Ursolic Acid

Last Updated: November 18 2022

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

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 else is Ursolic Acid known as?
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.

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