Cholagogue
Cholagogue
Cholagogue (pronunciation: /ˈkɒləɡɒɡ/) is a medicinal agent which promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
Etymology
The term "cholagogue" comes from the Greek words "cholē", meaning "bile", and "agōgos", meaning "leading".
Usage
Cholagogues are often used in traditional medicine to treat diseases of the liver and gallbladder. They are believed to stimulate the liver to produce more bile, which is then released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
Related Terms
- Choleretic: A substance that increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
- Hepatoprotective: Something that is capable of preventing damage to the liver.
- Gallbladder: A small organ where bile is stored, before it is released into the small intestine.
- Bile: A bitter greenish-brown alkaline fluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
- Liver: A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates, involved in many metabolic processes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cholagogue
- Wikipedia's article - Cholagogue
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