Effect Of Ursolic Acid Consumption From Apple Wax On Cytokine Levels In The Blood And Handgrip Strength

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Ella Perrin (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Advisor
Kevin Zwetsloot

Abstract: The wax of apples contains ursolic acid, a triterpenoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and increase muscle hypertrophy. Study participants consumed either a whole apple, peeled apple, or no apple, each weekday for three weeks in order to determine the effect of ursolic acid on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in the blood and handgrip strength. Blood samples and handgrip strength measurements were taken from the participants (N=32, age = 52±8, BMI = 31.2±5.5) at the beginning and end of the three-week intervention. The blood samples were analyzed for cytokines using a bead-based multiplex assay. Dominant handgrip strength decreased significantly in all three groups over time (35.283 kg pre-intervention, 33.753 kg post-intervention; p = 0.015). IL-8 levels decreased significantly post-intervention in the Whole Apple group (150.250 vs. 113.833 pg/mL; p=0.034), and tended to decrease in the Peeled Apple (162.364 vs. 129.564 pg/mL; p=0.078) and No Apple (156.778 vs. 122.556 pg/mL; p=0.081) groups. There were no significant changes in IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, or TNF-a post-intervention. Aside from IL-8, no significant changes could be attributed to ursolic acid consumption. IL-8 levels tended to decrease in all groups, so the decrease may not be due to ursolic acid consumption.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Perrin, E. (2017). Effect Of Ursolic Acid Consumption From Apple Wax On Cytokine Levels In The Blood And Handgrip Strength. Unpublished Honors Thesis. Appalachian State University. Boone, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Triterpenoid, Apple, Cytokine, Handgrip, Inflammation

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