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Compound

Ursolic Acid

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Ursolic Acid. Apple-peel triterpene with anabolic and lipolytic effects in rodents.

How it works. Suppresses atrophy genes and stimulates IGF-1/Akt signaling.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Increases lean mass in untrained mice (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 150 mg tid.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Creatine monohydrate, Whey or EAAs.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Ursolic Acid. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Ursolic Acid. Apple-peel triterpene with anabolic and lipolytic effects in rodents.

Molecular structureC30H48O3 · 456.7 g/mol

What it is

Apple-peel triterpene with anabolic and lipolytic effects in rodents.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Muscle Growth

How it works

Suppresses atrophy genes and stimulates IGF-1/Akt signaling.

Pathways

  • Suppresses atrophy genes
  • stimulates IGF-1/Akt signaling

Effects

  • ↑lean mass in untrained mice increases

What the research supports

Increases lean mass in untrained micelimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
150 mg tid
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Ursolic Acid use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Creatine monohydrateFoundational support for strength, power, and lean mass.
  • Whey or EAAsProvides amino acid substrate for muscle protein synthesis.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Ursolic Acid — Increases lean mass in untrained mice ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ursolic Acid and "Increases lean mass in untrained mice". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Ursolic Acid — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ursolic Acid and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Ursolic Acid — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Ursolic Acid and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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