Taurocholic acid

style="background: #F8EABA; text-align: center;" colspan="2"	Taurocholic acid
Taurocholic acid
Chemical name	2-{[(3alpha,5beta,7alpha,12alpha)-3,7,12-trihydroxy- 24-oxocholan-24-yl]amino}ethanesulfonic acid
Chemical formula	C26H45NO7S
Molecular mass	515.7058 g/mol
CAS number	[81-24-3]
Density	x.xxx g/cm3
Melting point	125.0 °C
Boiling point	xx.x °C
style="background: #F8EABA; text-align: center;" colspan="2"	Disclaimer and references

Taurocholic acid is a prominent bile acid, instrumental in the process of fat emulsification. Recognized by several other names such as cholaic acid, cholyltaurine, and acidum cholatauricum, it primarily exists as a sodium salt in mammalian bile. Structurally, it is a conjugate formed by the combination of cholic acid and taurine. Both medically and commercially, taurocholic acid finds varied applications and is primarily derived from cattle bile.

Overview

As a yellowish crystalline substance that is deliquescent, taurocholic acid plays an indispensable role in the digestive system. Its primary function involves assisting in the emulsification of fats, a critical step in digestion that facilitates the absorption of dietary lipids.

Medical Significance

In the field of medicine, taurocholic acid is revered for its cholagogue and cholerectic properties. These attributes make it useful for:

• Stimulating bile production in the liver.
• Enhancing bile secretion into the small intestine, which aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

Hydrolysis and Taurine

Upon undergoing hydrolysis, taurocholic acid yields taurine, a nonessential amino acid that has several functions in the body. Taurine is pivotal for various physiological processes, including:

• Regulating mineral balance in cells.
• Antioxidant activities.
• Modulating immune system health.
• Contributing to the proper function of the central nervous system.

Commercial Production

On a commercial scale, taurocholic acid is predominantly extracted from cattle bile, which is readily available as a byproduct of the meat-processing industry. This ensures efficient utilization of animal byproducts while also catering to medical and commercial needs.

See Also

• Cholic acid
• Taurine
• Bile acid
• Lipid digestion

See also

• Deoxycholic acid.

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