| chenodeoxycholic acid | <chemical> A bile acid, usually conjugated with either glycine or taurine. It acts as a detergent to solubilise fats for intestinal absorption and is reabsorbed by the small intestine. It is used as cholagogue, a choleretic laxative, and to prevent or dissolve gallstones. Pharmacological action: cathartic, cholagogues and choleretics, gastrointestinal agents. Chemical name: Cholan-24-oic acid, 3,7-dihydroxy-, (3alpha,5beta,7alpha)- (12 Dec 1998) |
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