epomediol

Epomediol is a synthetic terpenoid and small molecule with choleretic effects, meaning it stimulates bile production by the liver. It has been primarily used for the symptomatic treatment of pruritus (itching) associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy[1][5][7]. Mechanistically, epomediol increases bile flow and enhances the secretion of bile acids and cholesterol by upregulating enzymes such as cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase in hepatocytes[4]. It can reverse ethinyloestradiol-induced cholestasis in animal models and restore normal hepatocyte bile acid uptake when administered in vivo alongside ethinyloestradiol[4][8]. Its action appears to be both independent from and additive to that of endogenous bile acids at low secretory rates[6].

Brand names

Clesidren

Other names

1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-6,7-endo,endo-diol