Researchers report that a metabolite produced by intestinal bacteria may reduce plaque instability and inflammation independent of cholesterol levels.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
New research suggests that the cardiovascular effects associated with pomegranates may depend largely on how gut bacteria process the fruit’s compounds, producing a molecule linked to reduced arterial damage.
The study, conducted by scientists at Cardiff University and published in the journal Antioxidants, examined how polyphenols in pomegranate—particularly punicalagin—are metabolized by the gut microbiome into urolithin A, a compound associated with anti-inflammatory effects and plaque stabilization.
Researchers found that urolithin A reduced the buildup of arterial plaque and limited inflammation in laboratory models, including mice predisposed to atherosclerosis. The compound also appeared to strengthen plaque structure, making it less likely to rupture—a key factor in heart attacks and strokes.
Professor Dipak Ramji, the study’s senior author, said the results point to mechanisms distinct from traditional cholesterol-focused treatments. “What was striking is that these benefits occurred without lowering blood cholesterol levels,” he said. “This suggests urolithin A works by suppressing inflammation and stabilizing plaques, rather than by changing lipid levels.”
The study showed that urolithin A acts by influencing immune cell behavior, reducing cholesterol uptake in these cells and suppressing genes associated with inflammation. In mice fed a high-fat diet over 12 weeks, those given the compound developed smaller plaques with fewer inflammatory cells and increased structural components such as collagen and smooth muscle cells.
Scientists noted that the body does not readily absorb punicalagin directly. Instead, gut microbes break it down into smaller molecules known as urolithins, with urolithin A demonstrating the strongest biological effects in both lab-grown human cells and animal models.
The findings also highlight variability in individual responses. Not all people produce urolithin A efficiently, depending on the composition of their gut microbiome. Researchers said this may help explain inconsistent outcomes observed in prior studies involving pomegranate juice and cardiovascular health.
As a result, direct supplementation with urolithin A is being explored as a potential alternative for individuals whose gut bacteria do not generate the compound naturally. Early-stage human studies are already evaluating its broader effects, including on muscle health.
Beyond the metabolite’s role, pomegranates themselves remain a source of antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Additional reported benefits include support for immune function, joint health, and physical performance, though researchers emphasized that further human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
The study adds to a growing body of research examining how diet interacts with the gut microbiome to influence disease processes. Researchers said the findings underscore the complexity of nutrition-related health outcomes and the importance of considering microbial activity when evaluating the effects of food compounds on the body.
Source: Natural News
Watch this video explaining about how compounds in pomegranate juice have been found to trigger cancer cell death.
This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com.