Ursolic acid:Actions,Commonly Known Benefit and Research.
Article Content:
- .Basic Chemical Info.
- .Basic Introduction and Botanical Info.
- .Actions and Chemistry of Ursolic Acid.
- .Commonly Known Benefit of Ursolic Acid.
- .Pentacyclic Triterpenes (PCTs) as Inhibitors of Inflammation.
- .Safety and Toxicity for Ursolic Acid.
- .Administration and Dosage.
- .Research Update of Ursolic acid.
Basic Introduction and Botanical Info.
Ursolic acid, also known as urson, prunol, micromerol, and malol, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound which naturally occurs in a large number of vegetarian foods, medicinal herbs, and other plants. For a long time, it was considered to be pharmacologically inactive. Thus, ursolic acid and its alkali salts (e.g. potassium or sodium ursolates) were exclusively used as emulsifying agents in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food preparations. However, upon closer examination, ursolic acid was found to be medicinally active both topically and internally1. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor (skin cancer), and antimicrobial properties make it useful in cosmetic applications.
Definition: ursolic acid:(biochemistry) C30H48O3 A pentacyclic terpene that crystallizes from absolute alcohol solution, found in leaves and berries of plants; used in pharmaceutical and food industries as an emulsifying agent.
Use:Play down blood sugar,oxidation resisting,leave something decrepitude of Human body, antibiotic and anti-inflammation, nourish the liver and promote the function of gallbladder.
Botanical Source:
Ursolic Acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid. It can be found in many plants including, apple, bilberry, cranberry, elder flower, peppermint, lavender, oregano, thyme, and prunes. Ursolic acid can be used both topically and internally. It is used in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also used to treat burns. Ursolic acid has antifungal and antibacterial activities as well.
Distribution: Ursolic acid is present in many plants, including apples, bilberries, cranberries, elder flower, peppermint, lavender, oregano, thyme, hawthorn, prunes.
Like most triterpenoids, ursolic acid is ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. Ursolic acid and its derivatives are constituents of numerous plants which are having diversified phylogenetic origin and taxonomic position. It has been isolated from the protective wax-like coatings of apples, pears, cranberries, prunes, and other fruits. Seaweed are rich in ursolic acid derivatives. Some of the more commonly known medicinal plants containing ursolic acid are shown in Table.
Table 1. Partial List of Medicinal Plants Containing Ursolic Acid
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Family |
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Ocimum sanctum L | Lamiaceae |
| Peppermint leaves | Mentha piperita L | Lamiaceae |
| Lavender | Lavandula augustifolia Mill. | Lamiaceae |
| Oregano | Origanum vulgare L | Lamiaceae |
| Thyme | Thymus vulgaris L | Lamiaceae |
| Hawthorn | Crataegus laevigata (Poir) DC | Rosaceae |
| Cherry laurel leaves | Prunus laurocerasus L | Rosaceae |
| Loquat Leaf. | Eriobotrya japonica(Thunb.)Lindl.L | Rosaceae |
| Glossy privet leaf | Ligustrum lucidum Ait.L | Oleaceae |
| Bilberry | Vaccinum myrtillus L | Vacciniaceae |
| Devil's Claw | Harpagophytum procumbens DC | Pedaliaceae |
| Elder Flowers (European Variety) | Sambucus nigra L | Caprifoliaceae |
| Periwinkle | Vinca minor L | Apocynaceae |
Reference:
1.Ursolic acid:Actions,Commonly Known Benefit and Research.
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