English Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-11-25 Origin: Site
Ursolic acid is a natural compound found in many plants,such as apples and rosemary.As a supplement, ursolic acid has many purported benefits, including weight loss and muscle building. Does science support these claims? Read on to find out.
Ursolic acid is a natural compound found in a variety of plants, such as rosemary and apples.It is said to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.Ursolic acid belongs to a class of compounds called triterpenes,which occur naturally in plants and animals.Triterpenes have a variety of biological effects that sometimes make them candidates for pharmaceutical research.
Proponents 
May help reduce body fat.
May help build muscle.
May help treat diabetes.
May reduce inflammation.
May have anticancer potential.
Skeptic.
Insufficiently studied in humans.
Long-term safety unknown.
Malabsorption by the body.
May interact with medications.
Various plants, fruits and flowers contain ursolic acid in varying amounts.Certain parts of the plant (such as leaves, bark, and fruit peels) sometimes contain more ursolic acid.
Some sources of ursolic acid include:
Apple peel
Marjoram leaves
Rosemary leaves
Oregano leaves
Sage leaves
Thyme leaves
Lavender leaves and flowers
Hawthorn leaves and flowers
Eucalyptus leaves and bark
Coffee leaves
According to research,ursolic acid may have multiple effects in the body.A key mechanism is ursolic acid's ability to block cell signaling pathways.By blocking certain pathways,such as MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ursolic acid may alter the way cells grow and replicate.Ursolic acid may also be able to inhibit certain transcription factors and enzymes.For example, some studies have shown that ursolic acid blocks COX-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation, and NF-κB, a transcription factor that plays an important role in the immune response.Some other potential mechanisms include increased gene expression in bone cells, possible antimicrobial properties,and increased activity of the important glucose transporter GLUT4 in vivo.
Purported Health Benefits of Ursolic Acid
The following purported benefits of ursolic acid are supported by only limited, low-quality clinical research.There isn't enough evidence to support the use of ursolic acid for any of the uses listed below.Remember to consult your doctor before taking ursolic acid supplements.Ursolic acid should never be used as a substitute for approved drug therapies.
Build muscle
Preliminary studies in young adult men found that ursolic acid might increase muscle strength and reduce laboratory markers indicative of muscle damage.
Lose weight
According to a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 24 patients, ursolic acid may help reduce weight, BMI, and waist circumference .
Diabetes
The aforementioned clinical trial of 24 patients also found that ursolic acid might improve fasting blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.
Cancer research
Ursolic acid has not been proven to treat or prevent cancer.The potential effects of ursolic acid on cancer have only been studied in animals and cells.It's important to note that many substances have anticancer effects in cells,including downright toxic chemicals like bleach.That doesn't mean they have any medical value.Conversely, most substances (natural or synthetic) studied in cancer cells fail further animal studies or clinical trials due to lack of safety or efficacy.
