Ursolic Acid: A Potential Ideal Supplement?

Discovered in the waxes of apples around 1920, Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is found in many fruit peels, herbs, and spices such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. It has gained prominence in the cosmetic world due to its ability to rejuvenate skin's collagen structures, enhance skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and mitigate age spots.

While the inception of Ursolic acid is not new, with research dating back to the 1940s, its potential as a bodybuilding supplement is generating considerable interest. The compound is acknowledged for inducing apoptosis in certain cancer cells and its cosmetic advantages, but its prospective benefits in muscle development are drawing attention.

Relevance in Bodybuilding:

A 2011 study marked the beginning of exploring Ursolic acid in bodybuilding supplements by employing a connectivity map to identify anti-catabolic compounds. Among over 1300 compounds, Ursolic acid inhibited genes related to muscle atrophy, showcasing its potential to prevent catabolism, increase muscle mass, modify fat deposits ratio, and reduce overall body fat.

Benefits of Ursolic Acid:

  • Reducing muscle damage markers during resistance training.
  • Decreasing catabolism under stress.
  • Improving metabolic syndrome conditions.
  • Enhancing insulin responsiveness and reducing inflammation.
  • Increasing muscle mass and strength.
  • Boosting non-shivering thermogenesis rates.
  • Augmenting blood irisin levels.
  • Prolonging activity of signaling pathways post-resistance training.
  • Inhibiting the growth of specific cancer cells.

Dosage and Bioavailability:

While human studies are limited, a standard dose of approximately 150mg thrice daily with meals is suggested. However, the primary challenge is its poor bioavailability, with only about 1% of the administered dose being absorbed.

Efforts to improve its bioavailability are underway, exploring solutions like cyclodextrins and nanometer-sized particles, but these remain nonviable for the supplement industry at present. A transdermal form, albeit more expensive and with unverified efficacy, is another potential solution.

Conclusion:

Ursolic acid stands out as a potentially groundbreaking supplement in the realm of bodybuilding and health. It awaits more extensive research and developmental advancements to fully realize its potential and mitigate the challenges associated with its bioavailability.