFpEF affects roughly half of heart-failure patients in the UK and currently lacks effective treatments, making the discovery a potential breakthrough. The work was funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in Science Advances.
Why it matters
HFpEF affects millions and has few therapies; a safe compound that improves heart relaxation could transform treatment.
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