Ursolic acid has no additional effect on muscle strength and mass in active men undergoing a high-protein diet and resistance training: A double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

Ursolic acid (UA) is thought to have an anabolic effect on muscle mass in humans. This study sought to compare the effects of UA and a placebo on muscle strength and mass in young men undergoing resistance training (RT) and consuming a high-protein diet. A clinical, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The Control+RT group (CON n=12) received 400mg/d of placebo, and the UA+RT group (UA n=10) received 400mg/d of UA. Both groups ingested ~1.6g/kg of protein and performed the same RT program. Pre- and post-intervention, both groups were evaluated for anthropometric measures, body composition, food intake and muscle strength. Food intake remained unchanged throughout the study. Both groups showed significant increases in body weight (CON Δ: 2.12±0.47kg, p=0.001 vs. UA Δ: 2.24±0.67kg, p=0.009), body mass index (BMI) (CON Δ: 0.69±0.15kg/m2, p=0.001 vs. UA Δ: 0.75±0.23, p=0.011) and thigh circumference (CON Δ: 1.50±0.36, p=0.002 vs. UA Δ: 2.46±0.50cm, p=0.003 vs. UA 1.84±0.82cm, p=0.001), with differences between them. There was no difference in the arm, waist and hip circumferences. Both groups showed increases in muscle mass (CON Δ: 1.12±0.26, p=0.001 vs. UA Δ: 1.08±0.28kg, p=0.004), but there was no significant difference between them. Additionally, there were significant increases in the one repetition maximum test in the bench press and in the 10-repetition maximum test in the knee extension (CON Δ: 5.00±2.09, p=0.036 vs. UA Δ: 7.8±1.87, p=0.340 and CON Δ: 3.58±1.15, p=0.010 vs. UA Δ: 1.20±0.72, p=0.133), respectively, with no difference between them. Ursolic acid had no synergic effect on muscle strength and mass in response to RT in physically active men consuming a high-protein diet. RBR-76tbqs.