Ursolic acid enhances the cellular immune system and pancreatic beta-cell function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet. Ursolic acid increased skeletal muscle mass, as well as grip strength and exercise capacity, improved endurance, reduced the expression of the genes involved in the development of muscle atrophy, and decreased indicators of accumulated fatigue and exercise-induced stress. In rats, ursolic acid ameliorated high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and improved metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Uses Ursolic acid can be found in plants that are used for cosmetics additives. It can serve as a starting material for synthesis of more potent bioactive derivatives, such as experimental antitumor agents. See also Betulinic acid Moronic acid Oleanolic acid References Triterpenes Hydroxy acids