Used as a cholagogue and choleretic agent to stimulate bile production and promote bile flow from the gallbladder, aiding in the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. It supports digestion of fats by enhancing bile output and has been utilized in diagnostic procedures to assess liver function. Also serves as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations to improve solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. Historically used as a laxative due to its ability to increase fluid secretion in the intestines.