| deoxycholic acid | <chemical> (3 alpha,5 beta,12 alpha)-3,12-dihydroxy-5-cholan-24-oic acid. A bile acid formed by bacterial action from cholate. It is usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. Deoxycholic acid acts as a detergent to solubilise fats for intestinal absorption, is reabsorbed itself, and is used as a choleretic and detergent. Pharmacological action: cholagogues and choleretics. Chemical name: Cholan-24-oic acid, 3,12-dihydroxy-, (3alpha,5beta,12alpha)- (12 Dec 1998) |
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