Description
Overview of Urolithin B
Urolithin B is a gut microbial metabolite of ellagitannins and ellagic acid. It is found in diverse plant foods, including pomegranates, berries, walnuts, and tropical fruits, and is chemically classified as a member of the coumarin structural class.
Researchers study Urolithin B primarily because it sits alongside its structural relative, Urolithin A, as a product of gut microbial ellagitannin metabolism.
Researchers believe that Urolithin B might be a useful compound to study protein degradation pathways, NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling, and monoamine oxidase enzyme activity in experimental models.
Urolithin B is intended strictly for laboratory research purposes and is not approved for human or animal consumption.
Proposed Mechanism of Action of Urolithin B
Research studies have identified Urolithin B as a compound that inhibits NF-κB activity by reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα.
Investigations on preclinical models have shown that Urolithin B may reduce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Notably, research models have also reported that Urolithin B can display both antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity depending on the specific assay system and experimental conditions used.
Chemical & Molecular Properties
| Property | Description |
| Common Name | Urolithin B |
| Synonyms | 3-Hydroxy Urolithin; 3-Hydroxy-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one; NSC 94726 |
| Chemical Classification | Coumarin-class metabolite (benzo[c]chromenone derivative) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₃H₈O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 212.20 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1139-83-9 |
| PubChem CID | 5380406 |
| MDL Number | MFCD00034338 |
| InChIKey | WXUQMTRHPNOXBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Appearance | White to beige powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO (5 mg/mL, clear when warmed) |
| Storage Stability | Store sealed at 2–8°C |
| Analytical Characterization | HPLC, NMR spectroscopy |
Potential Research Applications of Urolithin B
Researchers investigate Urolithin B under controlled laboratory conditions for the following research applications. Though more extensive study is required.
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Protein Degradation Research Studies
Used to study NF-κB/IκBα-mediated pathways relevant to skeletal muscle mass regulation in preclinical research models.
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Neuroinflammation and Microglial Activation Research
Investigated for effects on iNOS, COX-2, and cytokine expression in activated in research models.
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Monoamine Oxidase Enzyme Inhibition Research
Studied for inhibitory activity against recombinant human MAO-A enzyme in enzymatic assay systems.
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Comparative Urolithin Structure-Activity Research
Used alongside Urolithin A and related analogs in comparative studies examining structural determinants of antioxidant, estrogenic, and metabolic activity.
Why Researchers Source Urolithin B Powder from Purerawz?
Purerawz supplies Urolithin B exclusively for laboratory research and analytical applications. Available product documentation may include batch-specific information, certificates of analysis (CoAs), and analytical characterization data to assist researchers in evaluating material identity and quality for experimental use.
As with all research materials, investigators should independently review the available specifications and supporting documentation to determine whether the material is appropriate for their intended laboratory protocols and research objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Urolithin B differ from Urolithin A in research focus?
Urolithin A research is centered primarily on mitophagy and mitochondrial quality control, while Urolithin B's research profile centers more on NF-κB-mediated protein degradation pathways, skeletal muscle regulation, and monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibition, despite both compounds sharing the same ellagitannin metabolic origin.
Why is Urolithin B studied for both antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity?
Research indicates that Urolithin B's redox behavior can shift depending on the specific assay system and experimental conditions used, which is why researchers characterize its activity as context-dependent rather than fixed in one direction.
What is the significance of Urolithin B's effect on IκBα in muscle-related research?
By reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, Urolithin B has been studied for its potential role in modulating NF-κB signaling, a pathway linked in research models to skeletal muscle protein degradation.
Is Urolithin B naturally present in food, or only produced through metabolism?
Urolithin B is not present in foods directly; it is formed through gut microbial metabolism of ellagitannins and ellagic acid found in foods such as pomegranates, walnuts, and berries.
Reference Links
Lee, E.-J., Kim, H.-S., Park, J.-S., Ahn, J.-H., & Lee, G. (2019). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of urolithin B in activated microglia. Phytomedicine, 55, 50–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.06.032
Gao, H., Liu, S., Zhao, Z., et al. (2020). Urolithin B improves cardiac function and reduces susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in rats after myocardial infarction. European Journal of Pharmacology, 871, Article 172936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172936
Singh, R., Chandrashekharappa, S., & Vemuri, K. (2020). Microbial metabolite urolithin B inhibits recombinant human monoamine oxidase A enzyme. Metabolites, 10(6), 258. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo10060258
Fallah, A., Havasi, F., & Bagheri, H. (2020). Urolithin A and B derivatives as ON-OFF selective fluorescent sensors for iron(III). Journal of Fluorescence, 30, 113–120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-019-02461-1
Hassanein, E. H. M., Sayed, A. M., Hussein, O. E., & Mahmoud, A. M. (2020). Coumarins as modulators of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, Article 1675957. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1675957
Disclaimer:
The products sold by Purerawz are intended solely for laboratory and research purposes. They are not FDA-approved for human or animal consumption, and Purerawz does not sell these compounds for use in humans or animals. All compounds are strictly for use by qualified researchers in controlled, non-clinical laboratory environments in compliance with applicable regulations.
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