An ester or salt of the bile acid cholic acid that is synthesized in the liver from cholesterol, with surfactant and signaling activities in the liver and intestine. In the intestine, cholate acts as a surfactant that promotes the absorption of dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In the liver, cholate's surfactant activity facilitates biliary excretion of xenobiotics and metal cations. Cholate binds to nuclear receptors, including farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which directly modulate gene transcription. Cholate may also be used as a biomarker for hepatotoxicity.

Major primary bile acid, its salts and esters; produced in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine; facilitates fat absorption and cholesterol excretion.