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Glycocholic acid is a primary bile acid, a type of biochemical crucial for digesting and absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. It is a conjugated bile acid, meaning it is formed in the liver by combining cholic acid (a classic bile acid) with the amino acid glycine.
This conjugation makes it more soluble in water and a better detergent for emulsifying dietary fats, breaking them down into tiny droplets for enzymes to process. It is also a key component of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the gut after meals.
Beyond digestion, it plays a significant role in regulating cholesterol metabolism and has emerging importance in pharmaceutical research as a penetration enhancer for drug delivery.
475-31-0
Glycocholic acid
High purity
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| Item | Specifications | Results |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | White crystalline powder |
| Purity(HPLC) | Not less than 98.0% | 98.1% |
| Water | 5.0%~6.5% | 5.45% |
| pH | 2.7 ~ 3.2 | 3.0 |
| Chloride | Not more than 0.1% | Conform |
| Heavy metals | Not more than 20ppm | Conform |
| Residue on ignition | Not more than 0.1% | 0.05% |
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| Product parameters | |
| Cas number: | 475-31-0 |
| Appearance: | White crystalline powder |
| Purity: | 98% min |
| Package details: | 1kg/bag;25kg/drum |
| Brand: | Fortunachem |
Glycocholic acid is a primary bile acid, a crucial biological detergent synthesized in the liver. It is classified as a conjugated bile acid, meaning it is formed by combining a standard bile acid with an amino acid. Specifically, it is the product of the conjugation of cholic acid (a classic bile acid) with the amino acid glycine.
This process of conjugation is a key biochemical modification that enhances the molecule's function, making it a vital component of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and secreted into the small intestine.
The production of glycocholic acid is a critical part of the body's management of cholesterol and digestion:
Synthesis: The liver synthesizes primary bile acids, like cholic acid, from cholesterol. This is a major pathway for eliminating excess cholesterol from the body.
Conjugation: Before secretion, the liver conjugates these bile acids. Enzymes catalyze the formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl group of cholic acid and the amino group of glycine, creating glycocholic acid. The other major conjugated bile acid is taurocholic acid (conjugated with taurine).
Function in Digestion: After a meal, bile (rich in glycocholic acid) is released into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Its primary roles are:
Emulsification: Glycocholic acid is amphipathic—it has a hydrophobic (water-repelling) side and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) side. This structure allows it to act as a detergent, breaking large dietary fat globules into tiny micelles. This drastically increases the surface area of the fat, enabling digestive enzymes like lipase to break down triglycerides efficiently.
Solubilization: It facilitates the absorption of fatty acids, monoglycerides, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) by incorporating them into micelles, allowing them to be transported to the intestinal lining for absorption.
Enterohepatic Circulation: Approximately 95% of secreted bile acids, including glycocholic acid, are reabsorbed in the ileum (the final section of the small intestine) and returned to the liver via the portal vein. This highly efficient recycling process allows a relatively small pool of bile acids to be used multiple times each day.
Physiological Importance: Without conjugated bile acids like glycocholic acid, the body would be unable to properly digest and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to malnutrition and steatorrhea (fatty stools).
Medical/Clinical Significance: Abnormal levels of bile acids can indicate liver disease or dysfunction. They are also involved in the formation of gallstones when bile becomes too concentrated and cholesterol precipitates out.
Pharmaceutical Research: Glycocholic acid and its derivatives are studied as penetration enhancers. Their detergent-like properties can temporarily increase the permeability of mucous membranes (like those in the nose or intestine) and the blood-brain barrier, potentially improving the delivery of poorly absorbed drugs.
Research Reagent: In biochemistry, it is commonly used as a bile acid standard in chromatographic analysis and to study the properties of biological membranes and transporters.
In summary, glycocholic acid is a conjugated bile acid essential for the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats. It is a key end-product of cholesterol metabolism in the liver and a central player in the efficient enterohepatic circulation, making it fundamental to digestive health.
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