sodium caprate

Sodium caprate is the sodium salt of decanoic (capric) acid, a 10-carbon saturated fatty acid. It is primarily used as a permeation enhancer in pharmaceutical formulations to improve the intestinal absorption of drugs, especially macromolecules and poorly absorbed compounds. Sodium caprate acts by transiently opening tight junctions between epithelial cells in the gut, thereby increasing paracellular permeability and facilitating drug transport across biological membranes. This effect is mediated through an increase in intracellular calcium levels via activation of phospholipase C, leading to contraction of actin microfilaments and subsequent dilation of tight junctions. Sodium caprate has also been approved as a food additive (anticaking agent, emulsifier) in both the United States and European Union[1][3][5][6]. It is not typically used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient but rather as an excipient or functional additive to enhance bioavailability.

Other names

sodium capratesodium decanoatesodium caprinatedecanoic acid sodium salt