urochromen

Urochromen, commonly referred to as urochrome, is the principal pigment responsible for the yellow color of urine. The name derives from Greek words ouron for urine and chroma for color.

Chemically, urochrome is a water-soluble pigment that arises during the metabolism of heme. It is formed from the oxidation of urobilinogen, which itself is produced during bilirubin breakdown in the liver and intestine, and is excreted by the kidneys into urine. Urochrome is one of several pigments that contribute to urine coloration, alongside others such as urobilin and urobilinogen.

In healthy individuals, urochrome imparts a pale yellow to amber hue to urine. The intensity of the color depends on urine concentration, hydration status, and the presence of other pigments. Dehydration concentrates urochrome and darkens urine, while adequate hydration produces a lighter, more translucent appearance. Abnormal urine color can indicate medical conditions or factors such as liver disease, hemolysis, or dietary influences, but color alone is not diagnostic and should be interpreted in context with other clinical data.

Urochromen can refer to a class of related yellow pigments found in urine, with urochrome being the principal member. Understanding urine color and its pigments is a common aspect of routine urinalysis and can provide a noninvasive cue to an individual’s hydration status and general health.