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Urolithins and intestinal health
Chunhua Lu1, Xintong Li1, Zeyuan Gao1
1Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics
|June 26, 2022
Summary
Urolithins, metabolites of ellagitannins and ellagic acid, vary between individuals due to gut flora differences. This review explores their origin, production, and role in intestinal health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- The human gut harbors trillions of microorganisms crucial for digestion and immunity.
- Intestinal flora metabolites significantly impact host physiology and disease risk.
- Urolithins are bioactive metabolites derived from ellagitannins (ETs) and ellagic acid (EA) by gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origin and production of urolithins by intestinal microorganisms.
- To examine the effects of urolithins on regulating intestinal diseases.
- To provide a basis for understanding urolithin's role in gut homeostasis and utilization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on urolithins, ellagitannins, and ellagic acid.
- Analysis of microbial metabolism pathways producing urolithins.
- Synthesis of research on urolithin's biological activities in intestinal health.
Main Results:
- Individual differences in gut flora lead to distinct urolithin metabolite profiles (UM-A, UM-B, UM-0).
- Specific microorganisms are identified as producers of urolithins.
- Urolithins demonstrate potential in modulating intestinal diseases and maintaining gut homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Urolithin production is personalized by gut microbiota composition.
- Understanding urolithins offers therapeutic potential for intestinal disorders.
- This review supports the strategic use of urolithins and ET/EA-rich foods.
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