Uracil (DNA chemical base U) plays a crucial role in the storage and transmission of genetic information within the human body. It is one of five nitrogenous bases that attach to nucleotides found within cells. A nucleotide is made up of a five carbon sugar, pentose sugar, with a phosphate group and base attached.
Nucleotides are the building blocks for two important nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The other four bases are adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine. Uracil pairs with adenine to form RNA along with the paired cytosine and guanine.
Uracil’s antimicrobial properties
Uracil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Studies have shown that it has the ability to inhibit certain RNA viruses, such as influenza and the coxsackievirus.
Uracil and cancer
Uracil is used medicinally, in combination with other drugs, to treat various cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancer. It functions by inhibiting DNA synthesis, which slows the multiplication of cancer cells.
Uracil and intestinal health
Uracil can also be used to strengthen the intestinal barrier and immune system, which can help prevent bacterial translocation. This is the passage of live bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bloodstream, and lymph nodes. This can be due to intestinal bacterial overgrowth, intestinal obstruction, increased permeability of the intestinal wall and weakened immune defences.
Uracil, drugs and carcinogens
Uracil is involved in the body’s process of detoxifying drugs like THC and morphine, as well as certain carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.
Uracil is a breakdown product of uridine, which is present in various foods. The body can produce its own uridine, but it can also be obtained from the diet.
Natural sources of uracil and uridine in alphabetical order
- Brewer’s yeast
- Broccoli
- Chlorella
- Goat’s milk and cheese
- Mushrooms
- Oily fish
- Organ meats
- Peanuts
- Sheep’s milk and cheese
- Shellfish
- Sugar beets
- Tomatoes
- Walnuts
- Wheat germ
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Cancer
- Colds coughs and influenza
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Immune system disorders
- Intestinal disorders
- Virus infections
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