Ox bile (Bovine Bile Extract)
Synopsis of ox bile
Ox bile is a substance derived from the bile of cows, typically collected from the gallbladder and processed into supplemental form as bile salts or dried extract. It contains a mix of bile acids (primarily cholic acid and deoxycholic acid), cholesterol, phospholipids, and bilirubin, and is used medicinally to support fat digestion, bile flow, and liver function.
In modern integrative and functional medicine, ox bile supplements are prescribed to individuals with bile insufficiency, such as those who have had their gallbladder removed or suffer from biliary disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, or liver congestion. Ox bile facilitates the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), making it useful for treating steatorrhea (fatty stools), bloating, indigestion, and nutrient malabsorption.
It is also used in digestive enzyme formulations, often alongside lipase, to improve the breakdown of triglycerides. For those following high-fat or ketogenic diets, ox bile may help ease the transition by supporting liver and gallbladder function. Some practitioners also use it to improve cholesterol metabolism and reduce gallstone formation, although its use should be carefully managed to avoid overstimulation or gastrointestinal irritation.
Historical Use in Medicine
The use of bile as a medicine dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, where it was associated with the theory of the four humors. “Choler” (yellow bile) and “black bile” were considered vital fluids that needed to remain in balance for health. Ox bile, in particular, was believed to influence digestion and temperament and was sometimes used in remedies for sluggishness, melancholy, and digestive troubles.
In traditional Chinese medicine, animal biles—though more commonly from bear, pig, or snake—were used to “clear heat,” dissolve phlegm, and treat convulsions or eye diseases. While cow bile was less common in classical TCM, the general principle of bile being bitter, cooling, and detoxifying held consistent.
In early Western herbalism and pharmacology, ox bile was included in apothecaries’ formulas to treat indigestion, constipation, and liver sluggishness. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, ox bile was widely incorporated into compound medicines, particularly in Europe and the U.S., as a treatment for chronic dyspepsia, liver congestion, and fatty liver conditions.
Though modern synthetic bile acid analogs exist, ox bile remains in use today in naturopathic, integrative, and clinical nutrition practices due to its natural composition and similarity to human bile. It represents a direct approach to supporting hepatobiliary function and digestive efficiency in patients with compromised fat metabolism.
Ox bile is used for these health conditions
Acid Indigestion (Scientific)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Scientific)
Gall Stones (Scientific)
Indigestion (Scientific)
ox bile is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gall Bladder (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
