It is well established that plant polyphenols, such as ellagitannins found in some fruits and nuts such as the pomegranate, strawberry, black and red raspberry, almonds and walnuts, have a wide range of biological properties including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic activity. What is less understood is the absorption and metabolism of ellagitannins in humans and the biological activities of ellagitannin metabolites. Establishment of the molecules responsible for the biological effects of the parent plant polyphenols is required in order to produce the most potent ingredient for human benefit.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have discovered a use of ellagitannin metabolites in the treatment of chronic human diseases. Human studies consisting of careful measurements of several ellagitannin metabolites revealed a persistence of urolithins for 48 hours after consumption of pomegranate juice. Furthermore, in vitro studies testing the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic activity of these metabolites against several human cancer cell lines indicate the metabolites, urolithins A and B, as having the greatest anticancer potential.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Treatment of various types of human cancers
• Neutraceutical uses for anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and other benefits similar to pomegranate consumption

ADVANTAGES

• Can be administered directly to provide biological endpoints that would require large concentrations of the original food source

DEVELOPMENT TO DATE: In vitro testing on cancer cell lines and pharmacokinetic studies in humans have been completed.

Selected Paper

• Pomegranate ellagitannin-derived metabolites inhibit prostate cancer growth and localize to the mouse prostate gland. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Sep 19;55(19):7732-7 (more)
• Pomegranate juice ellagitannin metabolites are present in human plasma and some persist in urine for up to 48 hours. J Nutr. 2006 Oct;136(10):2481-5. (more)

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2006-389

PCT Application: WO/07/127263