| abstract |
The invention provides compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof, wherein: A, B, C, D, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification, and at least one of A, B, C, D, W, X, Y and Z is OR 1 ; each R 1 being independently H or C(=O)R 2 , and at least one R 1 group being C(=O)R 2 ; where each R 2 is selected from: CHR 3 NHR 4 , where R 4 is H and R 3 is a group selected from CH 3 , CH 2 CH(CH 3 ) 2 , CH(CH 3 )CH 2 CH 3 , CH 2 Ph, CH 2 -3-(1H-indole), CH 2 CH 2 SCH 3 , CH 2 OH, CHOHCH 3 , CH 2 SH, CH 2 SeH and CH 2 Ph p OH, wherein said R 3 group can optionally be substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, OR A or C 1- C 4 alkyl; or R 3 and R 4 together with the C and N atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered heteroalkyl ring, wherein said heteroalkyl ring can optionally be substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, OR A or C 1- C 3 alkyl, wherein R A is C 1- C 4 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen, cyano or nitro groups. The compounds are effective pro-drugs for urolithins and they enable the ready delivery of urolithins to the site in the digestive tract where they can be absorbed into the body. |