Phytochemical: Ursolic acid
Synonyms: Malol, micromerol, urson, prunol, (3b)-3-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid
Description: Ursolic acid is a is a pentacyclic triterpenoid.
Distribution: Ursolic acid is present in many plants, including apples, bilberries, cranberries, elder flower, peppermint, lavender, oregano, thyme, hawthorn, prunes.
Action of Ursolic acid: Ursolic acid has medicinally action, both topically and internally. Ursolic acid is used in many cosmetic preparations for its anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial properties.
Ursolic acid has antibacterial and antifungal activity. Tests have shown that Ursolic acid inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and Microsporium lenosum.
Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in ointments to treat burns.
Topical application of ursolic acid inhibited TPA-induced initiation and promotion of tumor growth.