Ursolic Acid

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Ursolic Acid is a molecule found in apple peels, and in the Ayurveda herb known as Holy Basil. No human interventions exist right now, but ursolic acid appears to be a promising body recomposition agent; able to increase muscle mass and decrease fat mass. May be anti-fertility, however.

    Ursolic Acid is most often used for Fat Loss. The Examine Database covers Muscle Size & Strength, Weight Loss & Maintenance, and 1 other condition.

    16 participants in 1 trial

    Summary

    Ursolic acid is a phytochemical found in a wide variety of plants but most well known for being in apple peels.

    Although the science is preliminary, it seems to be able to reduce fat accumulation and increase muscle mass gain when in a fed state, and to induce fat burning and preserve muscle mass when in a fasted state.

    What are other names for Ursolic Acid?

    Note that Ursolic Acid is also known as:

    • Apple peel extract

    Ursolic Acid should not be confused with:

    • Usnic Acid

    Dosage information

    Animal studies have found benefits with ursolic acid in the diet at 0.05-0.2% of the diet, which is around 10-40mg/kg (based on their weight and food intake) and the estimated human dose equivalent to this is 1.6-6.4mg/kg bodyweight; for a 150lb adult it would be the range of 110-440mg.

    The lone human study used the higher end of this range, 150mg three times a day with meals totalling 450mg each day, and found some biological acitivty. Until further research arises, thrice daily dosing of 150mg with meals is recommended.

    Examine Database: Ursolic Acid

    Research Breakdown

    Examine Database References

    1. IGF-1 - Bang HS, Seo DY, Chung YM, Oh KM, Park JJ, Arturo F, Jeong SH, Kim N, Han JUrsolic Acid-induced elevation of serum irisin augments muscle strength during resistance training in menKorean J Physiol Pharmacol.(2014 Oct)