Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
Definition
A secondary bile acid that is the major active component in bear bile, present at far higher concentrations than in most other mammals. Its ratio profile in HPLC analysis distinguishes genuine bear bile from pig bile and synthetic substitutes.
- Primary source
- Major active component in bear bile, present at concentrations far higher than in other mammals
- Forensic analysis method
- HPLC ratio profiling distinguishes genuine bear bile from pig bile and synthetic substitutes
Common questions
What is UDCA and where is it found?+
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a bile acid. It is the major active component in bear bile, where it occurs at far higher concentrations than in most other mammals. It also appears in other animals but at much lower levels.
How is UDCA used in forensic analysis?+
UDCA's concentration profile is analyzed using HPLC to authenticate traditional medicine products containing bear bile. The ratio of UDCA and other bile acids in the sample can distinguish genuine bear bile from pig bile and synthetic substitutes.
Why does UDCA matter in wildlife forensics?+
Because UDCA occurs at such high levels in bear bile specifically, it is a key marker for identifying illegal bear products. When testing suspected illegal wildlife medicines or traditional remedies, the presence and ratio of UDCA points to whether the sample contains authentic bear bile or a counterfeit.
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Explained in these topics
- Big Cat and Bear Product IdentificationA secondary bile acid that is the major active component in bear bile, present at far higher concentrations than in most other mammals. Its ratio profile in HP...
- Rhinoceros Horn ForensicsA bile acid found in bear bile that is sometimes used as a reference compound in traditional medicine product authentication. Listed here for definitional cont...