Compound produced after eating pomegranates targets stiff-heart failure pathway, early tests suggest
A compound produced in the body after eating pomegranates improves heart function by up to 80% in a type of heart failure with limited treatment options.
A compound called urolithin A, produced in the body after consuming certain fruits and berries, has been found to improve heart function in a type of heart failure that currently has limited treatment options. The compound activates a protein called PKGlα, which enhances the heart's ability to relax and reduces scarring and enlargement of the heart muscle.
Animal models treated with urolithin A showed an improvement in heart function by up to 80% compared to untreated animals. Researchers at King's College London conducted the study, which has been published in Science Advances. While promising, more research is needed to determine if urolithin A can effectively treat heart failure in humans.
In the meantime, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is still recommended to promote overall heart health.
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