Ursolic Acid Market Value To Hit USD 114.9 Million in 2033

Updated · Jan 2, 2025

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Key Takeaways
Ursolic Acid Statistics
Emerging Trends
Use Cases
Major Challenges
Market Growth Opportunities
Key Players Analysis
Conclusion

Introduction

The Global Ursolic Acid Market is experiencing significant growth, anticipated to expand from USD 61.8 million in 2023 to around USD 114.9 million by 2033, with a steady CAGR of 6.4% throughout the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

This market’s rising popularity is driven by increasing awareness of health and wellness benefits associated with ursolic acid, commonly found in apple peels, basil, cranberries, and other herbs. The compound is recognized for its potential to reduce inflammation, support weight management, and enhance skin health, which fuels its demand across various sectors including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.

Market expansion is further supported by research and development initiatives that explore new applications of ursolic acid, providing substantial opportunities for industry stakeholders. As consumer preferences shift towards natural and plant-based products, the ursolic acid market is well-positioned to leverage these trends for continued growth and expansion in the global marketplace.

This trend is particularly notable in regions with a strong emphasis on natural healthcare products, such as North America and Europe, where regulatory support for natural ingredients further propels market expansion. The Asia-Pacific region also shows robust growth potential, driven by increasing consumer awareness and rising health consciousness among its populous countries.

Moreover, advancements in extraction technologies and improvements in supply chain efficiency are set to enhance the availability and affordability of ursolic acid, making it more accessible to a broader audience. These factors collectively underscore the substantial opportunities lying ahead for the ursolic acid market, as it continues to adapt and thrive in response to evolving consumer preferences and ongoing scientific discoveries that highlight its benefits.

Key Takeaways

The Global Ursolic Acid Market is expected to be worth around USD 114.9 Million by 2033, up from USD 61.8 Million in 2023, and grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2033.
The Cosmetic grade Ursolic Acid dominates, holding 45.3% of the market by grade.
Ursolic Acid with 90% purity captures a significant 37.5% share of the market.
Powder form is preferred in the Ursolic Acid market, accounting for 35.6%.
Solvent extraction remains the leading method, comprising 45.6% of Ursolic Acid production.
In applications, the pharmaceutical sector leads, using 39.6% of the Ursolic Acid market.
The North American Ursolic Acid market holds 38.4%, valued at USD 23.7 million.

Ursolic Acid Statistics

Ursolic Acid: Effects and Benefits

The concentration of UA reached a peak of 1.10 ± 0.31 µg/mL approximately 0.5 h after the oral administration of 10 mg/kg UA.
The clinical results showed that liposomal ursolic acid had manageable toxicities with an MTD of 98 mg/m2.
All animals were maintained in cages under standard conditions at 22 ± 2 °C with 60% relative humidity and exposed to a 12-h light/dark cycle with food and water available ad libitum.
We found that ursolic acid increased Akt activity in mouse skeletal muscle and cultured C2C12 skeletal myotubes.
To investigate the effects of ursolic acid in diet-induced obese mice, we provided 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice ad libitum access to a high-fat diet or a high-fat diet supplemented with 0.14% ursolic acid.

Dietary Ursolic Acid in Obesity

This high-fat diet of 55% calories from fat is known to cause obesity, as well as glucose intolerance and fatty liver disease.
Mice were provided ad libitum access to a high-fat diet (HFD) lacking or containing 0.14% ursolic acid (UA).
We saw similar effects with 0.14% ursolic acid (Figs. 1C&D) and 0.27% ursolic acid.
Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) lacking or containing 0.27% ursolic acid (UA), and then exercise treadmill capacity was determined according to an established protocol.
In the absence of ursolic acid treatment, fasting blood glucose was elevated at 109 ± 2 mg/dl.
MM1.S cells (2 × 106/mL) were treated with 50 μmol/L ursolic acid for the indicated time points and then stimulated with IL-6 10 ng/mL.

Emerging Trends

Health and Wellness Drive: There is a growing trend towards natural health products that include ursolic acid, due to its various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This trend is amplified by increased consumer awareness of the benefits of natural ingredients in healthcare and cosmetics.
Innovative Applications: Ursolic acid is being increasingly used in a variety of applications beyond its traditional uses. New research and developments are enhancing its bioavailability and effectiveness in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, making it more appealing for a range of new health and beauty solutions.
Technological Advancements: Advancements in extraction and processing technology are making it more feasible and cost-effective to include ursolic acid in products. These technologies help in maximizing the yield and purity of ursolic acid extracted from natural sources, which in turn supports broader commercial applications.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness: The market is seeing a push towards more sustainable practices, including the use of food waste and other bio-waste as sources of ursolic acid. This not only supports the circular economy but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
Expansion into New Regions: Ursolic acid is gaining popularity in various global markets, including Asia-Pacific, due to rising health consciousness and disposable income. This trend is supported by increasing local production capacities in these regions, reducing overall costs, and fostering market growth.

Use Cases

Pharmaceuticals: Ursolic Acid is extensively researched for its potential in treating various diseases, including cancer, due to its anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. It is used in formulations aimed at enhancing general health and combating chronic diseases.
Cosmetics: Due to its anti-aging effects, Ursolic Acid is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It helps in reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and providing a protective barrier against environmental damage.
Nutritional Supplements: Ursolic Acid is included in dietary supplements to support muscle health and weight management. Its ability to prevent muscle atrophy and promote fat loss makes it a favored choice among fitness enthusiasts.
Food Preservation: Ursolic Acid exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it useful as a natural preservative in food products. It helps extend shelf life while maintaining the food’s safety and quality.
Anti-diabetic Therapies: Its role in glucose metabolism has positioned uric acid as a beneficial compound in managing blood sugar levels, making it a potential ingredient in treatments for diabetes.

Major Challenges

Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Ursolic acid production involves sourcing from specific plants, which can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities, especially if these plants are available only in certain regions. Seasonal variations and agricultural conditions can greatly affect supply, leading to fluctuations in availability and price.
Competition with Synthetic Alternatives: In some applications, synthetic alternatives to ursolic acid, which may be cheaper or have more consistent supply chains, pose a significant challenge. Manufacturers may opt for these synthetics over natural ursolic acid due to cost-effectiveness and easier procurement.
Research and Development Costs: The need for ongoing research to improve the bioavailability and effectiveness of ursolic acid can be a barrier, especially for smaller companies. High R&D costs are needed to develop more efficacious ursolic acid formulations, which can deter new entrants and limit market expansion.
Environmental Impact Concerns: The extraction and processing of ursolic acid must comply with increasing environmental regulations, which can complicate production processes and increase costs. Companies are pressured to develop greener methods of extraction and processing to minimize environmental impact.
Bioavailability Issues: Ursolic acid has poor bioavailability, which means that it is not easily absorbed by the body when taken orally. This presents a challenge for its use in pharmaceuticals and supplements, and much research is focused on improving its formulation to enhance absorption.
Limited Research: While research is increasing, the scope and scale of studies on ursolic acid are still limited compared to other more mainstream pharmaceutical ingredients. More extensive research is needed to fully understand and unlock the potential of ursolic acid in various applications.

Market Growth Opportunities

Expansion in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: The increasing demand for nutraceutical and functional food products is a major driver for the ursolic acid market. Ursolic acid’s health-promoting properties make it a popular ingredient in these products.
Pharmaceutical Developments: There is significant potential for ursolic acid in pharmaceutical applications due to its therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. Research and development in this area could open new markets for ursolic acid formulations.
Cosmetic Industry Growth: Ursolic acid is gaining popularity in the cosmetic industry because of its anti-aging and skin health benefits. The trend towards natural and organic cosmetic products is expected to increase the use of ursolic acid in skincare items.
Increased Health and Wellness Awareness: The global rise in health consciousness is driving the demand for supplements and products containing ursolic acid. As more people seek out natural health solutions, the market for ursolic acid is expected to grow.
Innovations in Product Formulation: Advances in technology and formulation that improve the solubility and efficacy of ursolic acid can lead to wider adoption and new applications in various industries, including health supplements and personal care products.

Key Players Analysis

Acetar Bio-Tech Inc. is renowned for its innovative approach in the natural plant extracts sector, operating with a strong focus on quality and compliance, including multiple certifications like GMP and ISO22000. They specialize in a variety of natural products, with a significant emphasis on ginkgo biloba and protein powders from pumpkin and hemp.
ALB Technology Limited distinguishes itself in the marketplace through its extensive catalog of biochemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, catering primarily to research institutions and pharmaceutical companies with a wide range of specialized chemical compounds.
BASF S.E. is a giant in the chemical industry, providing high-quality ursolic acid used in various applications across pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Their expertise in chemical engineering and sustainable practices makes them a key player in the market.
Beantown Chemical Co. Ltd, although smaller, competes by offering a diverse array of chemical products, focusing on providing laboratory and industrial chemicals to research facilities and chemical manufacturers.
Biosearch Life excels in integrating production, research, and development, particularly in the biotechnology field, producing ingredients for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Cayman Chemical Company, Inc. is a leader in the production of biochemicals and assay kits for research purposes, specializing in products for pharmaceutical research with an emphasis on innovation and quality.
Changsha E.K HERB is known for its botanical extracts and dedication to quality, targeting the dietary supplement market with a variety of plant-based products.
Changsha Luyuan Bio-Tech leverages advanced biotechnology to produce high-quality plant extracts used in nutritional and pharmaceutical products, enhancing health product options with innovative biotech solutions.
Geneham Pharmaceutical offers a range of botanical extracts and is recognized for its commitment to research and development in natural plant products, catering to the health industry with a focus on safe and effective ingredients.
Hainan Super Biotech Co. Ltd specializes in the innovation and production of botanical extracts and ingredients with applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring high standards and quality in their products.
HAWSON BIOTECH CO. LTD focuses on the development and manufacturing of bioactive compounds, with a strong commitment to quality and environmental sustainability in their production processes.
Hunan KangLi Biotechnology Co. Ltd. is an emerging player specializing in botanical extracts and herbal formulations, contributing to the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement markets with innovative and effective solutions.
Kingherbs Limited is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality herbal extracts and natural ingredients, serving the dietary supplement and functional foods markets with a focus on natural health solutions.
Leshan Jinxin Kang Pharmacy Co. Ltd operates primarily in the pharmaceutical sector, producing high-quality ingredients with rigorous quality control measures to ensure efficacy and safety.
Merck KGaA stands out for its extensive portfolio of chemicals and life science products, supporting scientific research and pharmaceutical development with cutting-edge technologies and materials.
Run Shaanxi Days of Bio-tech is a dynamic company in the botanical extracts market, known for its strong R&D capabilities and high-quality products that cater to the health and wellness industry.
Sabinsa excels in combining modern science with traditional knowledge to produce a range of innovative and effective nutritional and medicinal products widely used in supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Sami Labs harnesses the power of science and nature to produce a variety of health products that are both innovative and effective, with a strong emphasis on research and sustainability.
Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. stands out for its comprehensive range of biochemicals and laboratory products, serving the research community with high-quality reagents and tools for molecular biology.
Shaanxi Hopeland Chem-Tech is involved in the production and development of diverse chemical products, focusing on the needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
Shanghai Auton Biotic Technologies Co. Ltd specializes in biotechnological and pharmaceutical products, providing high-quality materials supported by robust research and development initiatives.
Sichuan Lvyuan Herb Co. Ltd is dedicated to the production of herbal extracts and traditional Chinese medicine products, integrating modern technology with traditional practices to offer effective health solutions.

Conclusion

The Ursolic Acid Market presents a promising landscape for growth across various sectors including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. With its potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, Ursolic Acid continues to draw interest for its potential health benefits and applications in disease prevention and wellness products.

The increasing consumer demand for natural and organic ingredients further drives the expansion of this market, positioning Ursolic Acid as a key component in future health and cosmetic formulations. As research continues to unveil new uses and benefits of Ursolic Acid, the market is expected to see sustained growth, spurred by innovation and enhanced production technologies that improve its integration into diverse product lines. This ongoing evolution underscores Ursolic Acid’s role as a valuable natural compound with significant market potential in the years to come.