Popular Cosmetic Material Ursolic Acid from China Factory

Product Name: Ursolic Acid
CAS Number: 77-52-1
Molecular Formula: C₃₀H₄₈O₃
Molecular Weight: 456.70 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder

Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid widely found in apple peels, rosemary, sage, holy basil, and many other plants. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a faint characteristic plant-like odor. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves in chloroform, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The molecule contains a rigid fused-ring skeleton, a carboxylic acid group, and a secondary hydroxyl group, which together support its lipophilic character and biological activity. Functionally, ursolic acid is studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. It may influence multiple signaling pathways, enzyme activity, and cell cycle progression. In cosmetics, it is added to creams, lotions, and scalp care products for soothing and protective effects. In foods and supplements, it is used as a plant-derived bioactive ingredient. In research, it serves as a reference standard and a synthetic starting point for triterpenoid derivatives. Its purity is commonly checked by chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, and identity can be confirmed by spectral methods. The material is light-sensitive and should be protected from prolonged exposure to air. It should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat, moisture, and strong oxidizing agents. Standard laboratory precautions are recommended. Handle carefully and keep container tightly closed.

For regulatory compliance (e.g., USP, EP, JP), raw material Vidarabine must meet several rigorous standards:

• Assay (by HPLC): 98.0% – 102.0% on an anhydrous basis.

• Related Substances: Limits for specific impurities, notably Ara-Hx (NMT 2.0%), as well as any unspecified individual impurity (NMT 0.1%) and total impurities (NMT 2.0%).

• Residual Solvents: Must comply with ICH Q3C guidelines (Class 1 and 2 solvents limited or absent).

• Heavy Metals: NMT 20 ppm (typically lower for injectable grades).

• Water Content (Karl Fischer): NMT 6.0% (the material is hygroscopic to a degree).

• Microbial Limits: Total aerobic microbial count (TAMC) ≤ 1000 CFU/g, absence of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and Candida albicans.