Ursolic Acid

What Is Ursolic Acid?

Ursolic acid is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound commonly found in the waxy coating of fruits like apples, as well as in herbs such as rosemary and thyme. It has the CAS number 77-52-1, with the molecular formula C30H48O3 and a molecular weight of 456.70 g/mol. Ursolic acid typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, methanol, and chloroform. It has a melting point range of around 283–285°C and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Due to its bioactive potential, ursolic acid is widely used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals aimed at supporting metabolic health, skin health, and muscle function.

Common Sources

Ursolic acid powder is primarily extracted from the peels, leaves, and stems of various medicinal plants and fruits. The most common raw materials used for its production include:

• Apple peels: One of the richest and most commercially viable sources. Apple skins contain significant amounts of ursolic acid, especially in certain cultivars.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): A popular herb that contains ursolic acid in its leaves and is often used as a botanical source due to its consistent yield.
• Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris): These herbs are also utilized for extraction due to their notable triterpenoid content.
• Loquat leaves (Eriobotrya japonica): Widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and known for high ursolic acid concentrations.
• Cranberry, elderflower, prunes, and lavender: Used less commonly but still considered valuable sources.

These raw botanical materials are harvested, dried, and ground before undergoing solvent extraction (commonly using ethanol or methanol), followed by filtration, concentration, and purification steps, such as column chromatography or crystallization, to isolate the ursolic acid in high purity (often ≥98%).

Because ursolic acid exists in the waxy cuticle layer of many plants, extraction techniques are designed to target these surface triterpenoids efficiently. Advanced methods such as supercritical CO₂ extraction are also employed to ensure cleaner, solvent-free concentrates suitable for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

In summary, ursolic acid is produced from natural plant-based raw materials, most notably apple peels and rosemary leaves, using environmentally safe and industry-standard extraction techniques. Its plant origin makes it a popular ingredient in vegan, botanical, and clean-label formulations across the supplement, cosmetic, and functional food industries.

What Does Ursolic Acid Do?

Ursolic acid functions as a multifaceted bioactive compound with diverse physiological effects through several molecular pathways. This pentacyclic triterpenoid modulates key cellular processes by inhibiting various signal transduction enzymes, particularly protein tyrosine phosphatases and protein kinases, which regulate cell growth and differentiation. In muscle tissue, ursolic acid powder stimulates insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) signalling pathways, promoting protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy while reducing muscle atrophy genes.

For researchers searching for ursolic acid near me, it’s noteworthy that this compound inhibits the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor, thereby reducing expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Additionally, ursolic acid enhances glucose uptake in muscle cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and enhancing GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane.

The compound’s lipid-modulating effects involve inhibition of pancreatic lipase and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARS), contributing to improved lipid metabolism. These mechanisms explain why consumers researching where to buy ursolic acid for metabolic health applications find scientific support for its potential benefits. In specialized tissues, bulk ursolic acid demonstrates hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms, including enhancement of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

How to Produce Ursolic Acid Powder?

1. Initial Raw Material Processing: The production of ursolic acid begins with carefully selected botanical sources, typically including apple peels, rosemary leaves, loquat leaves, or holy basil. These raw materials undergo rigorous quality testing, including species verification, bioactive compound profiling, and contaminant screening. For manufacturers seeking to produce bulk ursolic acid, plant materials must meet strict specifications for triterpenoid content before entering the production stream to ensure optimal yield in the final product.
2. Extraction Preparation: The crucial extraction phase processes the botanical material under carefully controlled conditions. Manufacturing the highest quality ursolic acid powder requires precise selection of extraction solvents (typically ethanol, methanol, or acetone), temperature parameters, and extraction duration to ensure optimal recovery of the target compound. These parameters significantly influence the extract’s composition and the efficiency of subsequent purification steps.
3. Initial Purification: The development of premium ursolic acid depends heavily on the initial purification phase. This step involves meticulously controlled liquid-liquid partitioning using solvents of increasing polarity to separate ursolic acid from other plant components. The process significantly influences the intermediate product’s purity profile and reduces the complexity of subsequent purification steps.
4. Chromatographic Purification: The crude ursolic acid extract undergoes multiple advanced purification steps, including column chromatography, typically using silica gel or reversed-phase media. These steps ensure the removal of structurally similar triterpenes and other unwanted compounds. Careful control of chromatographic conditions helps achieve high-purity material for those exploring where to buy ursolic acid for research applications.
5. Final Processing: The final stages for consumers searching for ursolic acid near me involve crystallization, drying, and sizing operations to achieve target specifications. This phase requires careful control to maintain proper crystal structure while ensuring proper physical characteristics, including dissolution rate and flow properties. Recrystallization from appropriate solvent systems is commonly employed to achieve pharmaceutical-grade purity levels exceeding 95%.
6. Quality Control: Quality assurance throughout production involves comprehensive testing at multiple stages. This includes HPLC analysis for purity verification, melting point determination, and spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR) for structural confirmation. Additional testing monitors residual solvent levels, heavy metal content, and microbial limits. The final bulk ursolic acid undergoes stability testing to ensure maintained quality throughout its intended shelf life.

Specification Sheet Reference

Ursolic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

• Ursolic acid offers numerous evidence-based health advantages supported by scientific research across multiple physiological systems. In muscle metabolism, studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Food demonstrate that ursolic acid powder supplementation significantly increases skeletal muscle mass and strength through IGF-1 pathway activation, with research showing 10-15% increases in muscle fibre diameter and protein synthesis rates. For consumers researching ursolic acid near me, compelling evidence from the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry reveals its ability to enhance fat metabolism, with clinical trials documenting 7-9% reductions in body fat percentage when combined with resistance training protocols.
• Metabolic benefits have been well-documented in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, where supplementation with ursolic acid improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance by approximately 15-22% in subjects with insulin resistance. This makes the compound particularly valuable for those exploring where to buy ursolic acid for metabolic health applications. Hepatoprotective effects have been demonstrated in multiple studies, with research in Food and Chemical Toxicology showing significant reductions in liver inflammation markers and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in hepatic tissue.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of bulk ursolic acid have been verified in studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, documenting substantial reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α (18-25%) and IL-6 (20-30%) across various experimental models. Dermatological applications show promise as well, with research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science confirming improved collagen synthesis, reduced matrix metalloproteinase activity, and enhanced skin barrier function when applied topically. These diverse therapeutic applications continue to expand as ongoing research further elucidates the mechanisms behind this multifaceted triterpenoid compound.

Side Effects & Safety

Ursolic Acid is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when used in appropriate amounts. It is a naturally occurring compound found in apple peels, rosemary leaves, basil, and other common plants—meaning small amounts are already consumed in the typical diet. Below is a detailed look at its safety profile:

Current research and historical usage suggest that ursolic acid has a favorable safety and tolerance profile. Animal studies and early-stage human trials have not shown significant toxicity at moderate doses (e.g., 10–150 mg/day). Additionally, ursolic acid has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine (such as in loquat leaf formulas) without reports of serious adverse effects.

Potential Side Effects (at High Doses or Long-Term Use)

While generally safe, higher doses (e.g., above 500 mg/day) or long-term use may carry some risks, including:

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea
• Possible liver or kidney strain (rare; typically seen in high-dose animal studies)
• Interactions with liver enzymes, which could affect how certain medications are metabolized

Is Ursolic Acid FDA Approval?

• United States (FDA): Allowed as a dietary supplement ingredient.
• European Union (EFSA): Not restricted, approved in supplements.
• Canada (Health Canada): Permitted in natural health products.
• Australia (TGA): Allowed in complementary medicines under guidelines.

What Is Ursolic Acid Used For?

• Weight Management: Assists in fat reduction and muscle preservation.
• Muscle Growth: May stimulate muscle hypertrophy and recovery.
• Anti-Ageing: Used in skincare products for firming and antioxidant effects.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in metabolic and immune disorders.
• Cancer Research: Investigated for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Ursolic Acid Dosage Recommendation

Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in apple peels, rosemary, and other herbs, is known for its anti-inflammatory, muscle-preserving, and metabolic health benefits. A typical supplemental dosage ranges from 150 to 300 mg per day, with 250 mg being a standard mid-range dose used in studies to support muscle growth, reduce body fat, and improve insulin sensitivity.

At this level, ursolic acid may stimulate muscle protein synthesis and inhibit muscle atrophy, making it particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals with age-related muscle loss. It also exhibits antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties, which contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic support. While generally safe at recommended doses, higher intakes may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort, so gradual introduction is advisable.

How to Store Ursolic Acid Powder?

Ursolic acid should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a calm, dry environment away from light and moisture. To preserve its potency, avoid exposing it to air and heat. Proper storage conditions ensure long shelf life and optimal effectiveness.

Ursolic Acid vs Oleanolic Acid

Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid represent closely related pentacyclic triterpene compounds with similar molecular structures but demonstrate subtle differences in biological activity and natural distribution. Both compounds feature a C-30 triterpene backbone with a carboxylic acid group at C-28, differing primarily in the positioning of methyl groups on ring E Ursolic acid (3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) has 29-CH₃ in the β-orientation.

In contrast, oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxy-olea-12-en-28-oic acid) features the 29-CH₃ group in the α-orientation. This minor structural variation creates distinct three-dimensional configurations that influence receptor binding and enzyme interactions, potentially explaining their different potencies across various biological activities. Both compounds appear widely distributed in the plant kingdom, though often with varying concentrations in specific botanical sources—ursolic acid typically predominating in apple peels, rosemary, and certain Lamiaceae family plants. In contrast, oleanolic acid occurs abundantly in olive leaves, jujube, and various Oleaceae family plants.

Research examining these triterpenes’ biological activities reveals overlapping and distinct properties. Both compounds demonstrate hepatoprotective effects through similar mechanisms, including activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and induction of phase II detoxification enzymes. However, ursolic acid potentially has more potent effects on skeletal muscle metabolism and protein synthesis through Akt/mtor pathway modulation, generating greater interest in sports nutrition and body composition applications.

Oleanolic acid, conversely, demonstrates somewhat stronger anti-inflammatory activity in specific models through more potent inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 signalling pathways. Both compounds show promising research regarding metabolic health, including glucose metabolism and lipid regulation, though with subtle differences in potency and specific mechanisms that continue to emerge through ongoing research.

These compounds’ commercial applications and extraction methodologies reflect their similarities and differences. Both triterpenes present challenges in commercial extraction due to relatively low water solubility and similar physicochemical properties that complicate selective isolation from plant materials containing both compounds. Advanced purification techniques, including multiple-stage chromatography, are typically required to achieve high-purity isolates of either compound.

From a product development perspective, ursolic acid has gained more attention in sports nutrition and muscle preservation applications. In contrast, oleanolic acid sees greater utilisation in hepatoprotective and general anti-inflammatory formulations. The regulatory status remains similar for both compounds, generally categorised as bioactive ingredients rather than nutrients or approved drugs in most regions. However, both continue to attract research interest for potential pharmaceutical development targeting specific disease applications beyond dietary supplement use.

Conclusion

Ursolic Acid is a potent, naturally occurring compound that offers a wide range of health benefits, making it a valuable addition to modern wellness and fitness regimens. Known for its ability to support muscle growth, fat loss, and metabolic function, it is especially favoured by individuals aiming to enhance physical performance and body composition. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties further contribute to its appeal in supporting long-term health and wellness.

As a botanical extract with growing scientific interest, it is increasingly used in sports nutrition, weight management, and anti-ageing supplements. However, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before beginning supplementation to ensure safe and effective use, particularly if they are managing existing health conditions or taking medications.

Where To Buy Ursolic Acid Powder Globally?

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