# Corosolic Acid (Triterpenoid)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/corosolic-acid
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, CA, Banaba acid, Lagerstroemic acid, 2α,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, Glucosol, Crape myrtle extract compound

## Overview

Corosolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in banaba leaves that inhibits protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B with IC₅₀ values of 3.6-29.1 μM. This compound may support blood sugar regulation and weight management through enhanced glucose uptake and [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Health Benefits

• Potential blood sugar regulation through protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition (IC₅₀ 3.6-29.1 μM) - based on preclinical studies only
• May support weight management and reduce hepatic steatosis - shown in KK-Ay mouse models, no human data
• Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through NF-κB pathway modulation - preclinical evidence only
• Potential antitumor activity via β-catenin degradation and STAT-3 inhibition - demonstrated in colon cancer cell lines
• May improve lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) - suggested by preclinical data on pentacyclic triterpenoids

## Mechanism of Action

Corosolic acid inhibits protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an enzyme that negatively regulates insulin signaling pathways. By blocking PTP1B activity, corosolic acid enhances insulin receptor phosphorylation and promotes glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to cell membranes. The compound also suppresses NF-κB signaling pathways, potentially reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for corosolic acid is limited to preclinical studies and animal models. In vitro studies demonstrate PTP1B inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.6-29.1 μM depending on the assay conditions. KK-Ay diabetic mouse studies showed improvements in glucose tolerance and reduced hepatic steatosis, but no human clinical trials have been published. The lack of human data significantly limits conclusions about therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing.

## Nutritional Profile

Corosolic acid (2α,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with molecular formula C₃₀H₄₈O₄ and molecular weight 472.7 g/mol. It is not a macronutrient or micronutrient source itself but rather a bioactive phytochemical. Key profile details: • Found naturally in Lagerstroemia speciosa (banaba) leaves at concentrations of approximately 0.5–1.5% dry weight, also present in Eriobotrya japonica (loquat) leaves (~0.02–0.08% dry weight), Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), apple peels (~40–100 µg/g dry weight), and Weigela subsessilis. • As a single triterpenoid compound, it contains no protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Its caloric contribution in typical supplemental doses (0.5–10 mg/day) is negligible. • Structural features: ursane-type skeleton with hydroxyl groups at C-2α and C-3β positions and a carboxylic acid at C-28; the 2α-hydroxyl distinguishes it from ursolic acid and is critical for its PTP1B inhibitory activity. • Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is relatively low due to poor aqueous solubility (log P ~6.8, practically insoluble in water). Absorption is enhanced when administered with lipid-based carriers or as part of a standardized banaba leaf extract containing mixed triterpenoids and ellagitannins. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) involves Phase I oxidation (CYP450-mediated) and Phase II glucuronidation. Plasma half-life in rodent models is estimated at 4–8 hours. • Typical supplemental dose in banaba leaf extracts standardized to 1% corosolic acid is 32–48 mg extract (delivering ~0.32–0.48 mg corosolic acid) taken 1–3 times daily; some studies use up to 10 mg pure compound. • Co-occurring bioactives in natural sources that may contribute to synergistic activity include ellagic acid, gallotannins (lagerstroemin), valoneic acid dilactone, and other ursane/oleanane-type triterpenoids (maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid at comparable or lower concentrations in banaba leaf).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for humans are available in the current research. Commercial products typically contain corosolic acid standardized to ≥98% purity from Lagerstroemia speciosa extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for corosolic acid supplementation in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. The compound may potentially interact with diabetes medications by enhancing glucose-lowering effects, requiring blood sugar monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid corosolic acid supplements due to insufficient safety data. No specific adverse effects or drug interactions have been documented in available literature.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a concerning lack of human clinical trials for corosolic acid, with no RCTs, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs for human studies provided. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies in animal models (KK-Ay mice) and cell lines, limiting the ability to make evidence-based claims about human health benefits.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides minimal historical context, noting only that corosolic acid is registered as a dietary supplement for diabetes in modern contexts. No information about traditional medicine systems or historical use duration is available in the current research dossier.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chromium picolinate, Alpha-lipoic acid, Cinnamon extract, Gymnema sylvestre, Bitter melon extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is corosolic acid and how does it work in the body?

Corosolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from banaba leaves (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an enzyme that normally suppresses insulin signalling. By blocking PTP1B at IC₅₀ values of 3.6–29.1 μM, corosolic acid enhances insulin receptor phosphorylation and promotes GLUT4 transporter movement to cell membranes, potentially improving cellular glucose uptake. It also appears to modulate NF-κB inflammatory pathways. Importantly, this mechanism has been characterised mainly in preclinical and cell-line studies, so human pharmacological data remain limited.

### Is corosolic acid effective for insulin resistance?

Preclinical evidence suggests corosolic acid may improve insulin sensitivity by inhibiting PTP1B, a key negative regulator of insulin signalling, and facilitating GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake. Studies in KK-Ay diabetic mouse models support this activity. However, no randomised controlled trials in humans have been published to confirm these findings translate to clinical benefit for insulin resistance. Until robust human data are available, corosolic acid should be considered a promising but unproven intervention for insulin resistance, and medical supervision is strongly advised.

### Does corosolic acid help with weight loss?

Animal research using KK-Ay mouse models indicates corosolic acid may support weight management and reduce hepatic steatosis, possibly through improved lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis linked to PTP1B inhibition. However, no human clinical trials have investigated corosolic acid specifically for weight loss outcomes. Extrapolating from mouse models to human body weight management is unreliable, and there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend corosolic acid as a weight-loss supplement. A balanced diet and exercise remain the evidence-backed foundations for weight management.

### What are the side effects of corosolic acid?

Human safety data for corosolic acid are very limited due to the absence of published clinical trials. Because it may lower blood glucose through PTP1B inhibition and enhanced GLUT4 activity, a theoretical risk of hypoglycaemia exists, particularly when combined with antidiabetic medications. Animal studies have not reported significant toxicity, but these findings cannot be directly applied to humans. Individuals with diabetes, liver conditions, or those taking glucose-lowering drugs should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid it due to insufficient safety data.

### Can I take corosolic acid with metformin or other diabetes medications?

Combining corosolic acid with metformin or other antidiabetic agents is a valid clinical concern because both may lower blood glucose — corosolic acid through PTP1B inhibition and enhanced insulin signalling, and metformin through AMPK activation. This could theoretically increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. No human pharmacokinetic or drug-interaction studies have been conducted, so the safety of this combination is unknown. Always disclose all supplements to your prescribing clinician before combining corosolic acid with any glucose-lowering medication.

### Does corosolic acid have anti-inflammatory properties?

Preclinical evidence suggests corosolic acid can modulate the NF-κB signalling pathway, a central regulator of inflammatory cytokine production. By suppressing NF-κB activation, it may reduce pro-inflammatory mediators in cell-based models. These findings are limited to in vitro and animal studies; no human trials have assessed anti-inflammatory outcomes with corosolic acid supplementation. While the mechanistic rationale is plausible, the clinical relevance for conditions like chronic inflammation or metabolic syndrome remains speculative until human data are available.

### What is the difference between banaba leaf extract and corosolic acid?

Banaba leaf extract (from Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a broad botanical extract containing multiple bioactive compounds including ellagitannins, gallotannins, and other polyphenols alongside corosolic acid. Corosolic acid is the primary triterpenoid constituent and is considered a key active marker compound. Commercial supplements standardised to corosolic acid (often ≥98% purity) aim to deliver consistent concentrations of this specific compound. Whole banaba extract may offer additional synergistic phytochemicals but makes dose standardisation harder. Neither form has established human clinical dosing guidelines.

### Does corosolic acid have any anticancer properties?

Preclinical cell-line research has shown corosolic acid may exhibit antitumour activity in colon cancer models through two mechanisms: promoting β-catenin degradation, which disrupts cancer cell proliferation signalling, and inhibiting STAT-3, a transcription factor involved in tumour survival. These are in vitro findings only and have not been tested in human cancer patients or animal tumour models with published outcomes. It would be premature and potentially misleading to characterise corosolic acid as an anticancer supplement based on current evidence. Clinical oncology applications require rigorous human trial data.

### What foods contain corosolic acid naturally?

Corosolic acid is primarily found in banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) leaves, which are commonly used in traditional Filipino medicine. Smaller amounts may be present in other Lagerstroemia species and certain fruits like loquat leaves.

### How much corosolic acid should I take for blood sugar support?

No established dosage exists for corosolic acid since human clinical trials have not been conducted. Commercial banaba leaf extracts typically contain 1-2% corosolic acid and suggest 32-48mg daily, but this lacks scientific validation.

### Can corosolic acid replace diabetes medication?

Corosolic acid should never replace prescribed diabetes medications as its effects have only been demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies. Any blood sugar management approach should be discussed with a healthcare provider who can monitor glucose levels.

### How long does corosolic acid take to work?

The onset time for corosolic acid effects in humans is unknown due to lack of clinical studies. Animal studies showed glucose improvements within hours of administration, but human pharmacokinetics and timeline remain undetermined.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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