What is Ursolic acid?
Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid with many health benefits like:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Anti-apoptotic
- Anti-diabetic
- Cardioprotective
- Neuroprotective
- Etc.
Most commonly it is found in various fruits and vegetables like apples, several types of berries, and much more. However, the abundance in plant-based foods and solubility of Ursolic acid is quite low, ursolic acid powder supplements are highly popular.
Anti-cancer effect of Ursolic acid
Scientific research of Ursolic acid in several examples has shown its positive effects on treating cancer in lab cell tests and in animal model studies as well. Scientists believe that ursolic acid can treat cancer in several metabolic pathways:
1) Inhibition of cancer formation – tumorigenesis and stopping new cell formation – cell proliferation
2) Modulates programmed cell death – apoptosis
3) Promotes cell self-clean-up – autophagy
Indeed, due to several possible pathways, Ursolic acid can be a powerful tool for the treatment of numerous types of cancer. Literature reports examples of beneficial effects in human glioma, breast, bladder, colorectal, liver, and other types of tumors.
Anti-diabetic and weight regulatory effects of Ursolic acid
Triterpenoids have been known for their positive effects on diabetic patients. Scientists report that Ursolic acid benefits insulin sensitivity and improves metabolic processes for energy formation and transfer in cells. That in hand leads to a reduction in body weight and improves body mass index. Tests on lab animals showed that in examples of high-fat diet-induced obesity, Ursolic acid supplements showed reduced body weight due to higher oxidative potential of fatty acids to gain energy. This also suggests that Ursolic acid shows regulatory effects on blood lipid levels. Decrease of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides can prevent the formation of blood clots as well.
Improve cardiovascular health…
As we previously mentioned, Ursolic acid can improve blood lipid levels, reducing the risk of blocking blood vessels. But that is not all. Ursolic acid is associated with lowering the heart rate, reducing the risk of vascular injuries, and benefits to improve cardioprotective enzyme activity that can protect from myocardial ischemia. Moreover, Ursolic acid can also inhibit the proliferation of umbilical vein endothelial cells that in hand could prevent atherosclerosis.
Protection of liver
The modern lifestyle can take a toll on your liver as well. High-fat diets can not only affect your cardiovascular health but your liver as well. As many processes for fat metabolism take place in the liver, many diseases associated with such diets can be treated with Ursolic acid. Admission of Ursolic acid showed reduced levels of biomarkers for liver diseases like aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Some studies also suggest that Ursolic acid can prevent liver cirrhosis in lab-induced liver wounding – fibrosis.
Ursolic acid for body and mind
Interesting scientific research about fitness and general health in humans revealed very positive effects. Ursolic acid supplementation has shown increased exercise capacity and reduced heart rate that could lead to enhanced physical performance. This increase was observed not only for people with various diseases but for healthy people as well.
Research in lab animals showed increased expression of ribosomal proteins which lead to new muscle synthesis and improved peak strength. Also, endurance tests exhibited improvements over time by decreasing fatigue-related parameters (lactate threshold) compared to control groups.
Other aspects of Ursolic acid show its antioxidative properties in neuronal cells by lowering reactive oxygen species. Not only by itself, but Ursolic acid can also increase levels of other antioxidants to protect even more.
Ursolic acid can support your body in so many ways. For you to help this exploration, visit our store.
