Ursolic Acid (Pentacyclic Triterpenoid · Apple Peel Extract · Muscle & Anti-Inflammatory)
| CAS No. | 77-52-1 |
| Class | Lipid · Pentacyclic Triterpenoid · Ursane-type Triterpenoid |
| Source | Malus domestica (Apple) — fruit peel; Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum basilicum (Holy Basil / Basil) — leaves; also rosemary, thyme, lavender (many Lamiaceae herbs) |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Buy from Herbuno | Ursolic Acid 90% — Ocimum → · Ursolic Acid 98% — Apple → |
Apple peel and herbs of the mint family (Lamiaceae) — including holy basil, rosemary, thyme, and sage — have featured in traditional medicine systems across Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and European herbalism for millennia. In Ayurveda, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, tulsi) is considered a sacred adaptogenic plant. Ursolic acid's emergence as a commercially significant nutraceutical came from a landmark 2011 study by Kunkel et al. in Cell Metabolism, demonstrating that ursolic acid protected against muscle atrophy and enhanced muscle mass in rodent models by stimulating IGF-1 and insulin signalling in muscle tissue.
Ursolic Acid for Muscle Preservation, Anti-Inflammation & Metabolic Health — Evidence
Muscle preservation and growth: The Kunkel et al. 2011 study demonstrated that dietary ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle mass and reduced muscle atrophy in mice via IGF-1 and insulin signalling pathways. Human pilot studies at 450mg per day documented improvements in muscle mass, strength, and reductions in markers of muscle atrophy. Claim strength: Emerging–Moderate (strong preclinical; limited but promising human data).
Anti-inflammatory activity: Ursolic acid inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS — key mediators of the inflammatory cascade. Multiple preclinical studies document significant anti-inflammatory effects. Claim strength: Moderate.
Metabolic health: The Kunkel study also noted reductions in obesity, glucose intolerance, and hyperlipidaemia via PPAR-α activation and brown adipose tissue induction. Claim strength: Emerging.
Ursolic Acid 90% Ocimum Extract — Buy Bulk →
Ursolic Acid 98% Apple Extract — Buy Bulk →
Ursolic Acid Dosage, Grade Selection & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose: 450mg per day of ursolic acid in human pilot studies. At 90% purity (Ocimum extract), 450mg requires 500mg of extract. At 98% purity (apple extract), approximately 460mg. Both grades are comfortably encapsulatable in 1–2 standard capsules.
90% vs 98% grade: The 90% grade from Ocimum sanctum carries Ayurvedic positioning value. The 98% grade from apple peel is the highest purity available for applications requiring maximum ursolic acid concentration. Source botanical should be declared on the finished product label.
Bioavailability: Ursolic acid is poorly water-soluble. Bioavailability is improved with lipid co-ingestion or lipid-based delivery (softgel, phytosome).
Pairs with: HMB (complementary muscle preservation mechanism), leucine (mTOR activation synergy), ashwagandha (adaptogen + muscle support stack), curcumin (combined anti-inflammatory formulation).
Frequently Asked Questions — Ursolic Acid
What is the evidence for ursolic acid in muscle building?
The Kunkel et al. 2011 Cell Metabolism study showed ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle mass and prevented atrophy in mice via IGF-1 and insulin signalling. Human pilot studies at 450mg per day show improvements in lean muscle mass and strength markers. Evidence is promising but still emerging.
What is the difference between the 90% Ocimum and 98% Malus extract?
The 90% grade is from holy basil/tulsi — suitable for Ayurvedic, adaptogen, and traditional herb positioning. The 98% grade is from apple peel — maximum ursolic acid purity for highest active concentration per serving. Source botanical should be declared on the label.
Is ursolic acid the same as oleanolic acid?
Related but distinct pentacyclic triterpenoids differing in E-ring methyl arrangement. Oleanolic acid is more commonly positioned for liver health; ursolic acid for muscle preservation and anti-inflammatory applications.
Does ursolic acid work without exercise?
The mechanistic evidence supports benefit without exercise, but IGF-1 and insulin signalling pathways are amplified by resistance training. Most effective in individuals engaged in regular strength training.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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