Ursolic acid assay

Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene naturally present in a wide variety of medicinal plants, notably in apple peels, rosemary leaves, lavender, and sage. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-aging properties. In cosmetics and nutraceuticals, it is attracting increasing interest as an active ingredient in natural formulations.

Ursolic acid analysis is essential for standardizing plant extracts, ensuring the quality of food supplements, and validating the efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It also serves as a relevant indicator in pharmacological studies and the evaluation of medicinal plants.

Objectives of ursolic acid assay

The quantification of ursolic acid addresses several industrial and scientific needs:

• Standardization of plant extracts intended for nutraceutical or phytotherapy use;
• Quality control of food supplements rich in plant-based active ingredients;
• Evaluation of the stability of cosmetic formulations based on natural extracts;
• Measurement of potential biological activity (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant) via biomarkers;
• Development of innovative formulations in dermatology, slimming or cell protection.

Available analytical methods

Ursolic acid levels are determined according to the most stringent quality standards. Two main methods are used:

• HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with UV/diode array detection): a method commonly used for the separation and quantification of triterpenes in complex plant extracts.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): recommended for highly complex matrices or low contents, thanks to high sensitivity and enhanced specificity.

The methods are developed according to good laboratory practices and comply with current standards (ISO 17025).

Commonly analyzed matrices

Ursolic acid analysis can be performed on a wide variety of matrices, including:

• Dry extracts of medicinal plants (rosemary, lavender, sage, basil, apple, etc.);
• Dietary supplements in capsules, powders or syrups made from plants;
• Cosmetic products (anti-aging creams, serums, lotions, repairing treatments);
• Plant-based ingredients for pharmaceutical or nutritional use.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete analytical profile, ursolic acid analysis can be combined with other YesWeLab services, such as:

• Dosage of oleanolic acid : structurally similar triterpene, often associated with ursolic acid in natural extracts;
• Analysis of total polyphenols : to characterize the overall antioxidant potential;
• Rosmarinic acid assay : specific marker of plants such as rosemary or lemon balm;

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab supports you in carrying out your analyses by providing you with a network of specialized laboratories, rigorously selected for their expertise, accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC) and responsiveness.

Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from simplified access to a wide range of services, with personalized follow-up and scientific support at every stage of your project.

Our commitments:

• Selection of the most suitable laboratory according to the matrix and the thresholds sought;
• Robust and validated analytical methods;
• Optimized processing time according to your constraints;
• Confidentiality, traceability and regulatory compliance.

Order your analysis now

Are you developing a plant extract, supplement, or cream based on medicinal plants? Ursolic acid dosage is a strategic lever to guarantee the quality, performance, and compliance of your products.

Add this analysis to your quote request or contact our scientific team for tailored support.