What effect does ursic acid have on our brains?

Ursolic acid is a compound found in many fruits and herbs, such as apple peel, cranberry juice, grape skin, holy basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and other herbs. Although preclinical studies have shown that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, no human studies have evaluated whether ursolic acid can improve cognitive function or brain health. Ursolic acid is also not well absorbed by the body. Ursolic acid ingested through the diet is safe, but the long-term safety of ursolic acid supplements has not been tested. 

Evidence

Although a large number of preclinical studies have been conducted, there is no human clinical evidence so far. Our search found:

l 0 yuan analysis or systematic review

l 0 Human clinical trials or observational studies

l Extensive preclinical studies on possible mechanisms of action

Potential Benefit

No clinical studies have tested whether ursolic acid can prevent cognitive decline or dementia.

In various preclinical models of cognitive impairment, ursolic acid treatment improves cognitive function while reducing oxidative stress, brain inflammation, and cellular stress. However, these promising preclinical findings have not yet been confirmed in humans.

People with dementia

No human studies have examined whether ursolic acid is beneficial for people with dementia. Although some preclinical studies have shown that models carrying Alzheimer's disease biomarkers have benefits, these benefits have not been extended to patients with dementia.

Safety

Ursolic acid consumed in the diet is safe. No large, long-term, randomized controlled clinical trials have tested ursolic acid supplements, so the long-term safety of supplements is unclear. The drug interaction with ursolic acid is also unknown. Because ursolic acid is not well absorbed by the human body, clinical studies of cancer patients have used a drug delivery vehicle called liposomes, which are spherical lipid vesicles in which ursolic acid is encapsulated. This special form of ursolic acid caused some adverse events, such as elevated liver enzymes, fever, and abdominal distension (ie, abdominal distension).

Note: This is not a comprehensive safety assessment or a complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. Before taking any new supplements or medications, it is important to discuss safety issues with your doctor.

How to Use

Ursolic acid can be purchased over the counter as a supplement. It is also found in foods such as apple peel, cranberry juice, grape skin, holy basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and other herbs. Rosemary and sage have the highest ursolic acid content, with 3.0% and 1.8% respectively. Apple peel contains 1.4% ursolic acid. The appropriate dose of ursolic acid has not been determined. In patients with metabolic syndrome, a clinical trial tested a daily dose of 150 mg