Determination of the content of ursolic and oleanolic acid in the cuticular wax of fruits of different species of Rosaceae.

Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are two widely distributed triterpenes in fruits, especially those belonging to Rosaceae family. These triterpene isomers are of great pharmacological interest due to their multiple bioactive properties. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the content of UA and OA extracted from the cuticular wax of five highly edible fruits (quince, loquat, pear, peach and apple) all belonging to the Rosaceae family. The acids were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Both UA and OA are present in all these fruits, however, UA is in greater quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]