Used in the formulation of bile acid-based drugs for treating liver and gallbladder disorders. Helps in dissolving gallstones by reducing cholesterol saturation in bile. Employed in cell culture media as a component for supporting cell growth, especially in insect and mammalian cell lines. Serves as a starting material in the synthesis of bioactive steroids and other pharmaceutical intermediates. Applied in research for studying lipid metabolism and intestinal absorption of fats. Also utilized in some diagnostic procedures related to liver function and fat digestion.