In our pursuit of keeping our lovely pets healthy and contented, some pet owners use natural supplements claiming to keep their pets in top condition. One of these supplements is ursolic acid powder, a plant-derived natural substance claimed to possess a long list of theoretical benefits for human as well as animal health. But what is ursolic acid, and how could it benefit your dog or cat? Let's discover!
Ursolic Acid Description
Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid pentacyclic compound in apple peel, rosemary, thyme, cranberries, and certain herbs. It has been utilized as a traditional herbal remedy for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, ursolic acid has become popular with its capacity to enhance the health of animals.
1. Antioxidant Power: Cell Protection
One of the most popular benefits of ursolic acid is that it is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to cleanse free radicals-erratic molecules that are produced during metabolism or induced by extrinsic stress (i.e., pollution or UV light). Free radicals kill cells, induce aging, and also cause a host of diseases.
To Benefit Your Pet
By suppressing free radicals, ursolic acid guards your pet's cells, such as their immune cells, skin cells, and organ cells. This can decelerate aging, enhance overall energy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Support
Chronic inflammation is the underlying reason for most of pet health conditions such as arthritis, skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and even some chronic diseases. Ursolic acid inhibits inflammatory mechanisms like NF-κB and COX-2 naturally, which reduced the body's inflammation.
What's Good for Your Pets
Ursolic acid can reduce arthritis stiffness and pain in the joints of aging animals, soothe inflamed and irritated skin, and provide enhanced gastrointestinal well-being. It is particularly beneficial for senior dogs and cats or breeds of highest risk for arthritis or dermatitis.
3. Healthy Weight and Muscle Mass
Recent studies show that ursolic acid can modulate body weight and muscle hypertrophy. From animal and human trials, ursolic acid supplementation has been found to:
- Increase lean body mass
- Inhibit fat deposition
- Improve metabolic status
(Kunkel et al., 2011).
Benefit to Pets
Sufficient weight is necessary in pets, especially the heavier type or the naturally heavier pet. Ursolic acid stops weight gain while retaining muscle mass, which will keep your pet running and enjoying life.
4. May Support Heart Health
While few studies are done on pets these days, some have shown that ursolic acid may have the ability to raise lipid profiles (triglycerides and cholesterol) and lower blood vessel oxidative stress (Liu, 1995). This can be projected to cardiovascular function in your pet.
Pets' Benefit:
Enhanced heart and circulatory function translates to full long-termevity and vitality, especially in older pets or breeds with a predisposition to heart disease.
5. Potential Anti-Cancer Effect
Scientific research also discovered ursolic acid to be of assistance in suppressing the growth of certain cancer cells by promoting apoptosis and blocking cancerous growth signals (Seo et al., 2018). Since the research goes on in dogs and cats, it is hopeful.
Pet Benefit:
Ursolic acid may be a natural supplement to traditional cancer prevention and treatment and can also protect your pet against certain types of tumors.
6. Healthy Coat and Skin
Ursolic acid's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects work on your pet's coat and skin. Through regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, it will end skin irritation, stop scratching, and provide a healthy-looking shine to the coat.
Advantage to Pets:
Allergic-skin or sensitive pets would benefit from the natural effect of ursolic acid in regulating breakouts, without overmedicating.
How to Use Ursolic Acid Powder Safely
While ursolic acid is generally safe for dogs and cats when used appropriately, it is important to follow optimal dosages as well as discuss your veterinarian. Here is the general rule:
Dosage:
- Dogs: 5–10 mg per kilogram of body weight daily
- Cats: 3–5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily
Begin with the minimum limit and increase gradually.
Administration
Ursolic acid powder may be sprinkled over your pet's food or treat. Start with small amounts and monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Side Effects:
Rarely some animals will develop mild gastrointestinal upset in the form of diarrhea or vomiting. If this occurs, reduce the quantity or discontinue and consult with your veterinarian.
If your animal is also on other medication (specifically anti-inflammatory or metabolic medication), consult your vet for potential interactions prior to supplementing with ursolic acid.
When Would You Want to Supplement with Ursolic Acid Powder to Your Pet?
Ursolic acid can be a great addition to your pet's health routine in the below situations:
- Senior pets who need added support for aging, joint support, or muscle maintenance
- Pets with arthritis or chronic inflammation
- Overweight animals
- Sensitive skin and or well-developed allergies
- As a general antioxidant to promote longevity
Final Thoughts
Ursolic acid powder is an entirely natural, plant-derived pet supplement providing a variety of possible animal health advantages. From high-performance antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory advantage to healthy muscle function and even possible cancer prevention for certain forms of cancer, ursolic acid is a convenient natural pet health tool.
But don't forget, never use supplements to replace a proper diet or veterinary treatment. Always consult your vet first before introducing any new supplement into your pet's diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your pet's particular needs.
With the expert's guidance, by incorporating ursolic acid into your pet's diet, you can enable your pets to live longer, healthier, and more convenient
References
Kunkel, S. D., Suneja, M., Ebert, S. M., Bongers, K. S., Fox, D. K., Malmberg, S. E.,. & Adams, C. M. (2011). Ursolic acid increases skeletal muscle and brown fat and decreases diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and fatty liver disease. PLoS ONE, 6(6), e20666.
Liu, J. (1995). Pharmacology of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 49(2), 57–68.
Seo, D. Y., Lee, S. R., Heo, J. W., No, M. H., Rhee, B. D., Ko, K. S.,. & Kwak, H. B. (2018). Ursolic acid in health and disease. Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 22(3), 235–248.
