Chapter 49 - Ursolic Acid and Maslinic Acid: Novel Candidates for Counteracting Muscle Loss and Enhancing Muscle Growth

Abstract

Skeletal muscle protein undergoes rapid turnover, and muscle mass therefore depends on the balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Given the strong correlation between muscle cross-sectional area and muscular strength, professional and amateur athletes are turning to performance-enhancing supplements as a means to enhance lean body mass and performance. Two novel naturally occurring triterpenoid compounds: ursolic acid and maslinic acid are emerging as promising therapeutic agents with the potential to counteract muscle loss and enhance muscle growth. Ursolic acid has been shown to enhance skeletal muscle insulin/IGF-1 signaling, leading to Akt activation, muscle hypertrophy and reduced atrophy and adiposity. Maslinic acid can significantly boost protein-synthesis rates and act as a growth factor and glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor. The initial research is compelling, and both compounds demonstrate the potential to favor muscle hypertrophy and reduce atrophy in animal and in vitro models; however, clinical research is needed to confirm their ergogenic effect in humans.