Innovative Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Extracts Containing Punicic and Ellagic Acid: Addressing Lower Urinary Tract Disorders.

Abstract

This review highlights the new healing frontiers opened by herbal preparations rich in punicic acid, as well as ellagic acid, in the management of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders (LUTD). New data prove that these bioactive compounds possess strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, and therefore, can be helpful in treating LUTD symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and dysuria. We conducted a comprehensive pharmacological assessment of punicic and ellagic acids aimed at determining their role in bladder health through modulation of inflammatory processes and both alteration and maintenance of urothelium integrity, in addition to obtaining some background information and chemical properties of these acids. Furthermore, we evaluated the findings of clinical and preclinical studies that demonstrated the ability of these formulations to improve the basic functions of the organs in the urinary system and the quality of life of patients. The review also reflects on the use of herbal extracts in combination with current therapies as a synergistic approach, particularly on the healing effects of such combinations and the need for solid clinical evidence to support such claims. This paper focuses on the concept of how LUTDs can be treated safely and effectively without the help of drugs by integrating modern scientific strategies with traditional approaches, which will thus increase the comprehensiveness of treatment in urological care. Future research should focus on improving how well these compounds are absorbed in the body and gathering long-term safety data, with the goal of incorporating them into treatment guidelines.