What Is Ursolic Acid (77-52-1)?
Ursolic Acid is (3β)-3-Hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, a natural plant compound with CAS number 77-52-1. It appears as white to off-white powder, odorless and is one of the most studied botanical actives in the global plant extract market.
Ursolic acid is an ursane-type triterpenoid, structurally related to oleanolic acid (the oleanane isomer). Both compounds coexist in many plant sources, but ursolic acid has stronger activity in skin and muscle research applications, while oleanolic acid is more studied for liver support.
In modern cosmetic formulations ursolic acid is used as an anti-aging active: it supports collagen synthesis, helps maintain skin firmness and acts as an antioxidant. In sports nutrition it has gained attention as a natural compound supporting lean body mass and metabolic health.
Key Properties of Ursolic Acid
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ursolic Acid |
| CAS Number | 77-52-1 |
| Chemical Name | (3β)-3-Hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder, odorless |
| Purity | ≥90% (HPLC) — grades up to ≥98% available |
| Melting Point | Approx. 283-285 °C |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, methanol, DMSO and ethyl acetate; soluble in dilute alkali |
| Natural Sources | Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet) fruit; Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves; Apple (Malus domestica) peel; Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaves |
Sources & Extraction
Ursolic Acid is naturally found in Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet) fruit, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves, Apple (Malus domestica) peel and Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaves. ZHII extracts ursolic acid from the most abundant commercial source, ensuring consistent purity and supply.
The commercial source of ursolic acid in China is Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet) fruit, which contains 2-3% ursolic acid in the dried fruit wax. ZHII uses food-grade ethanol extraction followed by alkali refining and crystallization to deliver ≥90% HPLC ursolic acid, with ≥98% grades available on request.
Applications of Ursolic Acid
Few botanical actives cross industry boundaries as easily as ursolic acid:
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Anti-aging active in face creams, eye serums and body firming lotions; supports collagen synthesis, skin barrier function and oxidative defense.
Dietary Supplements
Used in sports nutrition and metabolic health formulas; commonly dosed at 150-300 mg per day in capsule or tablet form.
Functional Food & Beverage
Added to functional teas and antioxidant drinks, often combined with rosemary or green tea extracts.
Pharmaceutical Research
Investigated for anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anti-tumor research applications; included in many natural product screening libraries.
Recommended Use & Dosage
In dietary supplements 150-300 mg per day is typical. In cosmetic formulations 0.5-2.0% in creams and serums. Ursolic acid has low water solubility; cyclodextrin complexation or lipid delivery systems may improve bioavailability.
Packaging & Storage
1 kg aluminum foil bags with double PE liner, 5 kg plastic pails and 25 kg fibre drums. Light-protective packaging recommended for cosmetic-grade material.. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tightly sealed to protect from moisture. When stored properly, the product remains stable for at least 24 months from the production date.
Why Source Ursolic Acid from ZHII?
- Factory-direct supply — we manufacture and export plant extracts from Xi’an, China, with competitive pricing and stable long-term stock.
- Certified quality — ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production; KOSHER and HALAL certified products; a Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch.
- Global experience — customers in more than 50 countries across the EU, the Americas and Asia trust ZHII as their plant extract supplier.
- Flexible quantities — from free evaluation samples and small trial packs to full container loads.
- Technical support — our team provides formulation guidance, regulatory documents and application advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ursolic acid and oleanolic acid?
Both are pentacyclic triterpenoids with very similar structure, differing only in the methyl group position on the E-ring. Ursolic acid is the ursane isomer; oleanolic acid is the oleanane isomer. They coexist in many plant sources and are typically separated by chromatography.
What is the best source for ursolic acid extraction?
Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet) fruit is the most practical commercial source in China, with consistent ursolic acid content. Apple peel and rosemary are also used but at lower industrial scale due to sourcing constraints.
Is ursolic acid safe for cosmetic use?
Yes. Ursolic acid has a long history of safe use in cosmetics at typical concentrations of 0.5-2.0%. It is non-sensitizing in standard patch tests. ZHII provides full COA and Certificate of Origin for cosmetic-grade material.
Get a Free Sample of Ursolic Acid
Looking for a reliable Ursolic Acid manufacturer and supplier? ZHII offers high-purity Ursolic Acid (77-52-1) with fast worldwide delivery and free samples. Visit our plant extract catalog to explore the full botanical extract range, or contact us today by email at sxzhiyi@126.com or WhatsApp +86 151 0299 2009 for a quotation within 24 hours.