Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genipin derivatives which have an excellent liver protection activity with little cytotoxicity, and these compounds are so stable in vivo that they do not induce any side effects.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (1) are described: wherein ═W— is (1) ═C(Y)— where Y is a halogen atom, or an alkyl or —XRa group where X is —O—, —S(O)m— [where m is zero or an integer of value 1 or 2], or —N(Rb)— [where Rb is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group] and Ra is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group or, (2) ═N—; L is (1) a —C(R)═C(R1)(R2) or [—CH(R)]nCH(R1)(R2) group; is (2) a —(Xa)nAlk′Ar′, or Alk′XaAr′ group; or is (3) XaR1; Z is a group (A), (B), (C) or (D):  wherein Ar is a monocyclic or bicyclic aryl group optionally containing one or more heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms; Z1is a group —NR12C(O)— [where R12 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or (Alk)tAr group], —C(O)NR12—, —NR12

Abstract: Compounds of formula I wherein R1 is 1-2C-alkoxy optionally substituted by flourine, R2 is methyl, 1-methylethyl, 3-7C-cycloalkyl or 3-7Ccycloalkylmethyl and Ar is a pyridyl which is optionally di-halo substituted.