Natural Postbiotic Compound Shows Promise against Hard-to-Treat Heart Failure
Researchers at King’s College London have discovered that urolithin A, a compound derived from gut bacteria processing pomegranates and berries, may help treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This condition has historically been difficult to treat, but the compound shows promise in improving heart function in mice.
Why it matters
Finding effective treatments for HFpEF could significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for millions of heart failure patients.
Researchers at King’s College London have identified a surprising new therapeutic mechanism for a type of heart failure called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition that affects nearly half of all heart failure patients and has long resisted effective treatment. Their results show that urolithin A — a compound produced when gut bacteria break down substances found in pomegranates, walnuts, and berries — can improve heart function in mice with a condition designed to closely mimic human HFpEF.
Urolithin A is a metabolite compound produced when gut bacteria break down ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which are found in foods like pomegranates, berries, and walnuts. Image credit: Albrecht Fietz.
HFpEF is marked by a stiffened heart that struggles to relax and fill with blood between beats, even though its pumping strength remains normal.
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