Ancient Iranian Fruit Shows Promise for Treating Heart Failure

Researchers are exploring the potential of an ancient Iranian fruit, the pomegranate, to aid in the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions worldwide.

A compound found in pomegranates, known as urolithin A, has demonstrated the ability to improve heart function in laboratory studies. This postbiotic, produced when gut bacteria digest compounds found in foods like pomegranates, walnuts, and berries, is a subject of interest for its anti-aging properties. However, only about 40% of the population can efficiently produce it.

A study conducted by researchers at King's College London investigated urolithin A's role in treating HFpEF, a condition where the heart pumps blood effectively but struggles to relax and fill properly. In both animal models and engineered human heart tissue, the compound significantly enhanced heart muscle relaxation, reduced scarring, and limited harmful enlargement of the heart.

HFpEF is challenging to treat due to contributing factors like aging, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The research suggests that urolithin A may work by activating a protein called PKGlα, which promotes the relaxation of blood vessels and heart muscle.

In animal studies, urolithin A treatment led to improvements in heart function measures of up to 80%. Similar positive effects were observed in engineered human heart tissue, suggesting potential translatability to human patients.

While further clinical trials in humans are necessary to confirm these findings, the results present a promising avenue for developing new treatments for HFpEF. This condition affects approximately 3 million people in the U.S. and 32 million globally. Current treatment options are limited, and traditional heart failure therapies are often ineffective for HFpEF, leading to a focus on managing underlying conditions and lifestyle changes.

Senior study author Dr. Joseph Burgoyne noted that the findings "raise the possibility that dietary approaches that enhance urolithin A production may help alleviate this condition." While direct consumption of pomegranates alone is not yet proven to cure heart failure, incorporating them into a balanced diet may contribute to better heart health.