Urolithin A Explained: Specifications, Uses and Industry Insights

Urolithin A (UA)​ is a dibenzopyranone metabolite produced when specific gut bacteria metabolize ellagitannins and ellagic acid—polyphenols abundant in pomegranate, walnuts, raspberries, and oak-aged wine. Unlike its dietary precursors, UA is a small lipophilic molecule (~228 Da) that is directly absorbable, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is the only known orally bioavailable compound proven to induce mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy)​ in humans—the selective clearance of damaged mitochondria to rejuvenate cellular energy production.

Because ~30–40% of adults ("non-producers") lack the required Gordonibacterspp. to convert pomegranate ellagitannins into Urolithin A, direct supplementation of purified Urolithin A has become the preferred route for consistent efficacy.

Technical Specifications (Bulk Powder)

Parameter	Detail
INCI / Common Name​	Urolithin A / 尿石素A
IUPAC Name​	3,8-Dihydroxy-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one
CAS No.​	1143-70-0
Molecular Formula​	C₁₃H₈O₄
Molecular Weight​	228.20 g/mol
Appearance​	White to pale yellow / beige crystalline powder
Purity (Grade)​	≥98.0% (HPLC); pharma-grade ≥99% available
Solubility​	Sparingly soluble in water; soluble in DMSO, ethanol, methanol; formulated with cyclodextrin/lipid for oral use
Loss on Drying​	≤1.0% (Karl Fischer)
Heavy Metals​	Pb ≤2 ppm, As ≤1 ppm, Cd ≤1 ppm, Hg ≤0.1 ppm
Microbiology​	TPC ≤1,000 cfu/g; Yeast/Mold ≤100 cfu/g; E.coli/Salmonella/Staph Negative
Storage​	Sealed, protected from light, 2–8°C (refrigerated); stable 24 months
Pack Size​	1 kg / 5 kg foil bag; 25 kg fiber drum

 

Mechanism of Action — Why It Matters

Urolithin A exerts its primary effect by activating PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy​ and upregulating BNIP3/NIX receptors, clearing dysfunctional mitochondria that accumulate with age. Secondary mechanisms include:

Nrf2 activation​ → enhanced endogenous antioxidant defense, ↓ ROS (~31%)

NF-κB suppression​ → reduced chronic "inflamm-aging" cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP)

AMPK/SIRT1 modulation​ → improved metabolic homeostasis

Animal models show 20–45% lifespan extension in C. elegansand improved grip strength/running capacity in aged mice. In humans, it is the only small molecule clinically shown to restore mitochondrial respiratory capacity in skeletal muscle after 4 months of supplementation.

 

Applications & Clinical Evidence

Dietary Supplements / Healthy Aging

Muscle strength & endurance: RCT (n=88, ages 40–64) — 500 mg/d × 4 mo → 12% ↑ muscle strength, improved 6-min walk distance, ↑ mitochondrial biomarkers

General anti-aging / cellular health: 250–500 mg/d supported by multiple pilot trials

Sports Nutrition

Pre-/post-workout formulas targeting recovery, reduced lactate, and sustained mitochondrial output. Often paired with CoQ10, PQQ, or NAD⁺ precursors.

Cosmeceuticals (Topical)

0.5–1.0% UA in cream/serum → ↑ Type I/III collagen, ↓ wrinkle depth (~27% in 14 d), protection vs. UVB photoaging

Functional Foods & Beverages

Protein shakes, meal replacements, nutrition bars (GRAS-approved in US).

Note: UA is not​ a treatment for any disease. Clinical data are strongest for healthy-aging and age-related muscle decline in adults 40+. It does not replace exercise or a healthy diet.

Dosage & Safety

Use Case	Typical Daily Dose	Notes
General healthy aging / mitophagy support	250–500 mg	Take with food (fat improves absorption)
Muscle endurance / athletic performance	500–1,000 mg	Divided dosing sometimes used
Short-term loading (under supervision)	Up to 2,000 mg	Limited data; not routine

Safety: Generally well tolerated in RCTs up to 1,000 mg/d for 4 months. Mild GI upset (bloating, nausea) possible at higher doses. No serious AEs reported.

Contraindications: Pregnant/lactating (insufficient data), children. Consult physician if on anticoagulants or with chronic illness.

Regulatory:

USA — FDA GRAS​ (GRN No. 791), 250–1,000 mg/serving allowed in supplements & foods

EU — Novel Food application pending (some member states allow import under existing frameworks)

AU — Listed with TGA for NHP use

CN — Used in imported finished products; cosmetic filing approved for anti-aging skincare

 

Manufacturing & Sourcing Insight

Two primary routes dominate commercial supply:

Method	Description	Pros	Cons
Total Chemical Synthesis​	Multi-step from resorcinol + 2-bromo-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, recrystallized	Batch-to-batch consistency, ≥99% purity, allergen-free, scalable, lower cost at scale	Requires solvent control (residual solvent COA essential)
Microbial Fermentation / Bioconversion​	Engineered microbes convert ellagic acid → UA in bioreactor	"Natural" claim, clean-label friendly	Yield variability, higher unit cost, trace allergen risk if pomegranate-derived substrate

Procurement Tip: For dietary supplement use, specify ≥98% HPLC purity, residual solvent < ICH limits, heavy metal compliance, and third-party COA. Fermentation-sourced may suit "natural/organic" branding; synthesis-sourced is preferred for pharma-grade consistency and cost efficiency at volume.

China dominates bulk manufacturing capacity with both synthesis and fermentation platforms; US/EU brands typically source from audited Asian GMP facilities and finish in local softgel/capsule plants.

The global Urolithin A market was valued at ~$58M (2024), projected to reach $130M+ by 2030, with dietary supplements >75% of volume​ and cosmeceuticals the fastest-growing segment.

Summary

Urolithin A is a postbiotic metabolite and the first clinically validated mitophagy inducer​ available as a supplement ingredient. Key takeaways for formulators and buyers:

Spec: ≥98% HPLC, CAS 1143-70-0, C₁₃H₈O₄, MW 228.2

Use: Anti-aging capsules (250–500 mg), sports nutrition (500 mg), topical anti-wrinkle (0.5–1%)

Evidence: Human RCTs confirm improved muscle endurance & mitochondrial biomarkers in middle-aged adults

Source: Prefer GMP-certified synthesis or fermentation with full COA (solvent, HM, micro)

Not a cure; avoid in pregnancy; GRAS in US, Novel Food in EU

Contact our team at info@newgoldherb.com or visit newgoldherb.com to explore how our Urolithin A​​ supplier services can enhance your product portfolio and accelerate market success.