Product Description
Reference Standards &Impurity
AI Product Description
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Glycoursodeoxycholic Acid (GUDCA) is a semi-synthetic bile acid derivative characterized by the conjugation of ursodeoxycholic acid with glycine. With the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number 3908-62-5, this compound holds the molecular formula C24H39NO4 and a precise molecular weight of approximately 401.57 g/mol. Structurally, it features a steroid nucleus with hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 7, and 12, modified by an N-glycine moiety attached to the carboxyl group at position 24. This specific chemical configuration distinguishes it from other natural bile acids like cholic or chenodeoxycholic acid, granting it unique physicochemical properties that enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
Primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical sector, GUDCA serves as a potent hepatoprotective agent. It is extensively researched and applied in the management of cholestatic liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. The mechanism of action involves replacing toxic endogenous bile acids within the hepatic pool, thereby reducing cellular toxicity and stabilizing hepatocyte membranes. Furthermore, GUDCA promotes bile flow (choleresis) and improves lipid metabolism without inducing significant cytotoxicity, making it a safer alternative for long-term therapy compared to some traditional bile acid formulations.
Beyond clinical applications, GUDCA is a critical reagent in biochemical research laboratories. Scientists utilize it to study bile acid transport mechanisms, membrane fluidity dynamics, and the pathophysiology of various metabolic disorders. Its solubility profile allows for versatile experimental setups involving cell cultures and animal models investigating liver regeneration and drug-induced liver injury. As global demand for effective treatments for chronic liver conditions rises, Glycoursodeoxycholic Acid remains a cornerstone compound in both therapeutic development and fundamental physiological studies, offering promising outcomes for patients suffering from complex biliary disorders.