King's College London study finds pomegranate compound may improve heart function

Researchers at King's College London have identified a natural compound, Urolithin A, which may improve heart function. The compound is produced by gut bacteria after the consumption of pomegranate.

In studies involving mice with heart stiffness and failure, the administration of Urolithin A improved certain heart function indicators by up to 80%. The compound appeared to reduce cardiac scarring and improve the heart's ability to relax between beats. Experiments conducted on lab-grown human heart tissue derived from stem cells also showed improved contraction and relaxation capabilities. Researchers believe this effect is linked to the activation of the PKGIα protein, which regulates blood pressure and cardiac relaxation.

Despite these promising results, scientists cautioned that pomegranate should not be viewed as a treatment for heart failure. The findings are based on animal models and lab-grown tissues, and clinical trials on human patients have not yet been conducted. The British Heart Foundation emphasized that a balanced diet remains a primary method for supporting cardiovascular health.