Pomegranate extracts could unlock the key to youth: Study

A substance in pomegranates could play a
vital role in anti-ageing treatment as it strengthens muscles and mitochondrial
health, a study by the University of Washington claimed. The researchers said
fruit contains an extract called urolithin A, which they said protect
against frailty during old age.

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The research found that adults taking
urolithin A supplements performed better in physical endurance tests. The
metabolite compound is also found in pomegranates. It boosts the mitochondria –
the power stations of cells – and also shows an ability to increase muscle
strength.

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“This is relevant both to people with
chronic diseases and people who want to be more active later in life,” says
lead author Professor David Marcinek in a university release.

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The study undertaken by the University of
Washington was participated by 66 adults. They either have received 1,000
milligrams of urolithin daily for four months or a placebo. This led to the
improvement of the level of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which mitochondria
produce to help the cells function.

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Due to this muscle contractions during
exercises involving the hand and leg did indeed increase which proved that
urolithin A can turn back the ageing clock. The distance people covered during
a six-minute walk also improved significantly, but participants in the placebo
group saw improvements as well.

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“Even though we did not observe an effect
of the supplement in whole body function,” Marcinek notes, “these results are
still exciting because they demonstrate that just taking a supplement for a
short duration actually improved muscle endurance. Fatigue resistance got
better in the absence of exercise.”

Blood tests also showed urolithin A reduced
chemicals linked to metabolic disorders involving mitochondria.

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Regular
consumption of pomegranates extracts improve metabolism

“I think these changes suggest that the
treatment affects the metabolic condition of people. Even though it didn’t
affect the maximum ATP production, it improved test subjects’ general
metabolism,” Professor Marcinek says.

The supplements could benefit people who
cannot do exercise due to poor muscle health or disease.

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“Just getting them over that point where
exercise is possible – a walk around the block or climbing some stairs – might
help a person build their own health,” the study author concludes.

Previous research has found worms consuming
urolithin A live almost 50 per cent longer. Elderly mice were also able to run
42 per cent further after just six weeks of treatment. Pomegranates already
have a reputation of being a “superfood.” The fruit lowers blood pressure and
strengthens bones.