Abstract: .DELTA.16-20-keto steroids (I) are converted to 17.alpha.-hydroxy-20-keto steroids (III) in 2 steps, hydrosilylation followed by peracid oxidation.

Abstract: 11-Difluoromethylene steroids having progestational and anti-progestational properties, useful as anti-fertility agents, are disclosed as well as a process for making the 11-difluoromethylene steroids.

Abstract: A 6.alpha.-methylprednisolone derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or stands for the grouping ##STR2## where R.sup.3 is a straight or once-branched chain C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a lower alkoxy- or alkylthio-methyl group, and R.sup.2 is a straight or once-branched chain C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a lower alkoxy- or alkylthio-methyl group, with the proviso that when R.sup.2 is ethyl group, R.sup.1 should not be a hydrogen atom or R.sup.3 should not be ethyl group. This compound exhibits a strong local antiinflammatory effect and is, therefore, useful as a harmless external antiinflammatory drug for various dermal disorders and also as an antiallergic drug for treating asthma and the like allergic diseases.

Abstract: 17-haloethynyl steroids of the partial formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl,R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms, acyl of 1-7 carbon atoms, trimethylsilyl, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, or nitrate,X is bromine or iodine, andV is methylene, ethylene, vinylene, ethylidene, vinylidene or cyclopropylene,can be prepared by treating an ethynyl steroid of the partial formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and V are as defined above, in an inert solvent with a brominating agent or an iodinating agent in the presence of a silver salt. Certain new compounds are also provided.

Abstract: New derivatives of chenodeoxycholic, ursodeoxycholic, cholic and ursocholic bile acids having in the side chain in the 19 position a cyclopropane ring are described together with taurine and glycine conjugated derivatives thereof.The compounds of the invention, prepared from suitable olephinic intermediates by reaction with alkyl diazoacetates or by Simmons-Smith reaction and optional conjugation with taurine or glycine, are endowed with interesting therapeutic properties.

Abstract: A process for the production of 17.alpha.-acyloxy-6-chloro-1.alpha.,2.alpha.-methylene-3,20-diones of the general Formula I ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group with up to 5 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, is characterized in that a compound of general Formula II ##STR2## wherein R has the meaning indicated above, is reacted, in the presence of a strong acid, with a compound of general formula III ##STR3## wherein R' is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group with up to 4 carbon atoms and R" represents alkoxy groups, alkylthio groups or dialkylamino groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms in each alkyl radical.

Abstract: A new compound of the general formula I: ##STR1## obtained from the ursodeoxycholic acid, soluble in water and its pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of 17.beta.-hydroxyacetyl-17.alpha.-ol-steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms optionally substituted with halogen or an oxygen or nitrogen function and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the A,B,C and D rings may contain one or more double bonds and are optionally substituted with at least one member of the group consisting of hydroxy, keto, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms which compounds are generally known of the cortisonic type with known properties.

Abstract: The invention provides new derivatives of vitamin D, 23,23-difluoro-25-hydroxycholecalciferol and the acylates thereof, a method for preparing said compounds and various new intermediates utilized in such process.The derivative compounds are characterized by vitamin D-like activity as evidenced by their ability to increase intestinal calcium transport and serum calcium. The compounds are further characterized by resistance to hydroxylation at C-23, which is recognized as an essential metabolic step to the inactivation of vitamin D. The compounds should, therefore, provide vitamin D-like activity of greater time duration.

Abstract: The present application is concerned with compounds useful as carriers of cytotoxic agents. More particularly it deals with derivatives of steroid compounds having a 5-androstene carbon skeleton and having an oleyl ester at the 3-position and having a 17-carbamyl alkyl substituent which linked to cytotoxic agents for delivery to cancer cells exclusively via the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) pathway.

Abstract: The compounds of the present invention are irreversible and highly selective inhibitors of the cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (P-450scc) enzyme responsible for the first and rate limiting step of steroid hormone biosynthesis by the adrenal glands.

Abstract: Novel 7.alpha.-substituted 3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones of the formula ##STR1## wherein ##STR2## is a CC single or CC double bond or the group ##STR3## R.sup.7 is the group SR', R' being a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched alkyl residue of 1-6 carbon atoms optionally substituted by a hydroxy or acyloxy group, the group COOR" or the group COR" wherein R" is an alkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms and ##STR4## is a CC single bond or the group ##STR5## have antialdosterone activity with reduced endocrinological side effects.

Abstract: Steroid compounds of the 20-spiroxane series and their analogues having an open ring E of the formula, ##STR1## in which --A--A-- represents the group --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or --CH.dbd.CH--,R.sup.1 represents hydrogen, andR.sup.2 represents an .alpha.-oriented lower alkoxycarbonyl radical, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent an .alpha.- or a .beta.-oriented methylene radical,--B--B-- represents the group --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or an .alpha.- or .beta.-oriented group ##STR2## X represents two hydrogen atoms or oxo, Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 together represent the oxygen bridge --O--, orY.sup.1 represents hydroxy, andY.sup.2 represents hydroxy, lower alkoxy or, if X represents H.sub.2, also lower alkanoyloxy,and salts of compounds in which X represents oxo and Y.sup.2 represents hydroxy, are distinguished as effective aldosterone-antagonists with minimal side-effects and, for that reason, are especially suitable for the treatment of all forms of hyperaldosteronism.

Abstract: Improved topical pharmaceutical compositions containing a pharmaceutically-active agent and the penetration enhancing agent 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one are disclosed. This agent is used at selected levels in combination with certain C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 diols or a 1-substituted azacycloalkyl-2-one. This composition provides marked transepidermal and percutaneous delivery of the selected pharmaceutically-active agent. A method of treating certain pathologies and conditions responsive to the selected active, systemically or locally, is also disclosed.

Abstract: 17.alpha.-substituted steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkyl or alkenyl interrupted by an oxygen atom, cyclopentyl, or tetrahydropyranyl,R.sub.2 is alkyl or alkenyl of 2-6 carbon atoms,X is oxygen or the grouping H(OR.sub.3) wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkyl or alkenyl interrupted by an oxygen atom, cyclopentyl, or tetrahydropyranyl, upon topical application, display antiandrogenic properties and can be utilized for the treatment of acne, seborrhea, alopecia and hirsutism.

Abstract: Known reactions are arranged in a novel manner to produce 11.beta.-difluoromethyl and (E)- and (Z)-11-fluoromethylene 19-norandrostenediones and 19-nor-13.beta.-ethylandrostenediones which are useful as contraceptive agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 1-hydroxyvitamin D compounds by acid-catalyzed solvolysis of the corresponding 1-hydroxy-3,5-cyclovitamin D compound in an organic solvent medium whereby the free, non-acylated, 5,6-cis and 5,6-trans-1-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds are obtained in admixture.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein the bond is a single bond or a double bond,X is hydrogen, flourine, chlorine, or bromine,R.sub.1 is formyl, alkanoyl or alkoxyalkyl each of which contains 2-8 carbon atoms, or benzoyl, andY is chlorine, hydroxy, formyl, alkanoyloxy of 2-8 carbon atoms, or benzoyloxy,have valuable anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: Plant material (for example, milled hop pellets) is placed in a pressure vessel and carbon dioxide is passed through the vessel in order to extract essential oil and resin components. Said passage is stopped after a predetermined period of time and inert gas(es) is/are used to displace said carbon dioxide and the extract(s) from said vessel to another location.If liquid carbon dioxide is used, it is displaced to an evaporator in which the extract is deposited, carbon dioxide being gasified. If supercritical carbon dioxide is used, it is displaced to a separator.Alternatively, the plant material may be steeped in liquid carbon dioxide which, after the steeping period, is displaced as aforesaid.The gases (carbon dioxide and inert) may be vented to atmosphere or recovered for re-use.Extraction using liquid carbon dioxide is isobaric whereas using supercritical carbon dioxide, the pressure in the pressure vessel is higher than in the separator.

Abstract: Use of water soluble 21-dibasic esters of 1-dehydro-6.alpha.-methylhydrocortisone for the acute treatment of stroke syndrome in humans.