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Bile acids, discovered during early explorations of human digestion, have a rich history woven into both traditional medicine and modern science. Physicians as far back as the Middle Ages observed the bitter, yellow-green liquid in gallbladders and drew early connections between liver health and wellness. By the late nineteenth century, chemists isolated cholic acid and began laying the groundwork for the family of compounds now known as bile acids. Through the twentieth century, researchers recognized the central role of bile acids in fat digestion and cholesterol metabolism. Advances in chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance further mapped out their structures, setting the stage for targeted therapies and industrial applications. This historical progress not only expanded our understanding of digestion but also shaped entire branches of pharmacology and nutrition research, placing bile acids at the crucial intersection between natural biology and engineered solutions.
Bile acids exist as a group of steroid acids found mainly in the bile of mammals. Chemically, these molecules arise from cholesterol and feature a unique steroid framework decorated by hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups. Products derived from bile acids appear in various forms: raw extracts from animal sources, semi-purified pharmaceutical intermediates, and ultra-refined powders or liquids meeting strict food or research-grade specifications. Industry sources primarily include bovine and porcine origins, with extraction relying on sustainable and traceable supply chains. Purification steps often depend on solvent extraction, crystallization, and advanced filtration. The range extends from bulk commodities for industrial detergents to highly-characterized reference materials for laboratory research or novel drug synthesis. Market demand covers pharmaceutical manufacturing, dietary supplements, chemical research, and even animal health, connecting these compounds with health systems and production facilities around the world.
Distinct chemical characteristics set bile acids apart. Most occur as colorless to pale yellow crystalline solids with moderate solubility in water and greater affinity for alcohol. Their melting points often exceed 180°C. The steroid core brings rigidity, and side chain variations lead to differing hydrophilicity. Popular forms like cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid show slight differences in the position and number of hydroxyl groups. At body temperature, bile acids transform into micelles—tiny aggregates that break up dietary fats. Chemical formulas generally follow the structure C24H40O5 for cholic acid, though modifications shift molecular weight. In alkaline solutions, they ionize, boosting solubility and surfactant properties. These physical and chemical quirks make bile acids powerful agents in emulsification and absorption, explaining their central position in both living organisms and industrial processing lines.
Labeling for bile acid products stretches beyond a simple ingredient list. Purity, source species, hydroxylation profile, and salt forms all shape final labeling. Pharmaceutical standards, guided by pharmacopeias like USP or EP, demand purity above 95%, limited residual solvents, and strict controls on related steroids and contaminants. Food-grade materials, used in animal feed or supplements, carry clear origin documentation and limit microbial or endotoxin presence. For research use, technical datasheets often specify melting points, spectral data, and exact molecular mass. Packaging needs tamper-evident sealing and expiration dating, respecting light and humidity sensitivity of these compounds. Clear hazard labeling, with statements about irritancy and potential acute toxicity, allows for proper handling during shipping and storage. Detailed labeling supports both regulatory compliance and consumer trust, especially as bile acid use continues to expand in health and bioprocessing sectors.
Most commercial bile acids start as raw bile, usually collected after animal slaughter. Extraction starts by acidifying the bile to release bile acids from salt forms, which then get filtered and treated with organic solvents to separate out impurities and concentrate the fraction of interest. Subsequent purification steps rely on repeated crystallization, solvent washes, and sometimes activated charcoal to reach high purity. More advanced processes introduce chromatographic purification, refining the final product to pharmaceutical or analytical-grade standards. Semi-synthetic bile acids, designed for specific functions, go through chemical modification: introducing or removing hydroxyl groups, converting side chains, or forming salts with sodium or potassium. These steps demand precision and careful control over reaction conditions, echoing best practices seen across the chemical synthesis industry. Over the past two decades, some companies have begun producing bile acids by microbial or enzymatic synthesis, bypassing animal sourcing entirely and addressing ethical and sustainability concerns.
The steroid backbone of bile acids presents several modifications pathways, giving scientists and manufacturers a playground for producing analogues with distinct performance profiles. Hydroxylation reactions, commonly run with specific enzymes or chemical catalysts, allow for fine-tuning water solubility and bioactivity. Conjugation reactions, especially with taurine or glycine, produce bile salts central to both physiology and therapeutic use. Oxidation and reduction steps transform primary bile acids to secondary forms, such as converting cholic acid to deoxycholic acid using microbial fermentation. Dehydration, esterification, and halogenation extend the array of derivatives further, opening doors to applications in detergent formulations and novel drug candidates. These transformations not only improve compatibility and function but also minimize unwanted side reactions or toxicity, reflecting the practical side of research-based innovation.
In the marketplace and research literature, bile acids appear under several names. Traditional medicine circles often refer to “ox bile” or “pig bile” extracts, while scientific circles specify compounds like cholic acid, lithocholic acid, or ursodeoxycholic acid. Trade names branch out even further, especially for pharmaceutical preparations—ursodiol and chenodiol are well-known brands for liver support, while deoxycholic-acid-based injectables treat localized fat deposits. On chemical registries, substances show up under international nonproprietary names (INN), chemical abstracts service (CAS) numbers, and a raft of synonyms reflecting salt forms, purity, or origin. Recognizing these naming conventions becomes essential in ensuring precise sourcing, avoiding accidental substitutions, and staying updated with the latest research findings as new analogues or formulations reach the health market.
Working with bile acids means handling potent bioactive compounds. Industrial hygiene protocols point to gloves, protective eyewear, and fume hoods during weighing, mixing, or chemical modification, since some derivatives irritate skin, lungs, or eyes. Facilities dealing with bulk quantities keep strict logs for traceability, follow local and international chemical safety standards, and run regular training on spill response and waste disposal. For pharmaceutical or dietary applications, regulatory oversight includes lot testing for residual solvents, microbial contamination, and unwanted by-products. Workers manage dust or aerosol generation in scale-up operations and install monitoring systems for air quality. Packaging procedures lean on robust containment and labeling, lowering the risk of mix-ups or unintended exposure. These practical steps reflect the potential risks while reinforcing industry standards for quality, safety, and worker protection.
Bile acids have found a surprisingly broad range of uses. As surfactants, they power up laboratory and industrial emulsions, replacing traditional detergents in sensitive formulations. Pharmaceutical companies develop bile acid-based drugs to dissolve gallstones, manage rare liver diseases, and modulate cholesterol levels. Some over-the-counter products and supplements lean on bile acids to promote digestion, though evidence supporting these claims varies. Researchers apply bile salts to study membrane transport, model intestinal absorption, or engineer better drug delivery systems. In animal husbandry, feed additives enhance fat uptake and nutrient absorption, leading to better growth rates in livestock. Cosmetic chemists add certain derivatives to lipolytic or skin-conditioning products, while industrial processes exploit their ability to solubilize hydrophobic compounds for greener extraction techniques. This adaptability hints at untapped potential as the science behind their function deepens.
The pipeline for bile acid research stays busy, fueled by the search for new treatments and improved bioprocessing strategies. Biomedical scientists explore bile acids as signaling molecules, unraveling their effects on metabolism, microbiome composition, and immune function. Drug developers engineer analogues with lower toxicity and improved bioavailability, aiming for precision therapies that do more with fewer side effects. Material scientists tinker with bile acid-based surfactants to build better nanoparticles or capture pollutants, while food technologists explore their roles in fat emulsification for plant-based proteins or lower-calorie foods. Analytics labs develop faster, more accurate methods for quantifying bile acids, pushing boundaries on what diagnostic tests can reveal about liver and gut health. Open questions keep driving curiosity—how do new bile acid analogues interact with cell membranes, and what uncharted applications sit just beyond current industrial practice?
Decades of study revealed both beneficial effects and serious risks. At moderate dietary levels or pharmaceutical dosages, bile acids support digestion and specific therapies. Overexposure, especially with more potent secondary acids like deoxycholic or lithocholic acid, may trigger inflammation, DNA damage, or even promote certain cancers in laboratory animals. Workers in manufacturing environments receive regular health monitoring, reflecting the need for caution. Studies tracking environmental fate suggest rapid breakdown in wastewater treatment, though concentrated release into waterways still raises long-term questions about aquatic toxicity. Regulatory agencies tie approved daily intakes and product formulations to robust animal and human data, erring on the side of caution. Toxicity testing evolves with advances in cell-based assays and multi-generational studies, tightening the data net for safer production and application.
Looking ahead, bile acids stand at the crossroads of sustainability, health science, and industrial chemistry. Researchers push to scale up microbial synthesis routes, aiming for animal-free, low-waste production suited to modern consumer demands. Genetic engineering tools help tailor new bile acid molecules, fine-tuned for medical use or biotechnological applications. Health professionals anticipate more targeted therapies for metabolic and autoimmune diseases, custom-built on bile acid frameworks. Industry partners eye greener surfactants and extraction agents, convinced that natural molecule families provide safer, more biodegradable answers compared to legacy chemicals. Regulatory shifts and growing global scrutiny over raw material sourcing drive partnerships with transparent supply chains, linking scientific promise to ethical business. As a writer who grew up hearing about “gall and grit,” it’s hard to ignore how the story of bile acids still unfolds—with new chapters written by scientists, manufacturers, and advocates looking to balance tradition, innovation, and responsibility.
Bile acid shows up every day inside our bodies. It’s made in the liver and then stored in the gallbladder. Every time you eat a cheeseburger or a piece of salmon, your gallbladder sends bile acid down into your small intestine. This isn’t just an odd quirk of human biology—this acid breaks down the fat in your meal so your body can pull out the calories and nutrients it needs.
Most folks know bile as that bitter stuff you taste after being sick, but the real work goes on in the gut. Fatty foods get broken down into smaller bits with help from bile. Without it, your body wastes a lot of energy trying and failing to squeeze what it needs out of your food. Anyone who’s gone through gallbladder surgery remembers those stomach aches and bathroom urgencies. That’s the body struggling with meals that used to be simple.
Talk to doctors who treat diabetes and metabolic issues—they bring up bile acid all the time. It doesn’t just break down fat, it helps manage blood sugar. Scientists at universities like Harvard and the Mayo Clinic have studied how bile acid signals to our cells, telling them when to store or burn energy. That’s huge for people worried about obesity and type 2 diabetes. Medications used to treat high cholesterol—bile acid sequestrants—work by messing with how bile acid recycles in the body. As a Type 2 diabetic myself, tweaking this process can help bring blood sugar down between meals, not just right after them.
Researchers are digging into bile acid’s effects way beyond the intestines. Every day, I read new articles tying bile acid to gut bacteria—the microbiome everyone’s talking about. Changing your bile acid profile even shifts which bacteria thrive in your gut. Some scientists at Stanford trace inflammation and certain cancers back to changes in gut bile acids. It starts small, but the domino effect reaches pretty far. Doctors look at bile acids to check liver health, spot problems early, and even measure the progress of certain diseases.
Too much or too little bile acid causes trouble. People with chronic liver problems, like cirrhosis or hepatitis, often struggle because their bodies can’t manage bile right. That leads to itchy skin, pale stools, and vitamin shortages. On the flip side, unchecked bile leaks into places it shouldn’t go—like the bloodstream or colon—and sets the stage for inflammation or worse. Colorectal cancer researchers zero in on bile acid disruption as one of the smoking guns.
Years of handling health issues taught me that diet changes go a long way. Fiber-rich foods soak up some bile acid, making the gut use more cholesterol to make new bile. That means oats, beans, and green vegetables. Doctors tell patients recovering from gallbladder surgery to cut back on fatty foods for a while—makes sense, since the system adjusting to sudden changes rattles the whole process.
Supplements like ox bile or bile acid binders get handed out sometimes, but only when there’s a real problem. Self-experimentation does damage. Blood work and real advice from a doctor give a clearer picture. A few researchers now study whether carefully tuning bile acid could fight off obesity or even brain diseases. For now, focus on a steady diet and keep an eye on your liver health. That simple choice creates a ripple through your whole metabolism.
Bile acid has been a background player in a lot of health conversations, but more attention lately makes sense, not hype. Every bite you eat depends on this tiny, powerful tool doing its job right.
Bile acids break down fats and help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Folks with digestive disorders or individuals living without a gallbladder sometimes reach for bile acid supplements to support digestion. Doctors also suggest these supplements to help manage certain liver and cholesterol concerns. Before reaching for that bottle, it makes sense to know exactly what role bile acids play and if you stand to benefit.
Not every digestive issue calls for bile acid supplements. After gallbladder removal, some people struggle with fat digestion. They notice greasy stools or bloating after meals—real life reminders their digestive tract works differently now. For these folks, bile acid supplements like ox bile come into play. But jumping in without guidance can cause more harm than good. People with gallstones, certain liver diseases, or blocked bile ducts face serious risks from unsupervised use. That’s why healthcare professionals always stress the value of getting tested first, instead of self-diagnosing based on internet trends.
Most doctors and nutritionists suggest taking bile acid supplements during meals, especially ones that contain moderate to higher fat content. Capsules or tablets go down with a glass of water, right as the meal begins. This timing mimics the body’s normal bile release, giving your digestive system the help it needs without causing unnecessary digestive upset. Skipping meals or taking bile acids on an empty stomach leads to discomfort and can throw off your gut’s balance.
There’s no universal dosage for bile acid supplements, because health conditions and personal situations differ. Research shows that dosages often range from 125 mg to 500 mg of ox bile per meal. That information comes from clinical studies looking at people who had their gallbladder removed. Not everyone needs the higher end of that range. Specialists suggest starting low—sometimes at 125 mg per meal—and increasing only if symptoms don’t resolve. Taking large doses right off the bat sometimes causes diarrhea or abdominal pain, so stepping up too fast brings more trouble than benefits.
A registered dietitian or doctor trained in digestive health will always tailor the dose based on bloodwork, symptoms, and your response to treatment. Overusing bile acid supplements can push too much bile through the intestine, leading to irritation, diarrhea, or even dehydration. Kids, pregnant women, and people with underlying liver or gut conditions should only supplement after thorough screening.
Food choices go hand-in-hand with any supplement routine. Whole grains, vegetables, and moderate-fat meals help support your own bile production. If you are considering bile acid supplements, making these foods regulars in your diet often eases symptoms naturally and helps you get more out of each dose. Take time to read ingredient lists on supplements for unnecessary fillers, follow professional advice, and pay attention to your body’s response. A notepad tracking what works and what doesn’t can give your health provider better insights during follow-up appointments.
Digestive health rarely improves with supplements alone. Personalized care, eating well, and regular monitoring keep you on the right path. If bile acid supplements seem right for you, discussing options with a qualified professional makes all the difference. Do-it-yourself fixes risk missing dangerous signs and relying on guesswork. Rely on experience-backed guidance and lab results to help your gut perform at its best.
Gut health keeps making headlines, and researchers have dug into bile acids for their roles in digestion, cholesterol, and gut microbial balance. Supplement companies jumped in, marketing versions like ox bile for digestion or so-called liver cleanses. But the risks of popping bile acid pills rarely get discussed in those flashy ads.
Bile acids come directly from the liver and help break down fats. That’s textbook health class. Taking extra, though, throws off what the body expects. A 2021 study in Hepatology found that over-supplementing can irritate the gut lining, leading to diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. The body makes only what it actually needs. Flooding the system with more than required just disturbs delicate balance.
Doctors have long used bile acids in very specific doses for rare liver conditions. Over-the-counter versions may lack proper labeling or dosage guidelines, creating more room for trouble. Long-term use, some case reports say, can raise cholesterol or trigger gallstones if there’s too much shifting in the bile pool. Even cancer research flags chronic excess bile acid exposure as a possible risk factor for tumors in the colon.
Spending years in healthcare, I watched folks grab new trends and ignore red flags. Some with no gallbladder think ox bile is an easy way to “replace” what they lost. A few weeks in, they’ll complain about new bathroom issues or blistering heartburn, or return with labs showing cholesterol jumping to scary numbers. The promise sounds nice, but trouble sneaks up fast.
A doctor’s office in the Midwest shared that they saw three patients last winter who mixed popular fiber supplements with bile acid pills, hoping for weight loss. Each ended up with severe dehydration and low potassium from relentless diarrhea. No label whispered this risk. They just learned the hard way.
No one benefits from scare tactics, but access to good information makes a difference. The Food and Drug Administration treats these products as supplements, not drugs, so required safety studies often lag behind what shoppers need. About 20% of supplements in the United States contain doses or contaminants not listed on the label, based on a 2023 Harvard School of Public Health review. People deserve clear risks spelled out, and companies must be held responsible for what’s really in their capsules.
Learning about a supplement’s real effect with a professional, like a gastroenterologist or registered dietitian, could help catch early warning signs. Reviewing full medication and health history can cut down surprises, especially for folks with liver problems, removed gallbladders, or regular digestive symptoms.
Gut health matters, but quick solutions create more problems than answers. Strong research, tighter supplement standards, and honest conversations between patients and caregivers may help the average person avoid the down sides of bile acid products. Reading ingredient labels, slowing down with new pills, and watching for unusual symptoms make the difference between safe curiosity and a trip to the ER. As the supplement world grows, staying grounded in facts and lived experience could protect more people from hidden risks.
Eating a heavy meal, especially one loaded with fat, leaves most people feeling groggy and weighed down. The reason isn’t just the calorie count but how our bodies tackle those fats. Bile acid, produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, acts like a natural detergent. Without it, fats would float around and never get properly absorbed.
I’ve seen close relatives struggle after having their gallbladders removed, suddenly finding certain foods give them more trouble. That’s because bile acid isn’t released in the same controlled way. The body adapts, but fat digestion tends to get tougher. Studies done at medical centers show that bile acids break up large fat droplets into smaller ones, which enzymes then attack more easily. This process, called emulsification, isn’t just a biology term—it’s the difference you feel after a meal.
The liver doesn’t just filter toxins or produce proteins. It puts effort into making bile acids from cholesterol. If this process goes wrong, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) don’t get absorbed well. Some people with liver disease lose this step. Medical research supports this, showing vitamin deficiencies crop up in chronic liver conditions. I remember seeing lab test results from friends with hepatitis showing lower vitamin levels out of nowhere. Their doctors explained it was all traced back to poor bile flow.
Bile acids don’t just stop at digestion—they help regulate gut bacteria. Think of the gut as a bustling city where balance matters. Too little bile can let the wrong microbes take over. That’s one reason people with certain liver or intestine issues deal with bloating, gas, and frequent stomach upset.
Modern medicine provides some help. Doctors now prescribe bile acid supplements or drugs called bile acid binders. Oral bile acid supplements—like ursodeoxycholic acid—can help some people with specific liver or gallbladder problems. This isn’t a casual supplement to start on your own, though. A 2021 review in The Lancet reinforced that proper dosing and safety checks are crucial, especially when dealing with chronic liver disease.
Diet affects bile production, too. Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts give the liver work to do but don’t overwhelm it. Avoiding crash diets pays off. When people starve themselves to lose weight fast, the liver stores less cholesterol and slows down bile production. Nutritionists see vitamin deficiencies and digestive trouble follow soon after. The Mediterranean diet wins praise from liver specialists for a reason—it supports bile flow and liver function with a stable mix of plant and animal foods.
Waking up day after day with stomach cramping after meals, unexplained greasy stools, or odd bruising could signal more than just “bad digestion.” These signs deserve attention from a doctor rather than a trip to the supplement aisle. Blood tests can spot liver troubles, and a scan checks if the gallbladder’s doing its job.
Fresh research looks at how specific fibers—such as those in oats and beans—help balance bile acids and lower cholesterol. Including them in daily eating isn’t hard, and the pay-off could be major for gut and liver well-being.
Bile acids do a lot more than most people realize. Keeping liver health in check, eating balanced meals, and listening to body cues matter most. Medication has a role for certain conditions, but tuning up diet and health habits every day helps most. Taking care of the gut and the liver means less guessing and more living.
Doctors use bile acid medicines to help people with digestion problems, especially those dealing with gallstones or issues related to their liver. People might also know these compounds as supplements or special prescription treatments, and they're shown up in health stores or online in one form or another. As someone who’s had experience juggling several prescriptions for a chronic condition, I know the risks of mixing medicines without real guidance.
Bile acids shine when it comes to moving fats and certain vitamins through your gut. Some folks with liver diseases rely on these treatments to lower cholesterol or help break down food when their gallbladders do not do the job. Dose and timing make a big difference in whether these supplements actually help, or if they end up causing headaches down the line.
Skimming research from medical journals and reading FDA warnings, it’s clear that mixing bile acid supplements with other drugs can get tricky. Take cholestyramine, a common bile acid medicine meant to remove cholesterol. It binds to drugs like blood thinners, heart medications, or thyroid pills in the intestine, and moves them out before your body even uses them. In my case, I lost most of the benefit from a blood pressure medication after my doctor prescribed bile acid sequestrants without warning me about their domino effect. Anyone taking a handful of pills every day knows how one small shift can mess with the rest.
People have started stacking their health regimens with everything from fish oil to probiotics, plus over-the-counter bile salts hoping for better digestion. Most of the time, there’s not enough scientific proof those combinations work well. Besides, too much bile acid can sometimes make certain conditions worse. It can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, E, and K—which can become a long-term problem if you take these supplements for months or years.
Mixing bile acids with medications like cyclosporine, warfarin, or antibiotics can cut down their effectiveness or raise the risk of side effects. Studies published in trusted journals highlight real dangers: for instance, bile acid chelators might pull essential minerals out of your body alongside toxins, leaving you short on calcium or iron. Trying to fix one problem sometimes means inviting another. The FDA’s own safety sheets list dozens of medicines—both prescription and off-the-shelf—that could lose their power.
The answer starts by being honest. Every time you visit your doctor or pharmacist, lay out every supplement and pill you use, not just the ones prescribed. Keep a simple list in your wallet or phone. I learned the hard way that skipping a conversation about a vitamin or supplement can turn a routine treatment upside down.
Pharmacists, with access to your medication history, have the best shot at catching dangerous combos before something serious happens. The American Gastroenterological Association states you’ll get the most out of bile acid therapies by timing doses to keep them far apart from medications or vitamins that bind in your gut.
While companies might sell bile acid supplements over the counter, using them isn’t a decision for shoppers to make alone. Reliable decisions come from professionals—people trained to spot patterns, side effects, or gaps in your routine. Hand your list over, ask questions, and get real answers before you trust a new supplement in your regimen.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Cholanoic acid |
| Other names |
Cholanoic acids Biliary acids Bile salts Bile acids and salts |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbaɪl ˈæs.ɪd/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | cholic acid |
| Other names |
Cholanic acids Cholanoic acids |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbaɪl ˈæs.ɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 65-42-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3563929 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:309 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2068832 |
| ChemSpider | 21010897 |
| DrugBank | DB06746 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03bfa6c5-e917-4397-a698-5106b6c89a37 |
| EC Number | 3.5.1.24 |
| Gmelin Reference | 71474 |
| KEGG | C05130 |
| MeSH | D001650 |
| PubChem CID | 439236 |
| RTECS number | NL7369000 |
| UNII | 9U1VM840SP |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CAS Number | 81-25-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3206969 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:309 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1428 |
| ChemSpider | 10273 |
| DrugBank | DB03604 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.334 |
| EC Number | EC 7.6.2.4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 56405 |
| KEGG | C00121 |
| MeSH | D001650 |
| PubChem CID | 22833565 |
| RTECS number | DJ1640000 |
| UNII | F8IY5F73ZW |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C24H40O5 |
| Molar mass | 408.573 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.97 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.23 |
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg (approx) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 4.93 |
| Basicity (pKb) | ~4.5 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.481 |
| Viscosity | 35~45cps |
| Dipole moment | 3.07 D |
| Chemical formula | C24H40O5 |
| Molar mass | 408.571 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | 1.95 |
| Vapor pressure | 0 mm Hg (approx) |
| Acidity (pKa) | ~6.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 4.2 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.558 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 3.0502 Debye |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 321.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 373.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A05AA |
| ATC code | A05AA |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | vegan, gluten-free |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P330, P337+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | >100°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (Rat, oral): > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 1.5 g/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WH8000000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 15 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 500 mg |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | 🟧🟦 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P273, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 1000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | > 1,260 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SD 0511640 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 15 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 500 mg |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Cholesterol Bile salts Steroids Vitamin D Cholic acid Chenodeoxycholic acid Deoxycholic acid Lithocholic acid |
| Related compounds |
Cholic acid Deoxycholic acid Chenodeoxycholic acid Lithocholic acid Ursodeoxycholic acid Taurocholic acid Glycocholic acid |
