Xenobiotic Metabolism

Xenobiotic metabolism refers to the chemical transformation of foreign (xeno) substances by the body. These include compounds like pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants, and dietary compounds. These processes are essential in maintaining the body’s homeostasis, as they convert toxic substances into nontoxic forms and allow for their eventual elimination or excretion. Without these processes, many external compounds would accumulate to toxic levels in the body and compromise its functioning. As a result, understanding xenobiotic metabolism is key for designing effective drugs and for our understanding of health and disease.