Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid compound synthesised by plants as a secondary metabolite. Ursolic acid is present in the human diet in high amounts where large amounts of plant foods are consumed. The typical Western diet is therefore low in ursolic acid. Studies have investigated the effects of ursolic acid on mental health and found that it may confer significant protection from neurodegeneration and mental illness. Mechanisms whereby ursolic acid might aid mental function may include an ability to increase ATP production in cells to allow restoration of mitochondrial potential, and through an ability to inhibit cortisol synthesis. Interestingly, ursolic acid is present in a number of herbs used to treat mood disorder and mental health problems, and so may explain some of the activity found in traditional remedies such as common hawthorne (Crataegus monogyna), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lemon balm (Melissa officianalis), rosemary (Rosmarimus officianalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis).
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