Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Synthesis of Indoxyl-glycosides for Detection of Glycosidase Activities
Published on: May 27, 2015
Indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, is biotransformed from indoxyl-beta-D-glucoside (indican) in rats
Yu-Chi Hou1, Shang-Yuan Tsai, Shu-Ling Chan
1School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40421, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract:
Indican (Indoxyl-beta-D-glucoside) is present in many Chinese herbs such as Isatis indigotica, Clerodendrum crytophyllum, Glehnia littoralis, Polygonum tinctorium and P. perfoliatum. This study aims to investigate whether indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, would be biotransformed from indican in rats. Indican was administered intravenously and orally to Sprague-Dawley rats. The blood samples were withdrawn via cardiopuncture at specific time points and the serum concentrations of indican and indoxyl sulfate were assayed by HPLC method. The results showed that indican was rapidly and extensively metabolized to indoxyl sulfate either given intravenously or orally. Indoxyl sulfate showed markedly higher systemic exposure than indican. Because indoxyl sulfate is a harmful uremic toxin, we suggest that the content of indican in the aforementioned medicinal plants be quantitated and well controlled to ensure the safety for clinical use.
Related Concept Videos
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Drug Metabolism: Phase II Reactions
Phase II Reactions: Glucuronidation
Phase II Reactions: Miscellaneous Conjugation Reactions
A key example involves the conjugation of cyanide ions, which impair cellular respiration and alter hemoglobin into non-oxygen-carrying cyanmethemoglobin. To neutralize this threat, a sulfur atom from thiosulphate is transferred to the cyanide ion, catalyzed by the enzyme rhodanese, resulting in an inactive compound called thiocyanate. The production of...
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

