Urolithin A CAS 1143-70-0 99% Purity Mitophagy Inducer Powder - NutraBiotech

Urolithin A CAS 1143-70-0
99.5% HPLC Mitophagy Inducer & Ellagitannin-Derived Microbial Metabolite

Name: Urolithin A
Brand: NutraBiotech
SKU: NB-UA-1143-70-0

Urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0) is 3,8-dihydroxybenzo[c]chromen-6-one, a dibenzo-α-pyrone produced in the colon when gut bacteria convert ellagitannins such as punicalagin and ellagic acid. Molecular formula C13H8O4, MW 228.20. Supplied as an off-white to pale yellow powder at 99.5% purity by HPLC-DAD, with identity confirmed by LC-ESI-MS (m/z 229.0 [M+H]+) and 400 MHz 1H NMR. Batch-specific COA and full chromatograms are published on this page.

Ellagitannin Metabolite Gut Microbiota Mitophagy Dibenzo-α-pyrone 3,8-Dihydroxy Autophagy Flux Mitochondrial QC Synthetic, 99.5%

Request a Quote Technical Specs

228.20

MW (C13H8O4)

99.5%

HPLC purity

229.0

m/z [M+H]+

Molecular Information

Name: Urolithin A
CAS: 1143-70-0
Formula: C13H8O4
MW: 228.20 g/mol
IUPAC: 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one
Class: Dibenzo-α-pyrone (urolithin)
Precursor: Ellagic acid / punicalagin
InChIKey: RIUPLDUFZCXCHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID: 5488186
Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow powder
Solubility: DMSO ~45-50 mg/mL; water insoluble
Purity: 99.5% (HPLC-DAD)
Storage: -20 C, protect from light

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CAS Number

1143-70-0

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Molecular Weight

228.20

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Compound Class

Urolithin

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Purity (HPLC)

99.5%

Product Technical Specifications

Complete physicochemical properties and QC parameters for Urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0), the ellagitannin-derived mitophagy inducer

📋 Physicochemical Properties

Product NameUrolithin A
IUPAC Name3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one
CAS Number1143-70-0
Synonyms3,8-Dihydroxyurolithin; 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one
Molecular FormulaC13H8O4
Molecular Weight228.20 g/mol
InChIKeyRIUPLDUFZCXCHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID5488186
SourceSynthetic; identical to the microbiota-derived metabolite
AppearanceOff-white to pale yellow powder
Water SolubilityInsoluble
Organic SolubilityDMSO ~45-50 mg/mL; sparingly soluble in ethanol
Compound ClassDibenzo-α-pyrone / urolithin
HS Code2932.20 (lactones)

🔬 Quality Control & Handling

Purity (HPLC-DAD)99.5% (label claim)
Identity (MS)LC-ESI-MS, m/z 229.0 [M+H]+
Identity (NMR)1H NMR 400 MHz, DMSO-d6
Chromatographic PuritySingle peak, 100.00 area% at 214 nm and 254 nm
Primary ActivityMitophagy induction; autophagic flux
Reported Pathway NodesAutophagy machinery, AMPK, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, AhR, Nrf2
Storage Condition-20 C, sealed, protect from light and moisture
Solution StabilityAliquot DMSO stocks; avoid repeated freeze-thaw
ShippingAmbient or blue ice, depending on destination
QC DocumentationCOA / HPLC / LC-MS / 1H NMR / SDS
Pack Sizes100 mg / 1 g / 10 g / 100 g / 1 kg / 10 kg
Stock StatusIn Stock
Use StatementFor Research Use Only; not for human or veterinary use

Physical Form, Pack Presentation and Handling

Urolithin A is supplied as a milled, off-white to pale yellow powder in a heat-sealed, nitrogen-flushed aluminium pouch

Urolithin A CAS 1143-70-0 powder, 500 g net weight, in a sealed aluminium pouch with batch label showing 99.5% purity — **Urolithin A, 500 g net weight.** The pouch is photographed as shipped, with the batch label carrying product name, CAS 1143-70-0, lot purity (99.5% by HPLC), net weight and the research-use statement. The colour and particle appearance are typical for the released grade.

📦 Pack Presentation & Handling

Physical FormOff-white to pale yellow powder
Particle CharacterMilled, free-flowing; no agglomerates
Net Weight Shown500 g (packs 100 mg to 10 kg)
Primary PackagingHeat-sealed aluminium pouch, nitrogen-flushed
Secondary PackagingRigid carton, desiccant, tamper seal
Label DataName, CAS, lot, purity, net weight, storage
Moisture ControlEquilibrate sealed pouch to room temperature before opening
Sub-AliquotingDivide dry, purge headspace with argon or nitrogen
Light SensitivityProtect from light; keep in the original pouch
HandlingAvoid dust generation; local exhaust and PPE per SDS
Retest PeriodAs stated on the COA; -20 C, desiccated

Batch Analytical Data: HPLC, LC-MS and 1H NMR

Three orthogonal techniques are run on every batch of Urolithin A. The chromatograms and spectra reproduced below are the original instrument reports for the released lot, so purity and identity can be reviewed before a COA is requested.

1H NMR spectrum of Urolithin A at 400 MHz in DMSO-d6 showing aromatic and phenolic proton signals between 10.40 and 7.32 ppm — **Proton NMR spectrum.** Seven resolved signal groups are observed between delta 10.40 and 7.32 ppm, with the residual solvent signal of DMSO-d5 at 2.504 ppm and normalised integrals of 1.36 : 1.00 : 1.04 : 1.00 : 1.02 : 0.99 : 1.06. The pattern accounts for the two phenolic hydroxyls and six aromatic protons of C13H8O4; no signals attributable to ellagic acid or to the methylated urolithins appear above the integration threshold.Bruker 400 MHz · SF 400.13 MHz · PROTON DMSO · acquired 08 Jun 2021

HPLC-DAD chromatogram of Urolithin A at 214 nm and 254 nm with a single peak at 6.796 minutes integrating to 100 area percent — **Purity by HPLC-DAD.** A single symmetric peak at 6.796 min (width 0.29 min, height 1457.41 mAU at 214 nm) integrates to 100.00 area% on both the 214 nm and 254 nm channels, with no impurity peak above the integration threshold. Method file 20-80_20min_HPLC.amx.Agilent · DAD1A 214 nm / DAD1B 254 nm · RT 6.796 min · 15 Jun 2021

LC-MS chromatograms of Urolithin A showing DAD traces at 254 and 214 nm and the total ion current with a single peak at 3.48 minutes — **LC-MS chromatograms.** Two diode-array channels (254.4 nm and 214.4 nm) and the MSD1 total-ion trace are plotted for the same injection (2 µL, sample C-197). The main peak elutes at 3.48 min on 254 nm and 3.49 min on 214 nm, with the TIC apex at 3.63 min; each channel integrates to 100.00 area%. Fragmentor 70 V, method TEST KR POS-A.M.ES-API positive · inj. 2 µL · Frag 70 V · 28 Jun 2021

Positive-mode electrospray mass spectrum of Urolithin A with base peak at m/z 229.0 and fragment ion at m/z 201.0 — **Mass spectrum at RT 3.63 min.** The base peak at m/z 229.0 corresponds to [M+H]+ of C13H8O4 (calculated 229.05); the fragment at m/z 201.0 arises from the loss of CO (28 Da), and a minor signal is present at m/z 249.0. No ion consistent with ellagic acid (m/z 303.0) is detected across the 1200 m/z scan range.m/z 229.0 [M+H]+ · 201.0 [M+H-CO]+ · scan to 1200 m/z

Summary of Released-Batch Results

Test	Method	Result
Appearance	Visual	Off-white to pale yellow powder; no visible foreign matter
Identity — molecular ion	LC-ESI-MS, positive, scan to 1200 m/z	m/z 229.0 [M+H]+, calc. 229.05; fragment m/z 201.0
Identity — proton environment	1H NMR, 400 MHz, DMSO-d6	Signal set consistent with C13H8O4
Purity — 214 nm	HPLC-DAD	100.00 area%, RT 6.796 min
Purity — 254 nm	HPLC-DAD	100.00 area%, RT 6.8 min
Purity — label claim	HPLC-DAD, area normalisation	99.5%
Impurity profile	HPLC-DAD, 214 / 254 nm	No peak above the integration threshold
Retention time	HPLC, 20-80_20min_HPLC.amx	6.796 min (width 0.29 min)

Sample identifiers as printed on the instrument reports: HPLC A-5213 · LC-MS C-197 · NMR acquired 2021-06-08. Signed COA, SDS and the original report PDFs are issued with every shipment and can be supplied before ordering on request.

Key Molecular Targets and Pathway Nodes

Urolithin A is not a receptor-selective ligand. Its reported activity sits in mitochondrial quality control and in the transcriptional and inflammatory pathways that respond to mitochondrial damage.

🧬 Mitophagy 🔁 Autophagosome–lysosome flux 🧪 LC3-I to LC3-II conversion 🧬 PINK1 / Parkin axis ⚡ AMPK signalling 🎯 PI3K–Akt–mTOR axis 🧪 AhR (reported ligand) 🔋 Mitochondrial membrane potential 🧬 mtDNA copy number ❄ Nrf2 / KEAP1 pathway 🔥 NLRP3 inflammasome 🦠 Gut urolithin metabotypes

How Urolithin A Works: Mitophagy Induction and Mitochondrial Quality Control

Urolithin A is the most extensively characterised member of the urolithin family in research-grade mitophagy inducer studies, and the reference aglycone against which other mitophagy tools are benchmarked

Microbial Precursor Metabolism Defines the Urolithin Pool

Ellagitannins such as punicalagin are hydrolysed to ellagic acid in the gut, and colonic bacteria — Gordonibacter and Ellagibacter species among them — lactone-ring-open and dehydroxylate it through urolithin M5 to urolithin A. Inter-individual differences in this conversion define the A, B and 0 metabotypes. Supplying the purified aglycone removes that microbial step, which is why in vitro work uses the free phenol rather than an ellagitannin extract.

Mitophagy Induction and Autophagic Flux

In cell and invertebrate models urolithin A increases LC3 lipidation and autophagosome formation and accelerates clearance of damaged mitochondria, measured with mito-Keima or mito-QC reporters and by mtDNA normalisation. The response has been reported to proceed without obligate PINK1/Parkin recruitment in several systems, and it is not the consequence of protonophore uncoupling: urolithin A does not dissipate the membrane potential the way CCCP or FCCP do, so the signal reflects selective cargo recruitment rather than global depolarisation.

Downstream Readouts of Mitochondrial Quality Control

Restored mitochondrial content is followed by changes in respiratory capacity, lower mitochondrial superoxide, and altered transcription of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. AMPK activation and PI3K–Akt–mTOR modulation have both been described, and urolithin A is reported to bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor — a second, autophagy-independent route that complicates interpretation of reporter assays and should be controlled for.

⚖ Urolithin A vs Other Mitophagy Tools

Urolithin A (this product)Microbiota-derived metabolite; mitophagy induction at low micromolar; cell-permeable aglycone; no uncoupling
RapamycinmTORC1 inhibitor; broad autophagy induction; not mitophagy-selective
CCCP / FCCPProtonophore uncouplers; acute membrane-potential collapse; cytotoxic on prolonged exposure
ActinoninMitochondrial ribosome inhibitor; stress-driven mitophagy
Elamipretide (SS-31)Cardiolipin-binding tetrapeptide; inner-membrane stabilisation rather than cargo clearance
Starvation (EBSS)Nutrient deprivation; non-selective and poorly quantifiable

♻ Reported Downstream Readouts

Autophagy markersLC3-II, p62/SQSTM1, ATG5/ATG7 dependence
Mitophagy reportersmito-Keima, mito-QC, Parkin recruitment
Mitochondrial contentmtDNA/nDNA ratio, Tom20, VDAC
BioenergeticsBasal and maximal OCR, ATP-linked respiration
RedoxMitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX), Nrf2 target genes
InflammationNLRP3, IL-1beta, NF-kB reporter activity

Research Applications and Model Systems

From mitophagy reporter assays to gut-metabolite pharmacology, urolithin A is used wherever mitochondrial turnover has to be moved on purpose

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Mitophagy and Autophagic Flux Assays

The standard positive control for mito-Keima, mito-QC and tandem LC3 reporters. Pair with bafilomycin A1 or chloroquine to separate induction of flux from blockade of lysosomal degradation.

mito-Keima / LC3

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Mitochondrial Quality Control and Bioenergetics

Used in Seahorse assays to follow basal, ATP-linked and maximal respiration after a mitophagy challenge, and in mtDNA/nDNA ratio studies of mitochondrial content.

OCR / mtDNA

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Gut Microbial Metabolite Pharmacology

A defined standard for urolithin metabotyping: quantifying aglycone and glucuronide levels in faecal, plasma and urinary matrices, and calibrating LC-MS/MS methods across the A, B and 0 phenotypes.

Metabotypes A/B/0

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Inflammasome and NF-kB Signalling

Mitochondrial damage is an NLRP3 trigger; urolithin A is used to test whether restored clearance blunts IL-1beta release and NF-kB reporter activity in macrophage and epithelial models.

NLRP3 / NF-kB

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Oxidative Stress and Nrf2 Biology

Studied as a microbiota-derived Nrf2 pathway activator in intestinal epithelial models, where barrier integrity and tight-junction protein expression are the measured endpoints.

Nrf2 / KEAP1

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Analytical and Formulation Development

A 99.5% crystalline reference for HPLC method development, forced-degradation studies, solubility and permeability screening, and stability-indicating assay validation.

Reference standard

Key Literature and Landmark Publications

The primary sources behind the mitophagy, metabolite and barrier claims made on this page

Ryu D, Mouchiroud L, Andreux PA, et al. Nat Med. 2016;22(8):879-888. First report that urolithin A induces mitophagy and remodels the mitochondrial network in C. elegans and rodent models — the study that made the aglycone a standard mitophagy tool.

doi: 10.1038/nm.4132

Andreux PA, Blanco-Bose W, Ryu D, et al. Nat Metab. 2019;1(6):595-603. First human pharmacokinetic and biomarker study of orally administered urolithin A — the reference for plasma exposure and phase-II metabolite handling.

doi: 10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4

Cerdá B, Periago P, Espín JC, Tomás-Barberán FA. Identification of urolithin A as a metabolite produced by human colon microflora from ellagic acid and related compounds. J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53(14):5571-5576.

Microbial origin of the urolithin pool

Espín JC, Larrosa M, García-Conesa MT, Tomás-Barberán F. Biological significance of urolithins, the gut microbial ellagic acid-derived metabolites: the evidence so far. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:270418.

Review of urolithin pharmacology

Singh R, Chandrashekharappa S, Bodduluri SR, et al. Enhancement of the gut barrier integrity by a microbial metabolite through the Nrf2 pathway. Nat Commun. 2019;10:89.

Urolithin A, Nrf2 and epithelial barrier

Method reference: reversed-phase gradient HPLC with diode-array detection at 214 and 254 nm, and positive-mode electrospray LC-MS confirmation of [M+H]+ at m/z 229.0 — the analytical basis of the batch data published above.

In-house validated method

Regulatory Status, Origin and Intellectual Property

What urolithin A is legally, where the material comes from, and what the purchase of a research quantity does and does not convey

⚖ Regulatory and Research-Use Status

Regulatory StatusNot approved as a drug, food additive, dietary supplement or cosmetic ingredient in any jurisdiction
FDA / EMANo marketing authorisation; no clinical, IND or IMP supply provided
Permitted UseLaboratory research by qualified institutions, in vitro and non-clinical in vivo
Prohibited UseHuman or veterinary administration; diagnostic, therapeutic, food or cosmetic use
Catalogue PlacementResearch chemicals
DocumentationCOA, SDS, certificate of origin, allergen and GMO statements
TransportNot classified as dangerous goods in the supplied form
Use StatementFor Research Use Only

🏭 Origin, IP and Batch Traceability

OriginSynthetic; chemically identical to the microbiota-derived metabolite
Starting MaterialPetrochemical-derived benzopyranone intermediate
Animal-Derived InputsNone used in the final synthetic steps
IP PositionComposition, production and mitophagy-related use patents held by third parties in the US, EU, CN and JP
LicenceNo licence, express or implied, is conveyed by the sale of research material
Freedom to OperateResponsibility of the purchaser for the intended use
Batch TraceabilityLot number, release date and retest date on label and COA
Country of OriginAs declared on the certificate of origin

Available Sizes and Ordering

Research-grade urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0) at 99.5% HPLC purity, from a 100 mg evaluation quantity to 10 kg scale-up, each pack with the batch COA

Tier	Pack Size	Stock Status	Suitable For	Lead Time
Research	100 mg	In Stock	Method development, identity checks, pilot assays	2-3 business days
Standard	1 g	In Stock	Mitophagy and autophagy flux assays, concentration-response studies	2-3 business days
Scale-up	10 g	In Stock	Repeated cell studies, in vivo work, metabotyping	3-5 business days
Pilot	100 g	Made to order	Formulation trials, stability and forced degradation	Quote to confirm
Commercial	1 kg	Made to order	Process development, CRO and CMO supply	Quote to confirm
Industrial	10 kg	Made to order	Multi-batch programmes, long-term supply agreements	Batch scheduling

💡 Pack sizes shown for reference; exact pricing depends on grade, quantity and destination — see the urolithin A 99% powder pricing page or request a quote. Shipping terms are listed under shipping and delivery. Every pack is labelled For Research Use Only and ships with its batch COA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is urolithin A and where does it come from?

Urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0) is 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one, formula C13H8O4, MW 228.20. It is a dibenzo-alpha-pyrone that appears in the colon when gut bacteria (Gordonibacter and Ellagibacter species) convert ellagitannins such as punicalagin and ellagic acid, which is why it is classed as a microbial metabolite rather than a plant compound. The material supplied here is synthetic and chemically identical to that metabolite, so it does not depend on a fermentation or extraction route.

How is the purity of this urolithin A batch verified?

Three orthogonal methods are used and the original reports are published above: HPLC-DAD gives a single peak at 6.796 min integrating to 100.00 area% at both 214 nm and 254 nm against a 99.5% label claim; positive-mode LC-ESI-MS shows the [M+H]+ ion at m/z 229.0 (calculated 229.05) with the m/z 201.0 CO-loss fragment; and 400 MHz 1H NMR in DMSO-d6 reproduces the expected phenolic and aromatic proton set with no signals from ellagic acid or other urolithins.

What purity and pack sizes are available?

The standard grade is 99.5% by HPLC-DAD, supplied as an off-white to pale yellow powder in six pack sizes: 100 mg, 1 g, 10 g, 100 g, 1 kg and 10 kg. The 100 mg to 10 g packs ship from stock, while 100 g and above are made to order against the same specification. Current pricing for the 99% grade is listed on the urolithin A price page, and bulk quantities are quoted individually.

How should urolithin A be dissolved and stored?

The aglycone is insoluble in water and dissolves in DMSO at roughly 45-50 mg/mL; prepare a concentrated stock, aliquot it, and dilute into aqueous buffer or medium so that the final DMSO does not exceed 0.1% v/v in cell assays. Store the solid at -20 C, sealed and protected from light and moisture, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw of stocks. Equilibrate the pouch to room temperature before opening to limit condensation.

How does urolithin A differ from urolithin B?

Urolithin B lacks the 3-hydroxyl of urolithin A, which changes both its physicochemical behaviour and its reported pharmacology: urolithin A is the better-characterised mitophagy inducer, while urolithin B is studied mainly as an NF-kB and AMPK pathway modulator. The two are compared side by side in our urolithin A vs urolithin B comparison, and the B grade is documented in the urolithin B 99% HPLC monograph.

Is urolithin A approved for human use?

No. Urolithin A is not approved as a drug, food additive, dietary supplement or cosmetic ingredient in any jurisdiction, and NutraBiotech supplies it strictly as a laboratory research chemical. It must not be administered to humans or animals, and it is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, food or cosmetic use. Documentation and handling guidance are summarised on our FAQ page.

Need Urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0) for Your Mitophagy Research?

Research-grade urolithin A — 99.5% by HPLC, identity confirmed by LC-MS and 400 MHz 1H NMR, COA with every pack
From a 100 mg evaluation sample to 10 kg scale-up, shipped worldwide from stock batches

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For Research Use Only. Urolithin A (CAS 1143-70-0) is supplied as a laboratory research chemical and is not for human or veterinary use, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use, and not for food, drug or cosmetic applications. Nothing on this page constitutes a claim of efficacy or safety in humans; the literature cited reports preclinical work and early clinical research carried out by third parties. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA or the EMA. Handle only in accordance with the SDS and the safety procedures of your institution.

Urolithin A CAS 1143-70-0 | 99% HPLC Bulk Powder Supplier