A Molecule In Pomegranates Could Fight Aging

The scientists discovered that a molecule in pomegranates, which is transformed by microbes in the gut, could enable muscle cells to protect themselves from aging.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine. It was led by researchers from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The human clinical trials are now in progress, according to Science Daily.

The researchers recognize a molecule that can manage to re-establish the cell's ability to recycle the components of the defective mitochondria, which is called the urolithin A. In aging, the cells increasingly struggle to recycle their powerhouse. The mitochondria are not able to carry out their vital function, which affects the health of many tissues. These include the muscles that weaken over the years.

Patrick Aebischer, the co-author of the study said that it is the only known molecule that can relaunch the mitochondrial clean-up process, which is called mitophagy. He further said that it is a completely natural substance and its effect is powerful and measurable.

The researchers examined the molecule on animals that have more in common with humans. This involved the rodents. The study showed that there was a significant reduction in the number of mitochondria. This indicated a strong cellular recycling process was taking place and the older mice, which were around two years of age, showed 42 percent better endurance while running than equally old mice in the control group.

Likewise, in the nematode C.elegans studies, which are a type of worms, their lifespans increased by more than 45 percent compared with the control group when exposed to the molecule, urolithin A.

Chris Rinsch, the co-author, and CEO of Amazentis explained that precursors to urolithin A are found not only in pomegranates. They can also be found in smaller amounts in many nuts and berries. He further explained that for it to be produced in intestines, the bacteria must be able to break down what humans are eating. When digesting, the substance is produced that is beneficial to humans. Their objective is to follow strict clinical validations so that everyone can benefit from the result of these millions of years of evolution.

The pomegranate or the Punica granatum belongs to a family of Lythraceae and grows between 5 and 8 meters tall. It is typically in season from September to February. It is cultivated in North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Arizona, and California, Caucasus region, tropical Africa, drier parts of Southeast Asia, Indian subcontinent and parts of the Mediterranean Basin.

Pomegranates have antioxidants which include polyphenols like anthocyanin and tannins. The antioxidants can help inhibit and repair DNA damage that can lead to cancer. The juice of pomegranates may improve the blood flow to the heart in people with ischemic coronary heart disease, according to a study. The juice can also slow the prostate cancer growth, according to WebMD.