Friday Hope: Ursolic Acid: A Natural Wonder-Therapeutic

Antiviral, antibacterial, anti inflammatory and... anti-Spike!

The potential role of ursolic acid in the SARS-CoV-2 infection: (BLACK LINES) The inhibitory effect of ursolic acid. 

I am very happy to report today that I have found an additional, very powerful therapeutic to use in our arsenal against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein. This therapeutic is Ursolic Acid. Before we get into the details, let’s talk about what Ursolic Acid is (UA) and where it is found.  

I believe this introduction will immediately pique your interest in its COVID and Spike related therapeutic effects. 

UA is isolated from the leaves of various plants (rosemary, marjoram, lavender, thyme, and organum), fruits (apple fruit peel), flowers, and berries. UA mediates some pharmacological processes and modulates several signaling pathways to prevent the development of chronic diseases; it exhibits antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antiobesity, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-skeletal muscle atrophy, and thermogenic effects. The mechanisms by which UA exerts these beneficial effects may involve regulation of the following: nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and apoptotic signaling in cancer cells, insulin signaling in adipose tissue, the expression of markers of cardiac damage in the heart, inflammation and the level of anti-oxidants in the brain, metabolic signaling and the level of oxidants in the liver, and atrophy signaling and metabolic signaling in skeletal muscles. 

Ursolic acid in health and disease 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928337/ 

Yes. Rosemary, Marjoram, Lavender, Thyme, Organum and... Apple Fruit Peel. Many of the previously listed herbs have already appeared on our radar. The addition of Apple Fruit Peel is most welcome. The ancient and albeit cliché adage of “An Apple A Day” immediately comes to mind. 

UA works in a way which directly inhibits some of the main “bad actors” in SARS-CoV-2 infection and Spike Protein related pathologies. 

The main mechanism of UA is related to the different pathways, one key mechanism is the ability of UA to inhibit mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which involved in cell replications, and growths as well as different inflammatory pathways. Besides, UA blocks cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is important for development of inflammation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a signaling pathway vital in the regulation of immune response. Likewise, UA attenuates oxidative stress through inhibition generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potentiating of endogenous antioxidant capacity. 

The possible role of ursolic acid in Covid-19: A real game changer 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8724013/ 

The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV induces COX2 expression and this is noted in the literature on SARS-CoV-2. Yet I cannot find any studies exploring its effects by the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2. All the literature suggests the effects would be the same. 

Furthermore, SARS-CoV, the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2 among human coronaviruses and cause of the 2002–2003 epidemic, stimulates COX-2 expression via its spike protein and nucleocapsid protein, indicating the potential relevance of this pathway for SARS-CoV-2. 

Cyclooxgenase-2 is induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection but does not affect viral entry or replication 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7523115/ 

Also, and of equal importance, UA has the ability to prevent the Spike Protein from binding to ACE2, denying it access to the Endothelium and all other points of ACE2 access. 

Molecular docking revealed that at least three triterpene derivatives of each type (i.e., oleanolic, moronic and ursolic) present similar interaction energies as the reference molecule, i.e., glycyrrhizic acid. Molecular dynamics suggest that two compounds from oleanolic and ursolic acid, OA5 and UA2, can induce conformational changes capable of disrupting the RBD-ACE2 interaction. 

Triterpene Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of the RBD Spike Protein from SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Approach 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10005606/ 

It is extremely important to consider toxicity when evaluating any therapeutic. Fortunately, UA appears to be one of the best.  

Results: UA did not cause any deaths, abnormal body weights or abnormal pathology at all test doses. In addition to that, no toxicological changes were observed in behaviour, neurotoxicity, coagulation, haematology or clinical chemistry that are related to the administration of UA. 

Repeated dose (90 days) oral toxicity study of ursolic acid in Han-Wistar rats 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32435599/ 

We have, in UA, a therapeutic which, by all appearance, is truly safe and effective. 

The above is a work of medical research and is not medical advice. As with all supplements and medications, consult your Primary Care Provider before beginning any use. 

This is a most joyous and hopeful Friday Hope. Blessings to all and may we have a peaceful and replenishing weekend. Thank you, as always, for your readership and support.