Chapter 61 - Ursolic Acid and Maslinic Acid: Novel Candidates for Counteracting Muscle Loss and Improving Body Composition

Abstract

A considerable amount of progress has been made recently in our understanding of the distinct set of genes and signaling pathways that mediate skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy. Given the strong correlation between muscle cross-sectional area and muscular strength, professional and amateur athletes are turning to alternative therapies to enhance lean body mass and performance, such as performance-enhancing dietary supplements. Triterpenes are natural components found in a variety of common European plants and fruits, which are gaining attention for their functional benefits (4). There is a small but growing body of literature on two, naturally occurring triterpenoid compounds: ursolic acid and maslinic acid. Ursolic acid has been shown to create the ideal anabolic environment, which enhances skeletal muscle insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and downregulates the catabolic ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. In humans, ursolic acid can increase strength and decrease body fat. Maslinic acid can significantly boost protein synthesis rates and act as a growth factor and glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor in trout. It also appears to decrease body weight in humans. Thus ursolic acid and maslinic acid are emerging as promising compounds to counteract muscle loss and enhance body composition and performance.