Used in the treatment of bile acid metabolism disorders, norcholic acid acts as a therapeutic agent to regulate cholesterol breakdown and reduce bile acid synthesis. It is employed in managing cholestatic liver diseases by promoting bile flow and reducing the accumulation of toxic bile acids. Its structure allows it to function as a weak agonist or modulator of nuclear receptors like FXR (farnesoid X receptor), helping to normalize bile acid homeostasis. Additionally, it has been investigated for use in improving lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity in metabolic conditions. Norcholic acid is also utilized in research settings to study bile acid pathways and liver function, and its similarity to natural bile acids makes it useful as an intermediate in synthesizing bioactive compounds.