Urolithin A is a natural product, a metabolite of ellagic acid, which inhibits DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis and autophagy. Urolithin A exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

METHODS: Human colorectal cancer cells SW620 were treated with Urolithin A (0-30 µM) for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay.
RESULTS: A dose-dependent decrease in proliferation was observed in Urolithin A-treated cells. [1]
METHODS: Human colorectal cancer cells HT29, SW480 and SW620 were treated with Urolithin A (20-100 µM) for 48 h, and the expression levels of target proteins were detected by Western Blot.
RESULTS: Treatment of CRC cells with different concentrations of Urolithin A resulted in a significant increase in Cyclin B1 and CDK6, suggesting a strong cell cycle accumulation in G2/M phase. [2]

METHODS: To investigate the effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD), Urolithin A (300 mg/kg, 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose) was administered orally once daily for 14 days to APP/PS1 mouse models.
RESULTS: Urolithin A ameliorated cognitive deficits, prevented neuronal apoptosis, and enhanced neurogenesis in APP/PS1 mice.Urolithin A attenuated Aβ deposition and periplaque microglia and astrocyte hyperplasia in the cortex and hippocampus. Urolithin A affects key cell signaling pathways, particularly by enhancing brain AMPK activation, decreasing activation of P65NF-κB and P38MAPK, and inhibiting degradation of Bace1 and APP. [3]