胆酸也被称为3α,7α,12α-三羟基-5β-胆烷-24-羧酸，是胆汁酸的主要成分，不溶于水，可溶于乙醇和乙酸，固态为白色晶体，其盐类被称为胆酸盐。胆酸可用于生化研究和医药中间体合成。胆酸钠是利胆药，用于治疗胆囊炎、胆汁缺乏和肠道消化不良等症状。
Cholic acid, also known as 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-5β-cholane-24-carboxylic acid, is the main component of bile acid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and acetic acid. Its solid state is white crystals, and its salts are called cholates. Cholic acid can be used in biochemical research and the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. Sodium cholate is acholeretic drug used to treat symptoms such as cholecystitis, bile deficiency, and intestinal indigestion.
