Pomegranates could hold key to fountain of youth pill

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

Pomegranates could hold the key to a 'fountain of youth' pill, according to new research.

The humble fruit contains an extract that protects against frailty in old age.

A study found over 65s given the supplement performed better in physical endurance tests.

Known as urolithin A, it is also found in berries and nuts. It boosts mitochondria, the power stations of cells - increasing muscle strength.

Lead author Professor David Marcinek, of the University of Washington, Seattle, said: "This is relevant both to people with chronic diseases and people who want to be more active later in life."

The compound is available in pill and powder form from health food stores.

It is a byproduct of gut bacteria and plant chemicals in pomegranates, berries and nuts.

People produce urolithin A at variable rates as diet, age, genetics and disease affect the makeup of their microbiome.

Normally, mitochondria run down with age, making them less effective or even toxic - leading to muscle weakening and frailty.

But chemicals in pomegranates are turned into a compound called urolithin A, by the bugs that live in the gut.

The urolithin A then helps the body recycle these drained battery packs, recharging cells and holding aging at bay.

Experiments have found it stimulates 'mitophagy' - a phenomenon Prof Marcinek describes as "mitochondrial quality control."

He explained: "Mitochondria are like batteries that power the cells in your body. But over time they break down.

"The process of mitophagy recognizes this failure and proactively tears down the mitochondria, reducing it to elemental components a cell can reuse.

"But with aging, mitophagy becomes less efficient and your body accumulates this pool of failing mitochondria. It is one way muscles become less functional as we age."

In the study, 66 participants were randomized to receive 1,000 milligrams of urolithin daily for four months or a placebo.

At the outset, they had average or poor levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which mitochondria produce to help cells function.

The supplement group's fitness and ATP production would improve if the supplement improved mitophagy.

Indeed, muscle contractions during exercises involving the hand and leg increased - supporting the idea.

Distance covered during a six-minute walk also improved markedly - although this was also seen in the placebo group.

Prof Marcinek said: "Even though we did not observe an effect of the supplement in whole body function - via six-minute measure and ATP production - these results are still exciting.

"They demonstrate 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.

Prof Marcinek said: "I think these changes suggest the treatment affects the metabolic condition of people.

"Even though it didn't affect the maximum ATP production, it improved test subjects' general metabolism."

The supplements could have the potential to benefit people who cannot get the exercise they want due to poor muscle health or disease.

Added Prof Marcinek: "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 in JAMA Network Open was funded by Swiss-based Amazentis which manufactures the supplement used in the trial.

Previous research has found worms given urolithin A live almost 50 percent longer.

Elderly mice were able to run 42 percent further after just six weeks of treatment.

Pomegranates have already been hailed as a 'superfood.' They lower blood pressure and strengthen bones.

One of the world's oldest fruits, the pomegranate has been a symbol of fertility, death and eternity.

Some believe the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was a pomegranate rather than an apple.