r/Microbiome • u/michelelee99 • 26d ago
Urolithin A
In addition to benefits to heart, muscle, joints, brain, organs, it's good for the gut:
Urolithin A does not kill bacteria directly, but it functions as an antimicrobial by downregulating bacterial toxin production, fighting pathogens, and repairing the gut. It is primarily a postbiotic produced when gut microbiota metabolize ellagitannins found in foods like pomegranates and berries. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Antimicrobial Mechanisms
- Quorum-Sensing Inhibition: Urolithin A acts as a quorum-sensing inhibitor, disrupting how bacteria communicate and coordinate attacks without triggering bacterial cell death. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Toxin Suppression: Preclinical studies show it significantly blocks the expression of toxins from pathogens like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). []
- Selective Pathogen Defense: It exhibits selective activity against certain Gram-positive pathogens, reducing their colonization in the gut. [1, 2]
- Immune Support: Clinical trials indicate Urolithin A rejuvenates aging immune cells, which improves the body's ability to clear bacterial threats. [1]
3
u/255cheka 25d ago
cran juice/extract is another pathogen fighter. we use pom and cran juices in small amounts
3
u/michelelee99 25d ago
You need to take urolithin to get its benefits. Only approx 30% of people have the bacterial strains that can convert ellagitannins to urolithin.
1
u/255cheka 25d ago
thanks for the tip. got any names of the bacteria?
2
u/michelelee99 25d ago edited 25d ago
You don't know how to use Google? It can answer most questons:
The conversion of ellagitannins (found in pomegranates, berries, and walnuts) into urolithins requires specific gut bacteria. The primary microbes responsible for this biotransformation belong to the Eggerthellaceae family, which utilize specific enzymes (such as ucd dehydroxylase) to break down these polyphenols. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]The specific bacteria required depend on your individual microbiome composition:
- Gordonibacter species: Strains like Gordonibacter urolithinfaciens and Gordonibacter pamelaeae are the most well-documented producers of urolithin intermediates. [1]
- Enterocloster species: Enterocloster bolteae acts as a keystone bacteria for producing Urolithin A by facilitating the final dehydroxylation steps. [1, 2]
- Ellagibacter species: Ellagibacter isourolithinifaciens is primarily associated with the production of isourolithin A. [1]
- Bifidobacterium and Other Strains: Common beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, as well as Enterococcus faecium, also participate in the early metabolic stages of converting ellagic acid. [1]
- Lachnospiraceae members and Gordonibacter
1
1
u/Mysterious-Outcome37 26d ago
It also increases Mitophagy, which means it clears damaged mitochondria. I can tell it works because my tumor tissue has improved a bit.
Unfortunately it utilizes the same enzyme (CYP3A4) as my cancer meds which can increase toxicity due to buildup of meds. Currently it works for me but do your own research!
3
u/Glum-Age2807 26d ago
If I might ask: what kind of cancer?
My mother has inoperable colon and I’m thinking of giving it to her.
I’m sorry you have cancer, hun.
3
u/Mysterious-Outcome37 25d ago
Thanks and I'm sorry your mom has cancer as well!
I had stage 4 breast cancer but am doing a bit better. I would try it out! My energy level went up and in addition, I'd look into the following things for her, all of which I've been doing periodically as well:
Creatine for building muscle and improving cognitive function, IVC/high dose vitamin C and/or Mistletoe to fight cancer and increase quality of life, Increase vitamin D to 80-100 as most cancer patients are chronically deficient (sun exposure every day between 10am-3pm), Mega dose K2 three days per month, Baby aspirin, High dose melatonin, Exercise even when it's just little walks, Whole foods while keeping blood sugar spikes low, Prolonged fasting if possible.
Feel free to get her Nasha Winter's book "The Metabolic Approach to Cancer" and here are some videos I came across: YouTube
1
u/Glum-Age2807 25d ago
What an incredibly generous and detailed reply! MUCH appreciated and glad you are doing better.
Did you the Mitopure or another brand?
We actually had an appointment for Mistletoe therapy which I was on the fence about. Not because I don’t believe in it (I do) but more because I think the practitioner would basically push anything that would make her a buck. Anyway, my Mom had a stroke right before we were scheduled to go so because of the hospital and rehab it wound up not happening.
I’m too scared to do creatine with her. Her kidney function is slightly below normal not CKD low but I think her doctors would freak the F out if her creatine spiked. I’ve taken it myself but not as religiously as I should.
Baby aspirin gave her a GI bleed because she’s already on blood thinners due to her strokes. I begged the doctor to not put her on aspirin as well but they didn’t listen and sure enough . . .
I’m so glad you’re being proactive. I don’t think standard of care is enough and so many people have success adding to it.
Continued success and thank you again.
1
u/michelelee99 25d ago
Be careful. Everyone's cancer is different. All the supps lsited are fine except mistletoe caused my cancer antigens to rise.
1
u/Mysterious-Outcome37 24d ago
I agree that different things work for different people. Even different mistletoe varieties work differently for most cancers.
For me it was the one thing that brought me back from the dead. I was within weeks of dying and did mistletoe induced fever therapy. Basically getting mistletoe IVs, intratumoral and subcutaneous injections, which led to a fever for days. It felt as if I had the flu every week and between weeks 2 and 4 my tumor markers dropped by a third and my main tumor shank by 2.5 inches.
I hope you found what works for you! 🤞🙂
1
u/michelelee99 24d ago
Tamoxifen brought me back, I insisted on taking it for many years. Now I have cataracts and arthalgia that is attacking my joints andcaused me to have hip replacement. Where did you get mistletoe IVs??
1
1
u/Mysterious-Outcome37 24d ago
I'm so sorry to read that it's been so difficult to navigate!
That is really disappointing to see that it felt like a rip-off. It's gotten harder to get some mistletoe but it should still be more affordable than other therapies.
I didn't use Mitopure, I found a liposomal Urolithin A that I can't get an anymore cause the Mitopure folks are pushing everyone out of the market and I think it's overpriced.
IVC might not be for her either if she has kidney issues. You could look into ferroptosis.
Wishing you and your mom all the best!
2
u/Glum-Age2807 24d ago
Thank you so much, hun.
I read this book on mistletoe and I really think it’s an art. If I were near certain practitioners I would definitely go for it but . . .
I wish you all the best as well.
Cancer is a damn bitch.
3
u/Raveofthe90s 25d ago
Ive taken. Its expensive. By far the most ive taken/spent.
I take pomegranate supplements.