RETINOYL BETA-GLUCURONIDE - A BIOLOGICALLY-ACTIVE FORM OF VITAMIN-A

Retinoyl beta-glucuronide is a naturally occurring, biologically activ e metabolite of vitamin A. Although retinoyl beta-glucuronide is regar ded as a detoxification product of retinoic acid, it plays several rol es in the functions of vitamin A. It can serve as a source of retinoic acid, and if may be a vehicle for transport of retinoic acid to targe t tissues. Topically applied retinoyl beta-glucuronide is comparable i n efficacy to retinoic acid in the treatment of acne in humans, withou t the same side effects. Retinoyl beta-glucuronide may or may not be t eratogenic, depending on the mode of administration and the species in which it is used. If may be a valuable therapeutic compound for the t reatment of skin disorders: and certain types of cancers.