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A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that urolithin A, a compound found in pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts, can improve memory and treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. While initial research in mouse models showed that urolithin A effectively removes damaged mitochondria from the brain, human clinical trials are forthcoming.
Natural ingredients such as pomegranate, strawberry and walnut improve memory and healing Alzheimer’s disease, concludes a new study by the University of Copenhagen.
Forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, and confusion about time and place are all common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that a simple fruit can help.
“Our research on mouse models with AD shows that urolithin A, a naturally occurring substance in ia pomegranate, prevents memory problems and other consequences of dementia,” said Wilhelm Bohr, associate professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Medicine at the University of Copenhagen and previously Chair of the Department at the US National Institute on Aging.
This is good news for patients with dementia – a disease that is difficult to treat.
Although the research was conducted on mouse models, the odds are positive. So far, research has shown good results for the substance in the muscles and clinical trials in humans are planned.
Substance improves brain function
The researchers previously discovered that a specific molecule called nicotinamide riboside (NAD complement) plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s because it actively helps remove damaged mitochondria from the brain.
“Many patients with neurodegenerative diseases experience mitochondrial dysfunction, also known as mitophagy. This means that the brain has trouble removing weak mitochondria, which causes them to accumulate and affect brain function. If you can stimulate the mitophagy process, you will see very positive results by removing weak mitochondria,” explains Wilhelm Bohr.
The results of the new study show that urolithin A, a substance found in pomegranates, removes weak mitochondria from the brain just like NAD supplements.
Possible protective effect
The researchers still don’t know how much urolithin A is needed to improve memory and relieve Alzheimer’s symptoms.
We still can’t say anything about its size. But I think it will be more than a pomegranate a day. However, the substance is already available in tablet form and we are currently trying to find the right amount,” says Wilhelm Bohr.
He also hopes that this substance can be used for preventive purposes without any side effects.
“The advantage of working with a natural substance is the reduction of side effects. So far, several studies have shown that there are no serious side effects of NAD supplementation. Our knowledge about urolithin A is very limited, but as I mentioned, clinical trials with urolithin A have been effective in muscle disease and “Now we have to look at Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
He added: “If we want to eat something in the future to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which we talk about a lot, we need to make sure there are no significant side effects.”
Reference: “Urolithin A improves Alzheimer’s disease cognition and restores mitophagy and lysosomal functions” by Yujun Hu, Xixia Chu, Jae-Hyeon Park, Qing Zhu, Mansoor Hussain, Zhiquan Li, Helena Borland Madsen, Beimeng Yang, Yong Wei, Yue Wang Evandro F. .Fang, Deborah L. Croteau and Wilhelm A. Bohr, 16 May 2024; Alzheimer’s and dementia.
DOI: 10.1002/alz.13847