Glycuronide

/ɡlɪˈkjʊərənaɪd/ noun

Definition

A compound formed by the combination of glucuronic acid with drugs, toxins, or other molecules, making them easier for the body to excrete.

Etymology

From 'glucuronic' + '-ide' (chemical compound suffix, from '-yl'). Modern standard terminology for the products of glucuronidation, a major detoxification pathway.

Kelly Says

When you take acetaminophen (Tylenol), your liver immediately wraps it in glucuronic acid to make a glycuronide—this is why the drug leaves your body within hours instead of accumulating to toxic levels.

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