Originator
Actigall,Novartis
Definition
ChEBI: A bile acid found in the bile of bears (Ursidae) as a conjugate with taurine. Used therapeutically, it prevents the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol and can lead to the dissolution of gallstones.
Manufacturing Process
Chenodeoxycholanic acid was dissolved in acetic acid and to this solution
aqueous solution of CrO3 was added. As a result 3,7-diketodeoxycholanic acid
was obtained, yield 95%, melting point 145°C.
15.0 g of 3,7-diketodeoxycholanic acid were dissolved in 80 ml of toluene,
then petroleum ether 30 ml were added. 3,7-Diketodeoxycholanic acid as an
oil precipitate was obtained, melting point 152°-154°C.
10.0 g of 3,7-diketodeoxycholanic acid were dissolved in 300 ml butanol,
heated to 120°-130°C on bath and then sodium metallic 13.0 g were added.
After that to this mixture hydrochloric acid was added for neutralization.
Ursodeoxychlolanic acid was obtained, yield 9.4 g, melting point 193°C
(recrystallization from ethyl acetate).
Brand name
Actigall
(Watson); Urso (Axcan Scandipharm).
Therapeutic Function
Gallostone dissolving agent, Hepatoprotectant
General Description
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a secondary bile acid that helps regulate cholesterol. Mass spectrometry-based analysis of UDCA is routinely performed in clinical diagnostic testing applications such as neonatal testing of inborn errors of bile acid synthesis, differentiating among types of familial intrahepatic cholestasis, and therapeutic monitoring of patient responses to UDCA therapy. This Certified Spiking Solution? is suitable as a starting material in preparation of linearity standards, calibrators, and controls for use in LC-MS/MS and GC/MS bile acid testing methods.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Clinical Use
Dissolution of gallstones
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Metabolism
Ursodeoxycholic acid is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes enterohepatic recycling. It is partly conjugated in the liver before being excreted into the bile. Under the influence of intestinal bacteria the free and conjugated forms undergo 7α-dehydroxylation to lithocholic acid, some of which is excreted directly in the faeces and the rest absorbed and mainly conjugated and sulphated by the liver before excretion in the faeces.
Purification Methods
Recrystallise ursodiol from wet Et2O, EtOH or EtOH/MeOH. [Iwasaki Hoppe Seyler's Z Physiol Chem 244 181, 183 1936, Beilstein 10 III 1635.]