Compound with anti-aging effects passes human trial

Urolithin A, a metabolite of biomolecules found in pomegranates and other fruits, could help slow certain aging processes. EPFL spin-off Amazentis, in conjunction with EPFL and the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, has published a paper Metabolism outlining the results of their clinical trial. It is a fact of life that skeletal muscles begin to lose strength and mass once a person reaches the age of 50. A recent clinical trial involving two EPFL entities - spin-off Amazentis and the Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology (LISP) - showed that urolithin A, a compound derived from biomolecules found in fruits such as pomegranates, could slow down this process by improving the functioning of mitochondria - the cells' powerhouses. A joint paper presenting the results of the trial also demonstrates that ingesting the compound poses no risk to human health. Slowing mitochondrial aging The claim that healthy eating is the key to longer life might seem too convenient - but it is now further backed by scientific evidence. Pomegranate, a fruit prized by many civilizations for its health benefits, contains ellagitannins.