Used in research on bile acid metabolism and liver function, particularly in studies related to cholestasis and drug-induced liver injury. It serves as a biomarker for impaired bile flow due to its accumulation in blood when hepatic transport is disrupted. Also employed in assays to evaluate the activity of sulfatases and transporters involved in bile acid homeostasis. Its role in modulating nuclear receptors like FXR and PXR makes it relevant in drug development targeting metabolic and liver diseases.