Chenodeoxycholic Acid (CDCA), is a hydrophobic primary bile acid that activates nuclear receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism. Bile acids are essential for solubilization and transport of dietary lipids, are the major products of cholesterol catabolism, and are physiological ligands for farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor that regulates genes involved in lipid metabolism. EC50 concentrations for activation of FXR range from 13-34 μM. In cells, Chenodeoxycholic Acid also binds to bile acid binding proteins (BABP) with a reported stiochiometery of 1:2. Chenodeoxycholic Acid toxicity is linked to increased cellular glutathione levels and increased oxidative stress. Exposure of cells to excess Chenodeoxycholic Acid contributes to liver and intestinal cancers.