Ursolic acid – find out what it is and what properties it has

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a plant that has been known and valued in cooking and medicine for centuries, and which holds many secrets. One of these is ursolic acid, a natural chemical compound with numerous proven health benefits. Derived from the aromatic leaves of rosemary, this valuable ingredient has long been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. This article will introduce you to the world of rosemary, describing its active ingredients, properties and the various health benefits that ursolic acid can bring.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub of the Lamiaceae family, characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. It is now also cultivated in many other regions of the world thanks to its resistance to a variety of climatic conditions. This plant can reach up to 2 metres in height and is characterised by a dense, branched habit.

Rosemary leaves are narrow, needle-like, dark green on top and silvery-white underneath, covered with a delicate tomentum. They are highly aromatic and their intense, slightly resinous scent is easily recognisable. The taste of rosemary is distinctive, slightly bitter and very aromatic, which makes it a popular spice in cooking.

Rosemary blooms from spring to summer, producing numerous small flowers, usually blue, purple, white or pink in colour. These flowers are not only decorative, but also attract a variety of insects, especially bees, making rosemary a valuable plant for local ecosystems.

This plant is very hardy and drought tolerant, preferring well-drained, sandy soils and sunny locations. Although rosemary grows best in warm climates, its ability to survive in lower temperatures makes it popular in temperate climates as well, where it is often grown as a pot plant or ornamental in gardens.

What are the medicinal properties of rosemary and rosemary oil?

Rosemary has long been valued for its wide range of medicinal properties. Traditionally used in folk medicine, it is now also gaining recognition in science, where studies confirm its health benefits.

Here are some of the most important properties of rosemary:

• Antioxidant – thanks to the presence of numerous phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, rosemary acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps neutralise free radicals, protecting cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory - rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. This is important in diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis.
• Improved digestion: Substances contained in rosemary, including essential oils, stimulate the production of digestive juices, improving the process of digestion and nutrient absorption. It may also help relieve flatulence and stomach discomfort.
• Supporting cognitive function - some studies suggest that compounds found in rosemary may improve memory, concentration and overall mental performance by supporting the functioning of the nervous system.
• Strengthening immunity - due to its antimicrobial properties, rosemary can help fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections, strengthening the body's overall immunity.
• Stimulating circulation - the essential oils contained in rosemary can improve blood circulation, providing relief from muscle tension and headaches.
• Supports skin health - external application of rosemary in the form of compresses or oil helps to regenerate the skin, combat eczema and accelerate the healing of minor wounds. In cosmetics, rosemary is valued for its rejuvenating properties.

Ursolic acid - what is it?

Ursolic acid is a natural chemical compound from the triterpene group found in many plants, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme, sage, basil, oregano, apples and blueberries. However, it is particularly abundant in rosemary leaves, making this aromatic plant one of the main natural sources of ursolic acid.

This valuable ingredient comes in the form of a crystalline powder with a delicate aroma. Its wide range of health-promoting properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. This makes ursolic acid particularly valued in both medicine and cosmetology.

In scientific studies, this compound has shown potential in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, as well as in the protection of the nervous system. It is also used in cosmetics as an ingredient that supports skin health, helping to regenerate cells and combat the signs of ageing.

Rosemary is rich in ursolic acid and has long been of interest to traditional medicine, especially in Mediterranean cultures, where it has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments. Today, scientists continue to study the potential of this substance, which is increasingly found in natural dietary supplements and cosmetics.

Ursolic acid - effects and medicinal properties

Ursolic acid is a compound that has long been studied for its numerous health-promoting properties. This natural chemical compound has gained popularity in both medicine and cosmetics thanks to its various health benefits.

Properties and effects of ursolic acid:

• Antioxidant – ursolic acid has powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This can slow down the ageing process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Anti-inflammatory - the anti-inflammatory effect of ursolic acid makes it helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. This is important for diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• Antimicrobial - this compound has antimicrobial properties, effectively fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can be used as a natural immune booster.
• Metabolism support - ursolic acid may have a beneficial effect on metabolism, promoting fat burning and improving glucose management. This makes it a potential tool in the prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes.
• Protection of the nervous system - the neuroprotective properties of ursolic acid can support the functioning of the brain and nervous system, helping to protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
• Skin care - in cosmetics, ursolic acid is valued for its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and skin cell regeneration. It helps to combat the signs of ageing and reduce scars and stretch marks.

Scientific research on ursolic acid

Ursolic acid has been the subject of intensive scientific research for years, especially in terms of its health-promoting effects. Here are some detailed research results on the various health benefits of this compound:

1. Research conducted by Dr Joo-Hee Kim and his team in 2006, published in Cancer Research, showed that ursolic acid stimulates collagen production by activating fibroblasts. At the same time, this compound reduces the expression of metalloproteinases, enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, which may help prevent wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing.

2. Dr Ho Kang and colleagues from Korea published their findings in Biochemical Pharmacology in 2010, showing that ursolic acid inhibits inflammatory processes by modulating the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways. It also exhibits strong antioxidant activity by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

3. Dr Bharat B. Aggarwal and his team proved in 2011 in Cancer Letters that ursolic acid inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and induces apoptosis in breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer cells.

4. Dr John G. Kunkel and colleagues, in a 2012 study published in PLoS ONE, showed that ursolic acid increases brown adipose tissue and promotes fat burning. It also has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism, suggesting potential usefulness in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

5. Dr Rong Liu and his team, in a 2013 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research, confirmed that ursolic acid protects neurons from oxidative stress and reduces tau protein accumulation, which may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

6. Dr Yu Qian and his colleagues published research on liver cancer in the Journal of Cancer in 2014, showing that ursolic acid reduces the ability of cancer cells to metastasise and induces apoptosis.

7. Dr Xiao-Qiang Li and his team published the results of their 2015 research in the Journal of Medicinal Food, showing that ursolic acid is effective against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Although further clinical trials in humans are needed, these studies show the promising properties of ursolic acid as a versatile health-promoting ingredient.

Ursolic acid - supplement dosage and contraindications

The dosage of ursolic acid supplements should be tailored to individual needs and specialist recommendations, especially for people with chronic diseases or those taking other medications. Although there is no clear standard dose for this compound, scientific studies most often use doses of 50 to 200 mg per day, taken in capsule or tablet form.

Dosage recommendations:

• Initial doses - it is always advisable to start with lower doses, e.g. 50 mg per day, to assess the body's response. Gradually increasing the dose may be safer, especially for sensitive individuals.

• Therapeutic doses - for higher doses above 100 mg per day, consult your doctor or dietitian, especially if supplementation is to be long-term.

• Dose division - for better absorption and to reduce the risk of stomach irritation, it is recommended to divide the dose into smaller portions, taken throughout the day with meals.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – ursolic acid supplementation is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety data.
• Children – supplementation in children should only be carried out after consulting a doctor.
• Allergies: individuals with allergies to rosemary or other plants of the Lamiaceae family should avoid supplements containing ursolic acid.
• Chronic diseases - ursolic acid supplementation should be used with caution in people suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, liver disease or diabetes. Prior consultation with a doctor is essential.
• Drug interactions - ursolic acid may affect the action of certain drugs, such as anticoagulants, antidiabetics and blood pressure lowering drugs. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting supplementation.

In summary, ursolic acid used in moderation and in accordance with the recommendations of specialists can be a valuable health support. However, due to potential contraindications and interactions with medications, supplementation should always be considered on an individual basis.