Cytochrome P450

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) represent a superfamily of heme-containing enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of various substances within the human body. These enzymes are involved in the oxidative metabolism of drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds, making them integral to processes such as detoxification and the regulation of hormones.

The CYP enzymes are primarily found in the liver but are also present in other tissues, including the intestines and kidneys. They function by adding an oxygen atom to the substrate, a reaction often referred to as hydroxylation, which makes the compounds more water-soluble and easier to excrete.