Choleretic
Choleretic
Choleretic (pronunciation: koh-leh-REH-tik) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe a substance that increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
Etymology
The term 'choleretic' is derived from the Greek words 'chole', meaning bile, and 'eretikos', meaning liable to rouse or excite. Thus, a choleretic is something that stimulates the production of bile.
Function
Choleretics are often used in medicine to aid in the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. They can also be used to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions, such as gallstones and cholestasis. Choleretics work by stimulating the liver to produce more bile, which is then stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion.
Related Terms
- Cholagogue: A substance that promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
- Hepatoprotective: Something that prevents damage to the liver.
- Cholecystokinin: A hormone that stimulates the digestion of fat and protein.
- Cholestasis: A condition where bile cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum.
- Gallstones: Hardened deposits within the fluids of the gallbladder.
See Also
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