Cholane

Cholane is a triterpene which can exist as either of two stereoisomers, 5α-cholane and 5β-cholane. Its name is derived from the Greek work for bile (χολή, chole) in reference to its original discovery from the bile of the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). The compound itself has no known uses; however, various functionalized analogues are produced by plants and animals, typically in the form of sterols, steroids and bile acids (e.g. cholic acid).