Research progress of ellagitannin intestinal metabolite urolithins
Ellagitannins is a kind of phenolic compounds with many biological activities.Recent studies have found that the effective ingredients of these compounds have close relationship with their colon-derived bacteria metabolites,that is urolithins.The objective of this study was to review the structure characteristics,types and distribution of urolithins,improvement in diseases related to prostate,breast and colon,as well as anti-cancer,anti-oxidation,anti-inflammation and other biological activities.The present review will lay the foundation for development and utilization of urolithins.