ursolic

Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, also called 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, with molecular formula C30H48O3 and molecular weight about 456.7 g/mol. It is widely found in plants as a secondary metabolite.

It is present in apple peels, cranberries, prunes, and in many herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme. It is typically found in the waxy cuticle and in essential oils; content varies by species, cultivar, and growing conditions. It is extracted from plant materials by solvent methods for research and supplement production.

In preclinical studies ursolic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities; proposed mechanisms include modulation of NF-κB signaling, activation of AMPK, and inhibition of lipogenesis; most evidence comes from in vitro and animal models.

Clinically, data are limited. Some small human studies have investigated metabolic effects or muscle mass, but results are inconclusive. Ursolic acid is used mainly as a dietary supplement and is studied as a lead compound for drug development; it is not approved as a therapeutic agent. Safety data in humans are limited; high-dose use may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and interactions with drugs; long-term safety remains under investigation.