Natural compound from pomegranate leaves disrupts disease-causing amyloid
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking study from Kumamoto University reveals that a natural compound found in pomegranate leaves and branches has the ability to directly break down harmful protein aggregates associated with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening disease affecting the nerves and heart. This discovery offers hope for treating conditions caused by misfolded proteins, which are implicated in various degenerative diseases.
Transthyretin amyloidosis occurs when TTR proteins aggregate and accumulate in tissues, leading to damage in organs such as the heart and peripheral nerves. The research team identified a compound called GUT-005 isolated from pomegranate leaves that effectively disrupts these protein aggregates. By targeting the root cause of the disease—protein misfolding and aggregation—the compound shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent.
The study highlights how natural compounds derived from plants can offer innovative solutions in medicine. The mechanism by which GUT-005 works involves binding to TTR proteins, preventing them from forming harmful aggregates while also promoting the breakdown of existing ones. This approach could be particularly valuable for diseases where protein aggregation plays a key role, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
The discovery not only advances our understanding of amyloid-related diseases but also underscores the importance of exploring natural sources for potential drug development. By targeting the underlying cause of TTR amyloidosis, this research opens new avenues for treating not only this condition but other protein misfolding disorders as well.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026