Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound found widely in the plant kingdom, with concentrated sources including rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), apple peel (Malus domestica), holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), and loquat leaves. It is extracted using ethanol or ethyl acetate and purified by recrystallization.
Ursolic acid has gained significant research attention for its ability to promote muscle growth, reduce body fat, and enhance insulin sensitivity through Akt/mTOR and AMPK pathway modulation. It also demonstrates hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Commercially, ursolic acid is used in sports nutrition supplements, body composition products, and anti-aging nutraceutical formulations.