Korean J Physiol Pharmacol.  2014 Oct;18(5):441-446. 10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.5.441.

Ursolic Acid-Induced Elevation of Serum Irisin Augments Muscle Strength During Resistance Training in Men

• Bang HS
• Seo DY
• Chung YM
• Oh KM
• Park JJ
• Arturo F
• Jeong SH
• Kim N
• Han J

• KMID: 2285544
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.5.441

Abstract

Ursolic acid (UA), a type of pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid purified from natural plants, can promote skeletal muscle development. We measured the effect of resistance training (RT) with/without UA on skeletal muscle development and related factors in men. Sixteen healthy male participants (age, 29.37+/-5.14 years; body mass index=27.13+/-2.16 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to RT (n=7) or RT with UA (RT+UA, n=9) groups. Both groups completed 8 weeks of intervention consisting of 5 sets of 26 exercises, with 10~15 repetitions at 60~80% of 1 repetition maximum and a 60~90-s rest interval between sets, performed 6 times/week. UA or placebo was orally ingested as 1 capsule 3 times/day for 8 weeks. The following factors were measured pre-and post-intervention: body composition, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), irisin, and skeletal muscle strength. Body fat percentage was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in the RT+UA group, despite body weight, body mass index, lean body mass, glucose, and insulin levels remaining unchanged. IGF-1 and irisin were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group (p<0.05). Maximal right and left extension (p<0.01), right flexion (p<0.05), and left flexion (p<0.001) were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group. These findings suggest that UA-induced elevation of serum irisin may be useful as an agent for the enhancement of skeletal muscle strength during RT.

Keyword

IGF-1; Irisin; Muscle strength; Resistance training; Ursolic acid

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Body Composition
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Exercise
Glucose
Humans
Insulin
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
Male
Muscle Strength*
Muscle, Skeletal
Resistance Training*
Glucose
Insulin
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

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