Gut compound from pomegranates could help treat bowel disease
A study in Nature Communications shows a gut‑bacterial metabolite derived from pomegranates and berries strengthens the intestinal lining and calms inflammation. The molecule, called urolithin A, triggers the Nrf2 pathway, which drives cells to produce more tight‑junction proteins that seal the gut wall. In mice with colitis, the effect persisted in the study. Both natural urolithin A and the synthetic analogue UAS03 lessened gut damage and reduced symptoms. The researchers wrote, "Microbial metabolites provide two‑pronged beneficial activities at gut epithelium."
A food‑derived compound that repairs the gut lining could eventually help people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, offering an approach beyond inflammation suppression.
Source: Enhancement of the gut barrier integrity by a microbial metabolite through the Nrf2 pathway - Nature Communications (nature.com).
Written by the HappyGood desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Every story links its source. Corrections: [email protected].
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