Glucuronolactone

Naturally occurring carbohydrate derivative that is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues and is also found in many plant gums. Metabolized to glucaric acid, xylitol, and L-xylulose, and humans may also be able to use glucuronolactone as a precursor for ascorbic acid synthesis. Used as a detoxicant. The liver uses glucose to create glucuronolactone, which inhibits the enzyme B-glucuronidase (metabolizes glucuronides), which should cause blood-glucuronide levels to rise. Glucuronides combine with toxic substances, such as morphine and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, by converting them to water-soluble glucuronide-conjugates which are excreted in the urine. Used as building block and starting reagent for synthesis of drugs, optically active glucopyranoses and long-chain alkyl glucofuranosides.