Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Open Access

Xenobiotic Metabolism Impact Factor

Xenobiotics are molecules that are introduced into the body from the environment and subsequently metabolized by the body. Most pharmacological agents are lipophilic and their elimination from the body is facilitated by enzymatic modifications to render them more hydrophilic. The liver is a major site for xenobiotic metabolism. In addition to foreign substances, a number of endogenous substances, including some eicosanoids and steroid hormones, are also modified to facilitate their excretion. The principal organs of drug metabolism are the liver and the small intestine. Drugs completely inactivated during the first-pass through these organs must be given parenterally, similarly to poorly absorbed drugs.