1. Chemical Properties

  • Chemical Name: 3α,12α-Dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid.
  • CAS No.: 83-44-3.
  • Molecular Formula: C24H40O4; Molecular Weight: 392.58.
  • Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder, odorless with a bitter taste.
  • Solubility:
    • Slightly soluble in water (0.24 g/L at 15°C).
    • Freely soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, and acetone.
    • Highly soluble in glacial acetic acid.

2. Pharmacological Actions

  • Lipolytic Effect:
    • The first FDA-approved topical lipolytic agent.
    • Destroys adipocyte membranes to dissolve subcutaneous fat, specifically targeting submental fat accumulation ("double chin").
  • Choleretic & Metabolic Regulation:
    • Stimulates bile secretion and reduces cholesterol saturation.
    • Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity, suppressing cholesterol synthesis.
  • Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory:
    • Inhibits pathogens like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
    • Alleviates biliary tract infections and inflammation.
  • Surfactant Properties:
    • Acts as an anionic solubilizing agent for protein dissolution and bacterial culture media preparation.

3. Production & Supply

  • Primary Manufacturer: Qinghai Xiadu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    • Supplies high-purity active pharmaceutical ingredient (API, CAS 83-44-3).
    • Packaging options: 100 g to 25 kg.

4. Extended Applications

  • Pharmaceuticals: Raw material for drug formulations.
  • Food Industry: Emulsifier in meat products and cheeses to enhance texture and stability.
  • Cosmetics: Regulates sebum secretion in oil-control skincare products.
  • Research Reagents: Used in enzymology studies and molecular compound synthesis.