Glucuronide

(biochemistry) A compound resulting from the interaction of glucuronic acid with a phenol, an alcohol, or an acid containing a carboxyl group. Also known as glycuronide.

A variety of compounds are metabolized by conjugation with glucuronic acid to yield water-soluble derivatives for excretion from the body. See also phase II metabolism.

Any of various derivatives of glucuronic acid that often combine with toxic organic compounds and are excreted.

Any glycosidic conjugate of glucuronic acid; glucuronides, which are generally inactive, constitute the major proportion of the metabolites of many phenols, alcohols and carboxylic acids.

A glucuronide, also known as glucuronoside, is any substance produced by linking glucuronic acid to another substance via a glycosidic bond. The glucuronides belong to the glycosides.

Glucuronidation, the conversion of chemical compounds to glucuronides, is a method that animals use to assist in the excretion of toxic substances, drugs or other substances that cannot be used as an energy source. Glucuronic acid is attached via a glycosidic bond to the substance, and the resulting glucuronide, which has a much higher water solubility than the original substance, is eventually excreted by the kidneys.

Enzymes that cleave the glycosidic bond of a glucuronide are called glucuronidases.

See also

• Morphine-6-glucuronide
• Scutellarein-7-glucuronide

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