MOLECULE

Oxoglutaric acid

Oxoglutaric acid, also known as oxoglutarate or alpha-ketoglutarate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as gamma-keto acids and derivatives. These are organic compounds containing an aldehyde substituted with a keto group on the C4 carbon atom. Oxoglutaric acid is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Oxoglutaric acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, oxoglutaric acid participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, oxoglutaric acid can be biosynthesized from isocitric acid; which is mediated by the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase. In addition, oxoglutaric acid can be converted into succinyl-CoA; which is mediated by the enzyme oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex. In humans, oxoglutaric acid is involved in the oncogenic action of fumarate. Oxoglutaric acid is an odorless tasting compound. Outside of the human body, Oxoglutaric acid is found, on average, in the highest concentration within star fruits and milk (cow). Oxoglutaric acid has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as common chokecherries, red beetroots, adzuki beans, buffalo currants, and grapefruit/pummelo hybrids. This could make oxoglutaric acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Oxoglutaric acid is a potentially toxic compound. An oxo dicarboxylic acid that consists of glutaric acid bearing an oxo substituent at position 2. Oxoglutaric acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.