Urolithin A: “Anti – penuaan Ruby” dalam Delima – Panduan Lengkap

In the ever – evolving landscape of anti – aging research and natural health supplements, Urolithin A (UA) has emerged as a remarkable compound. Derived from the metabolism of ellagitannins or ellagic acid (EA) in fruits like pomegranates, strawberries, and nuts by specific gut microorganisms, Urolithin A has been making waves in the scientific and health communities alike.

The Journey of Urolithin A: From Discovery to Application

Urolithin A was first discovered in 2005, but it was not until 2016 when a groundbreaking study in the top – tier medical journal Nature Medicine truly brought it into the spotlight. This study revealed that Urolithin A could extend the lifespan of nematodes by 45% and increase the endurance of mice by 57%. Since then, its anti – aging effects have been verified in multiple species, including Drosophila, mice, killifish, and humans, showing benefits for various organs and systems such as the gut, muscles, brain, joints, and immune system.

The Multifaceted Health Benefits of Urolithin A

1. Anti – Aging and Longevity

Urolithin A is the first natural anti – aging substance recognized by the scientific community to promote mitophagy. Mitophagy is a process where cells clear out their “junk” and recycle useful components, keeping cells in a youthful state. By activating this process, Urolithin A effectively slows down the aging process at the cellular level. It also has antioxidant and anti – inflammatory properties. It activates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway and inhibits the NF – κB inflammatory pathway, enhancing the cell’s self – defense mechanism and reducing oxidative damage and inflammation, which are major drivers of aging.

2. Muscle Health and Performance

For athletes and the elderly alike, Urolithin A offers significant benefits for muscle health. It can slow down age – related muscle loss and enhance muscle strength and exercise performance. In a clinical trial involving 88 middle – aged Canadians (aged 40 – 64), subjects who took 500mg or 1000mg of Urolithin A supplements daily for 4 months experienced a 12% increase in muscle strength. This improvement in muscle function was achieved even with regular, habitual exercise, indicating that Urolithin A can truly enhance physical vitality.

3. Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection

Urolithin A plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. It can reduce the secretion of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory factors, helping to resist nerve degeneration and diseases induced by stress and aging. Research has shown that it has potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. For example, ellagic acid, a precursor of Urolithin A, has been found to alleviate perioperative neurocognitive disorders, hippocampal oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in aged mice by restoring IGF – 1 signaling.

4. Weight Management and Gut Health

Urolithin A can induce the activation of brown fat, which boosts metabolism, and promote the conversion of white fat into brown fat. This helps prevent fat accumulation caused by improper eating habits and improves cellular lipid metabolism. A human clinical trial found that adding California strawberry powder, rich in Urolithin A precursors, to the diet of healthy subjects led to significant weight loss and an increase in beneficial gut microbiota associated with longevity. In Japan, Urolithin A and its metabolic precursors are widely used in functional foods and health products, making it a star ingredient in the weight – loss market.

5. Skin Health and Anti – Wrinkle Effects

Whether applied topically or taken orally, Urolithin A benefits the skin. In a study, a 1% Urolithin A – containing skincare product significantly improved wrinkles in just two weeks and protected the skin from UV damage. It also increased the content of type I and type III collagen in the skin and reduced skin inflammation. Orally, Urolithin A can prevent glycation, which causes skin aging symptoms such as yellowing, dullness, sagging, and wrinkles.

6. Bone Health and Pain Relief

For osteoarthritis patients, Urolithin A is a game – changer. It can significantly enhance the mitochondrial respiration and autophagy function of knee joint chondrocytes, reducing cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation and alleviating joint pain. Since there is currently no radical cure for osteoarthritis, Urolithin A offers new hope for patients suffering from this condition.

How to Supplement Urolithin A: Food vs. Supplements

Urolithin A is not directly present in food but is produced through the metabolism of its precursors by gut microbiota. Foods rich in Urolithin A precursors, such as pomegranates, walnuts, and strawberries, are good sources. However, relying solely on dietary intake has limitations. Clinical data shows that only 40% of people can convert ellagitannins in food into Urolithin A, and changes in gut microbiota due to aging further reduce this conversion rate. Moreover, when the daily intake is less than 500mg, the effects on exercise performance and mitochondrial function are almost negligible.

Therefore, direct supplementation with Urolithin A is a more efficient and rapid way to obtain its benefits. The safety of Urolithin A has been supported by numerous toxicological studies, and it has been designated as a “generally recognized as safe” dietary additive by the US FDA. Research suggests that a daily dose of 500mg – 1000mg for middle – aged and elderly people has no serious side effects, and significant health improvements can be felt after 4 months of continuous use.

The Market Situation and Reliable Options

The market for Urolithin A supplements is currently a mixed bag. A study by the National University of Singapore’s Center for Healthy Longevity found that the measured content of Urolithin A in 5 popular supplements on the market did not match the label claims. In the domestic market, Urolithin A products are scarce. Some products labeled as “pomegranate extracts” may not actually provide Urolithin A, and compound supplements are often expensive.

However, there are reliable options. For example, TimeSample’s Urolithin A supplement is made from high – quality raw materials, with each tablet containing 500mg of Urolithin A. Priced reasonably, it offers a multi – dimensional and comprehensive experience, promoting energy metabolism, optimizing nutrient utilization, supporting bone and muscle health, and improving skin condition.

In conclusion, Urolithin A is a powerful compound with a wide range of health benefits. When choosing a Urolithin A supplement, it is important to do thorough research and choose reliable products. As research on Urolithin A continues to progress, we can expect even more exciting discoveries about its potential in the future.

Article Index

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[2] Chen, F., Lu, K., Bai, N., Hao, Y., Wang, H., Zhao, X., & Yue, F. (2024). Oral administration of ellagic acid mitigates perioperative neurocognitive disorders, hippocampal oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in aged mice by restoring IGF-1 signaling. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 2509. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-53127-8

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