CAS No.:128-13-2
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA),known as ursodiol, is a secondary bile acid, produced in humans and most other species from metabolism by intestinal bacteria. It is synthesized in the liver in some species, and was first identified in bile of bears of genus Ursus, from which its name derived. In purified form, it has been used to treat or prevent several diseases of the liver or bile ducts. It is available as a generic medication.
Specification: EP
Packing: 25kg/drum
GMP/WC approved
Mechanism of Action:
Hepatoprotection & Choleresis:
Replaces toxic endogenous hydrophobic bile acids (e.g., chenodeoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid) in the enterohepatic circulation.
Stimulates bicarbonate-rich bile secretion, increasing bile flow and facilitating the elimination of toxic compounds.
Cytoprotection:
Stabilizes hepatocyte membranes against toxic bile acids.
Inhibits apoptosis and reduces oxidative stress in liver cells.
Modulates immune responses (e.g., reduces expression of MHC class I on hepatocytes).
Gallstone Dissolution:
Reduces cholesterol saturation in bile by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol secretion.
Promotes the formation of liquid crystalline cholesterol vesicles, which are more soluble.
Primary Applications & Indications:
Human Medicine (Approved):
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): First-line therapy to slow disease progression, improve liver biochemistry, and delay transplantation.
Gallstone Dissolution: For radiolucent, non-calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients with a functioning gallbladder who are unfit for surgery.
Other Liver Conditions:
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (off-label)
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (off-label)
Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (off-label)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, investigational)
Veterinary Medicine:
Hepatobiliary Diseases in Dogs & Cats: Chronic hepatitis, cholangitis, gallstone management.
Research & Supplements:
Dietary Supplements: Marketed for "liver detoxification" and digestive health (regulatory status varies by country).
Laboratory Research: Used in studies of bile acid metabolism, cholestasis, and hepatocyte biology.
