Study of mice finds waxy substance found in apples may promote muscle growth
A waxy substance found in apple peels may promote muscle growth and the prevent muscle wasting that is a hallmark of aging, fasting or illness, a new study in mice suggests. Mice given the compound, called ursolic acid, became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating, the study said. Further, the results suggest the compound is a promising drug candidate to treat muscle wasting, the researchers said. Currently, there are no drugs for the condition. More studies need to be done to determine whether the findings translate to humans. In addition, the researchers aren’t sure whether ursolic acid consumed through the diet may be enough to have the effects seen in the study. Muscle wasting, or atrophy, is loss of muscle tissue. Such atrophy can result from a lack of physical exercise (for example, when someone is bedridden due to illness). Certain diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which affect the nerves that control muscle, can also cause muscle atrophy.
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