choline butyrate

Choline butyrate is a bio-compatible ionic liquid composed of a choline cation and a butyrate anion. It is primarily investigated in pharmaceutical research as a multifunctional drug delivery system designed to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds, such as the anti-tumor agent glycyrol. Beyond its role as a solvent or carrier, choline butyrate possesses inherent pharmacological activity derived from the butyrate moiety, which acts as a non-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and an agonist of G protein-coupled receptors FFAR2 (GPR43) and FFAR3 (GPR41). These actions contribute to anti-inflammatory effects and the induction of apoptosis in malignant cells, particularly in colorectal cancer models. As a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), it offers unique formulation advantages over traditional solid salts, including improved stability and enhanced membrane permeability.

Other names

choline n-butyrate(2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium butyrate