Composition and method

Abstract

A process, and the composition used therein, for estrogenic therapy which comprises administering daily to the patient from about 0.2 to 2000 milligrams of a compound having the formula: ##EQU1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and a lower saturated acyclic acyl; Z is selected from the group consisting of >CH.sub.2, >CHOH and >C=O; and A is selected from the group consisting of --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- and --CH=CH--.

Description

The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition useful in carrying out estrogenic therapy for human patients.

The administration of estrogenic hormones such as estradiol and estrogenic substances such as diethylstilbestrol in the therapeutic treatment of various illnesses and disorders such as acne, capillary fragility, emotional instability, delayed puberty, reduction of blood cholesterol and habitual abortion, has been practiced for years with considerable success. The estrogen hormones and estrogenic substances currently available are not without criticism, however. A major drawback of these substances, particularly as applied to their administration in men, is their strong "feminizing" effect. Many women also manifest undesirable side-effects from these compounds, as, for example, excessive menstrual flow and masculinization. A search has been in progress for years with little success for a "weak estrogen" compound which is effective in estrogenic therapy but lacks distinct feminizing and other undesirable side effects.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition containing an effective therapeutically active estrogenic ingredient characterized by relatively weak feminizing and other side effect estrogenic activity.

The active ingredient of the pharmaceutical compositions can be represented by the structural formula: ##EQU2## wherein R is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, e.g. lower alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, hexyl, etc., and acyl, e.g., lower saturated acyclic acyl radicals such as acetyl and valeryl; A is --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or --CH=CH-- and Z is >C=O, >CH.sub.2 or >CHOH. As will be demonstrated below, the compounds of the invention when compared with diethylstilbestrol, a compound of known estrogenic activity used in estrogenic therapy in the mouse uterotropic activity test, exhibit effective but relatively weak estrogenic activity.

The compounds of the present invention include the compound: ##EQU3## hereinafter referred to as the fermentation estrogenic substance (F.E.S.), from which the other compounds of the invention can be produced by reduction of the ketone group to replace the oxygen of the ketone group with two hydrogen atoms, by reducing the ketonic group to add two hydrogens thereto, by saturation of the olefinic bond or any combination of such reductions. The reduction of the ketone group to replace the oxygen can be effected by several procedures. One of these procedures involves the Clemmensen reduction using zinc and hydrochloric acid; another involves the Wolff-Kishner reduction using hydrazine and alkali, e.g. NaOH, and the third involves formation of the dithioacetal with ethylene dithiol or ethylmercaptan and the catalytic desulfurization with Raney nickel catalyst containing adsorbed hydrogen.

The addition of two hydrogen atoms to the ketonic group and saturation of the olefinic bond can be obtained by conventional reduction procedures, for instance, in the presence of Raney nickel catalyst. The reduction is preferably carried out with the F.E.S. suspended or dissolved in a suitable solvent, e.g. an alcohol, preferably a lower alkanol such as methanol, ethanol, etc. In general, the reduction can be accomplished at ambient temperatures and ambient pressures. Preferable temperatures are from about 15.degree. to 40.degree.C., and preferable pressures are of from about 1 to 100 atmospheres. In general, from about 0.1 to 5 grams of catalyst are used per gram of F.E.S.

In producing compounds of the invention where A is --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- the olefinic bond of F.E.S. can be reduced, for example, by hydrogenation in the presence of a Group VIII metal, particularly platinum or palladium catalyst on a suitable carrier, e.g., charcoal. Generally, the catalyst contains from about 0.01 to about 10% of the catalytic metal. The catalyst is used in a ratio of generally from 0.02 to 2 grams of catalyst, preferably about 0.1 to 0.5 gram, and particularly about 0.2 gram catalyst per gram of F.E.S. The reduction may be carried out while the F.E.S. is dissolved in a suitable solvent, e.g. an alcohol, especially a lower alkanol such as 2-propanol, methanol, ethanol, and acid, e.g. acetic acid, etc. at ambient temperatures; e.g. from about 15.degree. to 40.degree. C., and ambient pressures, since only the presence of hydrogen is required; however, it is preferred to utilize an elevated pressure, e.g. from about 1 to 50 atmospheres of hydrogen.

In producing compounds of the present invention where R is alkyl, conventional alkylation procedures can be used to replace the H atom of one or both of the OH groups on the benzene ring of F.E.S. with an alkyl group. Alkylated dihydro F.E.S. compounds can be produced, for example, by first alkylating F.E.S. and then reducing it as set forth supra, or by first reducing it and then alkylating it. The alkylation can be by reaction with the corresponding dialkyl sulfates, e.g. dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, etc., to produce the dialkyl F.E.S. or a monoalkyl F.E.S. with the alkyl group replacing the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring ortho to the ester group. Furthermore, a monomethyl F.E.S. compound with the methyl group replacing the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group para to the ester group can be selectively produced using diazomethane.

In producing compounds of the present invention where R is acyl, conventional acylation procedures can be used to replace the hydrogen atom of one or both of the hydroxyl radicals on the benzene ring of F.E.S. with an acyl radical. Acylated F.E.S. compounds can be produced, for example, by reaction with the corresponding acid anhydride, e.g. acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, etc., catalyzed with, for example, sodium acetate or pyridine. Ambient conditions can be used although it is preferred to keep the reaction mixture cold. When compounds having one R as alkyl and the other acyl, it is advantageous to alkylate before acylating.

The fermentation estrogenic substance (F.E.S.) is so named since a convenient method for producing it is by cultivating, on a suitable nutrient medium, the organism Gibberella zeae (Gordon) on deposit at the Northern Utilization Research and Development Division of the United States Department of Agriculture under the number NRRL-2830.

Specific examples of the preparation of F.E.S. and other compounds of the invention are given below and disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,196,019; 3,239,354; 3,239,345 and 3,239,341.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be prepared by mixing the active ingredient with non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, which can be inert diluents or solid carriers, and forming the resulting mixture into suitable dosage unit forms. The compositions can be administered to the subject by any suitable method including oral and parenteral administration. Forms suitable for oral administration include, for example, pressed or coated tablets, capsules or pills, syrups, solutions or suspensions in water or non-toxic organic solvent media such as propylene glycol and glycerol formal, and dispersible powders. Compositions suitable for parenteral administration are the known pharmaceutical forms for such administrations, for example, sterile aqueous suspensions or solutions in oily media. The sterile aqueous suspensions can be formulated in the presence of parenterally acceptable buffers, e.g. sodium citrate, citric acid and/or preservatives such as phenol and methyl and propyl esters of p-hydroxy benzoic acid. A preferred oily media for preparation of the sterile aqueous solution is peanut oil. For treatment of the skin, the active ingredient can be mixed in any of the conventional cosmetic base lotions in a hydrophilic base.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also include adjuvants known in the art as desirable or useful as, for example, wetting agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, lubricating agents, sweetening agents, coloring agents and flavoring agents.

Illustrative of oral compositions are tablets wherein the active ingredient is mixed with inert fillers, e.g., dicalcium phosphate, terra alba or lactose in the presence of disintegrating agents as, for example, maize starch and in the presence of lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. Examples of suitable aqueous solutions for oral use are those formulated by incorporating the active ingredient in inert pharmaceutically-acceptable liquid solvent media which can contain, if desired, pharmaceutically-acceptabe thickening agents such as sodium carboxy-methyl-cellulose and/or pharmaceutically-acceptable sweetening and flavoring agents.

The actual amounts of the active ingredient in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention may vary depending on the particular disorder treated but in all cases the amount present is that sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect. In general, for carrying out estrogenic therapy for a human patient from about 0.2 to 2000 milligrams of the active ingredient are administered daily. This amount is administered in amounts of from about 0.2 to 500 mg. preferably 1.0 to 100 mg. per dosage unit. More particularly, in post-menopause usage the active ingredient will be administered in a range of about 0.1 to 10 mg., preferably about 0.5 or 1 to 6 mg. per day per kilogram body weight of the patient. With females this dosage is typically administered in a manner similar to oral contraceptives, that is, 20 to 25 days on the drug followed by rest periods of up to ten days, e.g. 5 to 10 days. Often this cycle is referred to as 3 weeks on the drug and 1 week rest period. Post-menopause usage and the dosages used therefore includes treatment of capillary fragility and emotional instability and such dosages are those used with habitual abortion, delayed puberty, etc. The cycle regime is used to to avoid building of endometrium as is well known. The dosage for treatment of cholesterol, i.e. for cholesterol lowering, is from about 0.5 to 20 mg./day/kilogram of body weight and the dosage is usually given continuously although cyclic administration can be used. Acne is treated with a skin cream containing the active ingredient, e.g. 0.1 to 10 wt. % of the active ingredient in a cosmetic base lotion or in a hydrophilic base.

The following examples are offered to illustrate this invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific materials, amounts and procedures set forth. The first example illustrates preparation of a suitable inoculum containing the organism Gibberella zeae (Gordon) NRRL-2830.

EXAMPLE I

A spore sand culture containing Gibberella zeae (Gordon) NRRL-2830 was aseptically placed in a sterile tube containing 15 milliliters of Czapek's-Dox solution and a small amount of agar. This medium was then incubated for about 168 hours at approximately 25.degree.C. At the end of the incubation period, the medium was washed with 5 milliliters of sterile deionized water and transferred to a sterile tube containing 45 milliliters of Czapek's-Dox solution. The contents of the tube were then incubated for about 96 hours at about 25.degree.C. after which the material was available for use in inoculation of a fermentation medium.

The following example illustrates the fermentation of the organism Gibberella zeae (Gordon) NRRL-2830 to produce F.E.S.

EXAMPLE II

To a 2 liter flask was added 300 grams of finely divided corn. The flask and its contents were then sterilized and after sterilization 150 milliliters of sterile deionized water were added. To the mixture in the flask were then added 45 milliliters of the inoculum prepared by the process of Example I and the material was thoroughly mixed. The mixed material was then incubated for about 20 days at 25.degree.C. in a dark room in a water-saturated atmosphere.

The following example illustrates the recovery of the F.E.S. from the fermentation medium.

EXAMPLE III

A 300 gram portion of fermented material produced by the method of Example II was placed in 500 milliliters of deionized water and slurried. The slurry was then heated for about 15 minutes at 75.degree.C., 300 grams of filter aid were then added and the material was filtered. The solid filtered material containing the F.E.S. was then air dried, and 333 grams of the dried cake were then extracted with 500 milliliters of ethanol. This procedure was repeated three more times. The ethanol extract was evaporated to dryness under vacuum to give 6.84 grams of solid material. This solid material was then dissolved in 20 milliliters of chloroform and extracted with 30 milliliters of an aqueous solution containing 5% by weight of sodium carbonate having an adjusted pH of about 11.2. The extraction process was repeated seven more times. The pH of the sodium-carbonate extract was then adjusted to 6.2 with hydrochloric acid, to yield a F.E.S. substance-containing precipitate. The precipitate and the aqueous sodium-carbonate extract were then each in turn extracted with 75 milliliters of ethyl ether. This procedure was repeated three more times to yield a light yellow ethereal solution, which was then evaporated to yield 116 milligrams of solid F.E.S. This material was then subjected to multiple transfer countercurrent distribution using 100 tubes and a solvent system consisting of two parts chloroform and two parts carbon tetrachloride as the lower phase and four parts methanol and one part water as the upper phase, all parts by volume. The solid material obtained from the multiple transfer countercurrent distribution was F.E.S.

The following examples, Examples IV to VI, illustrate the reduction of F.E.S. to produce tetrahydro F.E.S. having the formula: ##EQU4##

EXAMPLE IV

Tetrahydro F.E.S. was produced by dissolving 0.5 gram F.E.S. in 200 milliliters of ethanol. The F.E.S. was reduced by contacting the solution with hydrogen for 3 hours at 30.degree.C. with 1000 psi using 2 grams of Raney nickel as a catalyst. After filtering and concentrating the reaction mixture, the product was washed with 2 to 3 milliliters of 2-nitropropane are crystallized. It was found to have a melting point from 143.degree.-160.degree.C.

EXAMPLE V

The reduction of F.E.S. was conducted in methanol at 30.degree.C. and 1000 psi hydrogen pressure for 5 hours using Raney nickel catalyst to provide a product melting, after several crystallizations from 2-nitropropane and nitromethane, at 141.degree.-143.degree.C. and analyzing:

Calc. (C.sub.18 H.sub.26 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 67.1 67.2% H 8.14 8.28______________________________________

EXAMPLE VI

The reduction of 1 gram of F.E.S. was conducted in 150 cc. of ethanol at room temperature and 50 psi of hydrogen for 4 hours in the presence of a small amount of Raney nickel (about 1 cc. of a thick suspension in water). The product was concentrated, treated with 5 milliliters of isopropyl alcohol, cooled and filtered. The filtrate was mixed with 5 milliliters of water, left standing over night, cooled and filtered to provide 0.65 gram of product having a melting point of 147.degree.-157.degree.C. This product was recrystallized from isopropyl alcohol-water mixtures two times to provide 0.18 gram of a product having a melting point of 178.degree.-180.degree.C. A product having a melting point of 146.degree.-148.degree.C. and weighing 0.22 gram was also recovered from the filtrate after the first recrystallization of the product weighing 0.65 gram. The reduction of the ketone group introduces an asymmetric carbon atom and makes diastereoisomers possible. The optical activities of the two products were (1 ) for THFES(HM), the product with a melting point of 178.degree.-180.degree.C., [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.25 = about + 46.degree. e.g. and (2) for a combination of the THFES(HM) and THFES(LM), the combination product having a melting point of 146.degree.-148.degree.C., [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.25 = about +39.degree. e.g. where [.alpha.] = .alpha. .100/c.1, c = 1% in methanol and 1=2 dm. This product is actually a mixture (about 1:2) of the product melting at 178.degree.-180.degree.C. and its isomer. The low melting isomer can be obtained in pure form by recrystallization out of the combination product using glacial acetic acid to provide pure THFES(LM) which melts at .about. 155.degree.C. and has optical activity [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.25 =+36.degree..

The following example illustrates the preparation of deoxy tetrahydro F.E.S.

EXAMPLE VII

Two 10 gram portions of F.E.S., each in 200 milliliters acetic acid, were catalytically reduced at room temperature in the presence of 1.2 grams of PdO catalyst at a hydrogen pressure of about 45 psi. The combined reduction mixtures were heated to boiling, filtered, and the filter cake was washed with 50 milliliters of hot acetic acid. The cooled filtrate was added, with stirring, to 2 liters of water. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and the white solid was collected by filtration, washed and dried in a vacuum desiccator to yield 19.1 grams of dihydro F.E.S. in which the ethylenic unsaturation is saturated, and having a melting point of 191.degree.-193.degree.C.

The dihydro F.E.S. (1 gram) is added slowly with cooling (ice-bath), to a mixture of 5 cc. of ethylene dithiol 0.25 gram of freshly fused zinc chloride and 2 grams of anhydrous sodium sulfate, contained in a microflask. The mixture is maintained at 5.degree.C. for 20 hours and then at room temperature for 4 hours, whereupon it is poured into 50cc. of ice and the precipitate is collected and subjected to hydrogenolysis. To the reaction product is added 100 cc of 90% ethanol and 15 grams of Raney nickel catalyst and the mixture is refluxed until the reaction is complete. The nickel is removed by centrifugation and is washed several times with hot ethanol by centrifugation followed by decantation, and the centrifugates are combined. The mixture is evaporated to dryness and the residue is suitably recrystallized to yield deoxy THFES having the formula: ##SPC1##

EXAMPLE VIII

Nitrosomethylurea in an amount of 1.2 grams was slowly added to a cold mixture of 3.6 milliliters of 50% potassium hydroxide and 17 milliliters of ether. After a few minutes the yellow ether layer of the mixture was decanted, dried over potassium hydroxide, and then added to a solution of 0.30 grams F.E.S. in 17 milliliters of ether. The resulting yellow mixture was left overnight in a loosely stoppered flask and then ether and diazomethane were evaporated using a steam bath. The remaining gummy residue was crystallized by adding 3 milliliters of water, heating to 60.degree.C., and adding ethanol almost to solution. On cooling, crystals formed yielding 0.137 gram of a product having a melting point of 111.degree.-122.degree.C. and analyzing:

Calc. (C.sub.19 H.sub.24 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 68.7 68.3% H 7.28 7.38% OCH.sub.3 9.34 9.17______________________________________

The p methyl F.E.S. is substituted for the F.E.S. in following essentially the same procedure used in Example VII to produce a compound having the formula: ##SPC2##

The following example illustrates the production of dimethyl F.E.S. and monomethyl F.E.S. derivatives, the monomethyl F.E.S. derivative having the hydrogen in the hydroxyl group ortho to the ester group replaced with a methyl group.

EXAMPLE IX

Dimethyl sulfate (5 milliliters) was added to a solution of 2.24 grams of F.E.S. in 80 milliliters 10% NaOH and 20 milliliters water. The mixture was stirred for one-half hour at 18.degree.-20.degree.C. (cooling bath) and an additional 5 milliliters of dimethyl sulfate was added. After an additional 70 minutes of stirring at 20.degree.-26.degree.C., the solid precipitate, Solid A, was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in a vacuum desiccator. The filtrate from Solid A was acidified with 25 milliliters 12 N H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to yield a second precipitate, Solid B, which was collected, washed with water, and dried.

Solid A (0.79 gram having a melting point of 114.degree.-118.degree.C.) was recrystallized from a mixture of 10 milliliters water and 15 milliliters ethanol to yield 0.66 gram of dimethyl F.E.S. having a melting point of 108.degree.-110.degree.C.

Solid B (1.39 grams having a melting point of 152.degree.-162.degree.C.) was recrystallized twice from a mixture of water and alcohol to yield 0.8 gram of monomethyl F.E.S. having a melting point of 169.degree.-174.degree.C. and the following analysis of recrystallized Solid B (monomethyl F.E.S.) was obtained:

Calc. (C.sub.19 H.sub.24 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 68.65 67.97% H 7.28 7.16% OMe 9.34 9.28______________________________________

Each of the o methyl F.E.S. and the dimethyl F.E.S. is substituted for the F.E.S. in the procedure of Example VII to produce the respective compounds: ##SPC3##

and ##SPC4##

The following example illustrates the production of an acylated monomethyl F.E.S. derivative.

EXAMPLE X

To a solution of 368 milligrams of p methyl F.E.S. in 8 milliliters pyridine is added 5 milliliters acetic anhydride and the mixture is held at room temperature for 16 hours. Twenty-five milliliters of water are then added. The mixture is stored in a refigerator for 2 hours. The solid precipitated is collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in a vacuum desiccator to recover a compound which is substituted for the F.E.S. in the procedure of Example VII to produce a compound of the formula: ##SPC5##

which is recovered.

EXAMPLE XI

The compound: ##SPC6##

is produced by substituting o methyl F.E.S. for the dihydro F.E.S. in the procedure of Example VII.

The following example illustrates the reduction of F.E.S. to produce dihydro F.E.S. having the structure: ##EQU5##

EXAMPLE XII

Two 10-gram portions of F.E.S. each in 200 milliliters acetic acid were catalytically reduced at room temperature in the presence of 1.2 grams of PdO catalyst at a hydrogen pressure of about 45 psi. The combined reduction mixtures were heated to boiling, filtered, and the filter cake was washed with 50 milliliters of hot acetic acid. The cooled filtrate was added, with stirring, to 2 liters of water. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and the white solid was collected by filtration, washed and dried in a vacuum desiccator to yield 19.1 grams of dihydro F.E.S. having a melting point of 191.degree.-193.degree.C.

The production of dimethyl dihydro F.E.S. is illustrated by the following Example.

EXAMPLE XIII

Dihydro F.E.S. (556 milligrams) was dissolved in 25 milliliters 10% NaOH and 10 milliliters water and the solution was stirred. To the stirred solution was added three, two-milliliter portions of dimethyl sulfate at half-hour intervals followed by stirring for an additional hour. The mixture was acidic and it was made alkaline by the addition of 10 milliliters 10% NaOH and the alkaline mixture was stirred one-half hour. The solid formed was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in a vacuum desiccator. The product weighed 526 milligrams and melted at 115.degree.-117.degree.C. Recrystallization from a mixture of 10 milliliters of water and 25 milliliters of ethanol provided 371 milligrams of material having a melting point of 124.degree.-125.5.degree.C. It was analyzed with the following results:

Calc. (C.sub.20 H.sub.28 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 68.95 69.02% H 8.10 8.12% CH.sub.3 O 17.81 17.81______________________________________

The following example illustrates the production of monomethyl and dimethyl dihydro F.E.S., the monomethyl dihydro F.E.S. having a methyl group which replaced the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring ortho to the ester group.

EXAMPLE XIV

Dimethyl sulfate (5 ml.) was added to a solution of 2.24 g. F.E.S. in 80 ml. of a 10% NaOH solution and 20 ml. of water. The mixture was stirred for one-half hour at 18.degree.-20.degree.C. (cooling bath) and an additional 5 ml. of dimethyl sulfate was added. After an additional 70 minutes of stirring at 20.degree.-26.degree.C., the solid precipitate, Solid A, was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried. The filtrate from Solid A was acidified with 25 ml. 12N H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to yield a second precipitate, Solid B, which was collected, washed with water, and dried.

Solid A (0.79 g. having a melting point of 114.degree.-118.degree.C.) was recrystallized from a mixture of 10 ml. water and 15 ml. ethanol to yield 0.66 g. of dimethyl F.E.S. having a melting point of 108.degree.-110.degree.C.

Solid B (1.39 g. having a melting point of 152.degree.-162.degree.C.) was recrystallized twice from a mixture of water and alcohol to yield 0.80 g. of monomethyl F.E.S. product having a melting point of 169.degree.-174.degree.C. Analysis of Solid B showed:

Calc. (C.sub.19 H.sub.24 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 68.65 67.97% H 7.28 7.16% OMe 9.34 9.28______________________________________

The olefinic bond of each of the dimethyl F.E.S. and monomethyl F.E.S. is reduced using 50 psi of hydrogen and a small amount of 5% Pd on charcoal catalyst in ethanol and conducting the reduction for 3 hours.

EXAMPLE XV

Monomethyl F.E.S. with the methyl group replacing the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring para to the ester group was prepared by the following procedure:

Nitrosomethylurea in an amount of 1.2 grams was slowly added to a cold mixture of 3.6 milliliters of 50% potassium hydroxide and 17 milliliters of ether. After a few minutes the yellow ether layer of the mixture was decanted, dried over potassium hydroxide, and then added to a solution of 0.30 grams F.E.S. in 17 milliliters of ether. The resulting yellow mixture was left overnight in a loosely stoppered flask and then ether and diazomethane were evaporated off using a steam bath. The remaining gummy residue was crystallized by adding 3 milliliters of water, heating to 60.degree.C., and adding ethanol almost to solution. On cooling, crystals formed, yielding 0.137 grams of a product having a melting point of 111.degree.-116.degree.C. which was again recrystallized in the same way to yield 0.082 grams of monomethyl F.E.S. having a melting point of 120.degree.-122.degree.C. and the following analysis:

Calc. (C.sub.19 H.sub.24 O.sub.5) Found______________________________________% C 68.7 68.3% H 7.28 7.38% OCH.sub.3 9.34 9.17______________________________________

The olefinic bond of this compound is reduced according to the procedure of Example IX.

The following example demonstrates the relatively low estrogenic activity of the compounds of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

EXAMPLE XVI

A solution of each test compound identified in the table below was admixed with a standard pulverized mouse ration and the solvent was removed by evaporation to provide a dry ration containing the level of test compound per gram of feed indicated ithe table below. A control ration and each test ration were fed to 5 to 10 ovariectomized mice weighing about 20 to 23 grams each at a level of 3 grams per day for a period of 5 days after which the mice were sacrificed and their uteri weighed. An increase in the weight of the uteri from the animal fed the test compounds over the weight of the uteri in the control animals demonstrates estrogenic activity for the test compound.

The control animals showed a percent uterine weight to body weight of about 0.048 to 0.050. A uterine response of 0.060 being just significant, the dose required to give a response of 0.060 then gives the relative uterotrophic activity. The following results were obtained from curves drawn plotting dose/uterus weight as percent body weight.

Uterotrophic Activity Relative To EstimatedCompound M.E.D.* DES FES______________________________________DES+ 0.003 .mu.g/g feed 1 2000HMTHFES.sup.(1) 1.25 .0024 4.8LMTHFES.sup.(2) 2.25 .0013 2.7DeoxyTHFES.sup.(3) 6.25 .00048 0.96Dimethyl FES.sup.(4) 100.0 (estimated) .000003 0.064-methyl FES.sup.(5) 100.0 (estimated) .000003 0.062-methyl FES.sup.(6) 28.0 .000017 0.22Dihydro FES.sup.(7) 3.0 .0010 2.0FES 6.0 .0005 1.0______________________________________ + diethylstilbestrol *minimal effective dosage .sup.(1) high melting tetra hydro FES prepared as in Example VI .sup.(2) low melting tetra hydro FES prepared as in Example V .sup.(3) prepared as in Example VII .sup.(4) prepared as in Example IX .sup.(5) prepared as in Example VIII .sup.(6) prepared as in Example IX .sup.(7) prepared as in Example XII

EXAMPLE XVII

Pharmaceutical preparation containing the compound of Example IV in the form of tablets suitable for administration to human patients;

246 grams of THFES(HM) is triturated with 60 grams of lactose to form an homogeneous powder. To the powder is added 20 grams of silicic acid with hydrolyzed starch and water and the mixture stirred until a homogeneous paste is formed. The paste is then dried and tabletted with 2 grams magnesium stearate to form tablets containing approximately 150 mg. of active ingredient. Similar compositions including F.E.S., THFES(LM), deoxy THFES and the alkylated and acylated compounds can be prepared by substitution of these compounds for THFES(HM) as the active ingredient.

EXAMPLE XVIII

Pharmaceutical preparation of aqueous suspension for oral administration:

Recipe for 1000 ml. of suspension______________________________________Compound of Example III 30.0 g.Sucrose 400.0 g.Powdered tragacanth 7.5 g.Flavoring essential oil 0.2 ml.Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate 2.0 g.Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0.5 g.Glycerol 150.0 ml.Citric acid 2.0 g.Benzoic acid 1.0 g.Distilled water (to complete 1000 ml.)______________________________________

The glycerol, benzoic acid, methyl and propyl benzoic acids, tragacanth gum, flavoring oil and active ingredient are mixed into a homogeneous mass. An aqueous solution of the citric acid is then added with slurring and finally the sucrose is added. Slurring is continued until an homogeneous suspension is obtained to which is added the balance of the water. Similar compositions including F.E.S., THFES(LM), deoxy THFES and the alkylated and acylated compounds can be prepared by substitution of these compounds for THFES(HM) as the active ingredient.

EXAMPLE XIX

100 mg. of the compound of Example III, 0.2 mg. of methyl-p-methoxybenzoate, 0.5 mg. of sodium citrate and 0.2 mg. of citric acid are added to 1 ml. of water. The pH of the suspension is adjusted to 5 with HCl. Heat sterilization results in an aqueous suspension suitable for parenteral injection.

EXAMPLES XX - XXIII

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by replacing the F.E.S. in the preparations of Examples XVII-XIX with any one of the compounds of Examples IV-XV.

The following examples demonstrate the cholesterol lowering effect of the active ingredients of this invention.

EXAMPLE XXIV

Male Wistar rats (Royal Hart) were allowed to eat powdered Purina Laboratory Chow ad-lib for 7 days, in order to become accustomed to eating powdered food. At a body weight of 180-200 g, the animals were then randomly assigned to groups of 8-10 animals. The animals were housed in pairs in all metal cages. Throughout the "Experimental Period" of 6 days, the animals were fed ad-lib one of the following powdered diets: (a) Plain Purina Laboratory Chow -- (controls); or (b) Purina Chow containing THFES(HM). After the 6 days experimental period, the animals were exsanguinated by severing the external jugular veins under hexabarbital sodium acetate anesthesia (100 mg/kg I.P.) the blood being collected in acid-washed tubes to prevent alkaline hydrolysis of the triglycerides. The serum was separated by centrifugation, and the total cholesterol levels were estimated on the Auto-Analyzer using Standard Method No. 24a for cholesterol (Technicon Auto Analyses Procedures Manual). Body weight increases were computed from measurements of body weight at the beginning and at the end of the experimental period. Livers were dissected and weighed wet. Absolute liver weight and liver weight as a percentage of final body weight were recorded. Food consumption was monitored throughout the experimental period. The actual amount of drug ingested (in mg./kg./day) was computed from the food consumption, final body weight, and the known amount of drug in diet. Table I below shows the effects of THFES(HM) on the serum total cholesterol levels of the animals. Significant depression of serum total cholesterol was seen at doses of 6.9 mg./kg./day and above. THFES(HM) did not produce hepatomegaly under these conditions. F.E.S., THFES(LM), deoxy F.E.S. and p-methyl F.E.S. can be substituted for the THFES(HM) to treat cholesterol in the manner shown.

TABLE I______________________________________ Total Serum CholesterolTreatment Dose* Mean (mg.%) Change as % (Mg/kg/day) .+-.SEM of ControlControl** 58.8 .+-. 1.7 --______________________________________THFES (HM) 1.0 58.5 .+-. 3.3 +1.7" 2.1 57.7 .+-. 2.4 0" 6.9 49.5 .+-. 2.1 -13.8" 8.5 46.6 .+-. 2.6 -19.0" 13.2 41.6 .+-. 1.4 -27.6" 16.4 38.1 .+-. 1.7 -34.5" 30.0 33.5 .+-. 2.1 -41.4" 53.0 33.5 .+-. 4.4 -41.4" 100.0 24.5 .+-. 1.8 -57.0______________________________________ *Calculated from dietary concentration of drug and food consumption. **Mean for two experiments.

EXAMPLE XXV

Groups of 35-day old male rats (Holtzman) weighing 120-135 gm were held without treatment for 1 week on standard laboratory ration (Purina Labena Chow). The rats were then fed, ad libitum, for a 2-week period, a diet consisting of the following:

Purina Labena 50.4%Cornstarch Mixture* 29.0Lard 20.0DL-Methionine 0.6*Cornstarch Mixture:Cornstarch 70%Alphacel 12Crisco 10USP Salt Mixture XIV 7Cod Liver Oil 1

During the next 2 weeks (4th and 5th on experimental diet) the animals received test compounds that were mixed in the above on a mg./kg. of diet basis. After exposure to this diet containing drug for 2 weeks the animals were anesthetized, bled individually to obtain serum samples to determine total cholesterol, triglycerides and .alpha.- and .beta.- lipoproteins.

The results are set forth in Table II. The chemical analysis of sera of rats on the high fat diet for 4 weeks, with drugs added for the last 2 weeks of the test period, disclosed that THFES(HM) produced highly significant decreases in total cholesterol at all doses tested and THFES(HM) decreased the .alpha./.beta. lipoprotein ratio to highly significant degrees at the four concentrations tested; the .alpha./.beta. ratios decreased with increasing concentration in the diet.

While THFES(HM) produced marked decreases in the cholesterol, triglycerides and .alpha./.beta.- lipoprotein ratios, treatment with the compound also produced decreases in the weight gain of the animals. Based on the daily food intake values,

TABLE II__________________________________________________________________________Compound Dose No. Av. Food Total Lipo- Testes mg/kg Rats Intake Cholesterol Triglycerides proteins a/.beta. Wt. Body Weight* Diet gm/day/rat (mg/100 ml serum) a- .beta. Ratio (gm) Init. Start Final__________________________________________________________________________Control -- 10 13 98.7 .+-. 4.0 321.8 .+-. 46.0 18.3 27.7 0.66 3.3 126 269 342THFES (HM) 12.5 10 14.7 72.7 .+-. 4.0*** 214.2 .+-. 22.2* 15.8 32.5 0.49** 3.3 127 260 287THFES (HM) 25.0 10 13.5 62.5 .+-. 3.0*** 258.1 .+-. 41.1 11.6 29.7 0.39** 3.2 128 264 278" 50.0 10 12.4 59.5 .+-. 5.4*** 279.2 .+-. 40.2 7.2 32.8 0.22*** 3.1 127 255 255" 100.0 10 11.0 52.0 .+-. 2.8*** 185.4 .+-. 29.0 3.0 33.7 0.09*** 3.1 128 260 246__________________________________________________________________________ *P <0.05 **P <0.01? ***P <0.001 *Initial = Weight on day animals were received Start = Weight on day animals were placed on diet plus compound. the estimated daily dose of THFES(HM) in these animals varied from 180 to 1100 g per rat. In addition to the findings discussed above, four of ten animals on the 12.5 mg dose level showed signs of alopecia; 1/10 of the high dose group presented this symptom. As has been indicated in other studies there was involution of the thymus in treated animals. F.E.S. and deoxy THFES can be substituted for the THFES(HM) to treat hypercholesterolemia in a similar manner.

The following examples demonstrate that the active ingredient of this invention is effective in estrogenic replacement therapy in post-menapausal and similar treatments.

EXAMPLE XXVI

The effect of THFES(HM) on the vaginal and uterine mucosa and sex skin changes of ovariectomized Rhesus monkeys was determined to demonstrate the post-menapausal effects of the drug. Monkeys were studied for a period of several days prior to drug treatment to establish base-line vaginal values. THFES(HM) was administered orally for 10 days. Observations on vaginal smear changes, coloration of the sex skin and withdrawal bleeding were recorded during treatment and for 20 days following its cessation.

Administration of the drug resulted in increased numbers of cornified cells in the vaginal washings. By the 5th day of treatment with 1.8 mg/kg, leukocytes were absent from the smear and remained absent for the duration of the treatment period. Coloration of the sex skin at this dose reached its maximum on the 4th day of treatment in animal No. 13 and the 11th day in animals No. 12 and No. 14. It would appear that, at this dose level, vaginal cornification is the most sensitive indicator of the estrogenic effect of the drug. The effect on the uterus is indicated by the withdrawal bleeding which occurred in two of three animals treated; there appeared to be little uniformity in the time at which bleeding occurred following cessation of treatment.

Four of six animals treated with 0.9 mg./kg. drug had withdrawal bleeding following cessation of treatment indicating uterine stimulation; "spotting" was noted in 5 of the 6 animals. This response would suggest that 0.9 mg./kg. dose was stimulating endometrial development but was inadequate to maintain it. Vaginal changes were comparable with those observed in animals treated with the 1.8 mg./kg. dose level. Sex skin changes were present and the degree of coloration was essentially the same as was observed in the high dose group.

Animals treated with 0.45 mg./kg. drug displayed minimal or no estrogen-dependent changes. Animals No. 28, No. 29 and No. 30 showed a vaginal response which persisted throughout the study. Animal No. 29 had "spotting" as judged by the presence of RBC's in its smear on 11 treatment or post-treatment days. Animals No. 23, No. 24 and No. 26 treated at a different time, failed to respond.

Based upon the data, it can be concluded that THFES(HM) is able to stimulate estrogen-like changes in ovariectomized monkeys and can be used as a post-menapausal drug.

EXAMPLES XXVII-XXX

In each of these examples, 10 women were administered THFES(HM) at varying dosage levels for a period of time. Tables III to VI set forth the relevant data for post-menapausal response. The administration of the drug and dosage was

TABLE DOSAGE TEST PERIOD______________________________________Table III 400 mg./daily 20 daysTable IV 200 mg./daily 20 daysTable V 100 mg./daily 60 daysTable VI 50 mg./daily 30 days______________________________________ The prior symptoms appear with the patient identification and the effect of the drug is shown under Remarks. The data demonstrate the effectiveness of THFES(HM) in relieving many of the symptoms at the dosage levels tested. At 200 mg./daily the symptoms, with the exception of insomnia, were relieved. At 100 mg./daily the symptoms were relieved and the patients showed excellent estrogenic response with the exception of Patient 63-A. There were no toxic symptoms evident. With an average weight per patient of about 50 kg., the dosages levels are about 1 to 8 mg./day/kg. body weight. The follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) data of Table V are a clear demonstration of the activity of the drug in treatment of post-menapausal syndrome since to lower the FSH units in a good measure of such activity. TABLE III__________________________________________________________________________ Vaginal Cytology Basal Leuco-Patient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 39-AHad vulvular pruritis 62 0 77% 23 Many Shortly after start - patientand insomnia. 7 0 38 64 Some feeling well with slight de-Diabetes mellitus in 14 0 56 61 v.few crease of vulvar itching andgood control with 21 0 87 None wetness of vulva and vagina.diet. Biopsy - 21 Biopsy - Late prolif. Did not have withdrawal bleed-resting endom. endometrium. Moderate ing. Discontinued - lack of mitotic activity. drug. 40-ASuffers hot flushes 51 0 17 6 19 Some Complete disappearance of hotand irritability. 7 0 32 56 Some flushes. Improvement ofBiopsy - Early prolif, 14 45 39 v.few psychological state. Dis-endom. Scarce mitotic 20 67 48 v.few continued - lack of drug.activity. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif Withdrawal bleeding lasted endometrium. Patchy 3 days. hyperplasia. 41-APeriodic diarrhea and 59 0 34 2 10 Colon condition unchanged.dryness of genitalia. 7 6 21 36 Genitalia moist. Has had nor-Irritability of colon 14 59 83 mal intercourse with husband.since age 30. Biopsy- 20 48 71 Scant withdrawal bleedingResting endometrium. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. lasting 2 days. Discontinued - endometrium. Good lack of drug. mitotic activity. 42-ADepression, irritabil- 52 0 11 19 6 Some Hot flushes and irritability dis-ity and mild hot 7 24 51 Few appeared. Still depressed. Noflushes. Biopsy - 14 52 60 Few withdrawal bleeding. Discontinued -Intermed. prolif. 20 63 57 Few lack of drug.endom. Scarce 20 Biopsy - Late prolif.mitotic activity. endometrium. Good mitotic activity. 43-AObese; has insomnia 59 0 31 7 22 No headaches. Insomnia did notand frequent head- 7 2 32 26 improve. Slight withdrawalaches. Biopsy - 14 51 64 bleeding that lasted 2 days.atrophic endom. with 20 59 47 Discontinued - lack of drug.areas of cystic pseudo- 20 Biopsy - Late prolif.hyperplasia. endom. with moderate mitotic activity. 44-AHot flushes and dys- 51 0 24 12 3 Hot flushes disappeared. Dys-parennia. Cholecis- 7 0 38 63 pareunia minimal. No with-tectomy in 1961. 14 67 100 drawal bleeding. Discon-Biopsy - Intermed. 20 77 91 tinued - lack of drug.prolif. endom. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif.Scarce mitotic activity. endometrium. Good mitotic activity. 45-AMarked dryness of 63 0 87 marked inflammatory - Markedly relieved - epitheliagenitalia - discrete exudate of the genitalia are moist -burning sensation. 7 14 38 22 burning sensation disappeared.Has moderate hyper- 14 0 63 71 Several No withdrawal blending. Dis-tension. Biopsy - 20 68 90 Some continued - lack of drug.atrophic endometrium. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. endometrium. Moderate mitotic activity. 46-AEasy fatigability and 56 0 18 13 22 Several Marked decrease of irritability;irritability. Biopsy - 7 39 63 Some still gets tired easily;resting endometrium. 14 68 70 Some Withdrawal bleeding lasted 4 20 73 69 Few days and was moderate. Dis- 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. continued - lack of drug. endometrium. Patchy hyperplasia. 47-ANo gynecological 59 0 43 11 2 Some No ill effects - had slightcomplaints - 7 43 90 Few mucorrhea lasting 2 days.chronic colitis. 14 51 67 Few Withdrawal bleeding moderateBiopsy - Inactive 20 73 82 No lasting 2 days. Discon-endometrium 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. tinued - lack of drug. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 48-AAbdominal discomfort 52 0 23 30 Some Abdominal discomfort and hotrare; marked hot 7 53 68 v.few flushes disappeared. Remainsflushes and moderate 14 87 82 v.few depressed. No withdrawaldepression. 20 79 94 v.few bleeding. Discontinued -Biopsy - 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. lack of drug.Late prolif. endom. endometrium. GoodSlight mitotic ac- mitotic activity.tivity.__________________________________________________________________________ TABLE IV__________________________________________________________________________ Vaginal Cytology Basal Leuco-Patient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 49-ADiscrete depression 55 0 8 2 Few Feels same as before startingand fainting spells. 7 28 19 Few drug. No withdrawal bleed-Biopsy - Inactive 14 24 36 Few ing. Discontinued - lackendometrium. 20 31 22 Few of drug. 20 Biopsy - intermed. prolif. endom. - Moderate mitotic activity. 50-AMinor complaints on 60 0 61 Several Condition remained the sameGF tract; bouts of 7 32 21 7 during treatment, althoughdiarrhea. Emotionally 14 53 67 Some genitalia became wet.unstable. 20 47 83 Some Discontinued - lack of drug.Biopsy - atrophic 20 Biopsy - intermed.endometrium. prolif. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 51-ASlight itching and 65 0 68 2 7 Many Itching and Leukorrhea dis-leukorrhea; irrita- 7 63 70 Some appeared. Psychologicalbility for past 20 14 56 82 Few state did not change. Mini-years. 20 59 67 Few mal withdrawal bleeding forBiopsy - none. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. one day. Discontinued - endom. Moderate mitotic lack of drug. activity. 52-ASuffers dyspareunia, 54 0 4 23 32 Some Increased wetness of vaginaheadaches, insomnia. 7 38 40 Few and decrease of dyspareunia.Biopsy - intermed. 14 30 31 Some Headache and insomnia notprolif. endometrium - 20 47 38 Few affected. No withdrawalfew mitoses. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. bleeding. Discontinued - endometrium. Moderate lack of drug. mitotic activity. 53-ADryness of vulva 65 0 86 Many Complete disappearance of com-and vagina - slight 7 32 53 Many plaints. Regrets no moreburning sensation 14 67 84 Some drug available. No with-worse at night 20 73 69 Some drawal bleeding. Discon-Biopsy - atrophic 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. tinued - lack of drug.endometrium endometrium. Slight mitotic activity. 54-AMarked irritability - 53 0 22 12 4 Some No hot flushes during treat-infrequent but very 7 6 22 19 Some ment. First days of treat-hot flushes 14 48 36 Some ment moderate nausea. OneBiopsy - atrophic 20 36 49 Some episode of epigastric burn-endom. - cystic 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. ing. Irritability did notpseudohyperplasia. endometrium. Moderate change. No withdrawal mitotic activity. bleeding. Discontinued - lack of drug. 55-AHot flushes and 50 0 15 23 Several No hot flushes; palpitationspalpitations. 7 42 38 Few unchanged. EpigastricBiopsy - Intermed. 14 59 64 Few burning first few days.prolif. endom. 20 53 71 Few Moderate withdrawal bleedingScarce mitotic 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. lasted 3 days. Discontinued -activity endometrium. Slight lack of drug. hyperplasia. 56-ADryness of vulva 58 0 73 Many Marked improvement with dis-and marked dys- 7 22 19 24 Several appearance of dyspareunia.pareunia last 2 14 38 57 Some No withdrawal bleeding.years. 20 71 64 Few Discontinued - lack of drug.Biopsy - resting 20 Biopsy - Late prolif.endometrium. endometrium. Moderate mitotic activity. 57-AExtremely irritable 53 0 10 0 Few Hot flushes gone and feelswith frequent hot 7 48 30 Few much better. Regrets noflushes 14 36 63 Few more drug. WithdrawalBiopsy - Intermed. 20 57 75 Few bleeding moderate - lastedprolif. endom. 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. two days. Discontinued -Very few mitoses. endometrium. Good lack of drug. mitotic activity. 58-APalpitation, moder- 64 0 74% 3 0 Many Patient remained in same state.ate respiratory in- 7 16 28 12 Several No withdrawal bleeding. Dis-sufficiency, easy 14 31 42 Several continued - lack of drug.fatigability. Widow. 20 57 49 SomeBiopsy - none 20 Biopsy - Late prolif. endometrium. Slight mitotic activity.__________________________________________________________________________ TABLE V__________________________________________________________________________Vaginal Cytology Follicle Basal Leuco- StimulatingPatient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Hormone Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 59-A 52 0 64% 6 Several 0d. 52 m.u. Under treatment 50 days,Hot blushes; nausea 10 11 27 47 Some 45d. 6 m.u. after 10 days symptomsin the morning. 20 63 54 Some disappeared. No prob-Biopsy - resting 30 50 62 Some lems.endometrium. 30 Biopsy - Prolif. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 60-A 50 0 7 16 Several 0d. 112 m.u. Under treatment 54 days.Asthenia and numbness 10 35 49 Several 60d. 12 m.u. Marked improvement 10of hands. Menopause 20 59 37 Several to 15 days after start.4 years ago. Biopsy - 30 68 49 Some No problems.Early prolif. endom. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.Scarce mitotic endometrium. Moderateactivity mitotic activity. 61-A 49 0 5 0 Many Symptoms disappeared afterHot flushes and slight 10 27 55 Several 2 weeks. No problems.irritability. Biopsy - 20 63 42 SeveralResting endometrium. 30 58 60 30 Biopsy - Late prolif. endometrium. Slight mitotic activity. 62-A 51 0 87% 3 Many 0d. 64 m.u. Symptoms improved 6 or 7Asthenia and irrita- 10 2 19 24 Some 30d. 6 m.u. days after start. As-bility. Biopsy - 20 63 40 Some 60d. >6 m.u. thenia gone after 15None. 30 51 66 Some days. Irritability 30 Biopsy - Late prolif. markedly decreased. No endometrium. Moderate problems. mitotic activity. 63-A 57 0 93% 0 Many 0d. 120 m.u. Hot flushes disappearedHot flushes and 10 22 30 12 Several 30d. 10 m.u. after 7 to 10 days.itching of genitalia. 20 36 43 Several Itching decreased butBiopsy - resting 30 42 35 Several did not vanish. Afterendometrium. 30 Biopsy - Intermed. prolif. 2 weeks tenderness of endometrium. Slight breasts and bloating. mitotic activity. She interrupted treat- ment. 64-A 55 0 9 16 Several 0d. 97 m.u. Hot blushes gone in lessHot blushes and 10 35 55 Several 30d. 9 m.u. than 7 days. Threesporadic diarrhea. 20 45 38 Several 60d. 6 m.u. of diarrhea. NoBiopsy - Early prolif. 30 56 50 Several other problem.endom. Minimal 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.mitotic activity. endometrium. Good mitotic activity. 65-A 63 0 78% 4 Several 0d. 185 m.u. Hot blushes disappearedHot blushes and 10 32 16 10 Several 30d. <6 m.u. and insomnia improved.insomnia. Biopsy - 20 3 32 38 Some 60d. <6 m.u. Feeling very well.resting endometrium. 30 29 62 Some 30 Biopsy - Intermed. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 66-A 64 0 86% 0 Many 0d. 97 m.u. Decrease in number ofModerate irritability 10 33 30 17 Many 60d. 12 m.u. headaches and intensity.and headaches, also 20 33 46 Several Mild nausea firstmild diabetes mellitus. 30 6 45 32 Several days. Vomited once.Biopsy - None. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif. endometrium. Slight mitotic activity. 67-A 49 0 10 2 Some 0d. 106 m.u. Hot blushes and head-Hot blushes, nervous- 10 28 45 Some 7d. 31 m.u. aches disappearedness, sporadic head- 20 62 57 Few 14d. 25 m.u. shortly after start.aches. Menopause - 30 58 83 Few 21d. 13 m.u. Nervousness improved2 years ago. Biopsy - 30 Biopsy - Late prolif. 28d. 6 m.u. but not gone.Late prolif. endom. endometrium. Patchy 60d. <6 m.u.Scarce mitotic hyperplasia.activity. 68-A 34 0 98% Several 0d. 168 m.u. Feeling well. SymptomsComplete hysterectomy 10 13 37 52 Some 30d. 14 m.u. gone after 1.0 week.and ovariectomy. 20 6 50 43 Some 60d. <6 m.u.Had severe 30 67 80 Fewhot blushes and 30 Biopsy - Noneirritability. Biopsy-not done (hysterectomy)__________________________________________________________________________ TABLE VI__________________________________________________________________________Vaginal Cytology Basal Leuco-Patient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 79-A 52 0 42% 6 Several Hot blushes gone after 3 weeks.Hot blushes and 10 23 14 28 Several Remains very nervous.nervousness. 20 26 20 SeveralBiopsy - atrophic 30 46 35 Severalendometrium. Cystic 30 Biopsy - Intermed. prolif. -pseudohyperplasia. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 80-A 64 0 93% Many Patient feels same and reportsDiarrhea (chronic 10 37 11 Several no change.amoebiasis). 20 30 28 SeveralDepressed. 30 0 37 28 SeveralBiopsy - resting 30 Biopsy - Early prolif.endometrium. endometrium. Moderate mitotic activity. 81-A 50 0 11 31 Several Hot blushes gone after 15-20Marked irritability 10 35 30 Several days. No headaches and moder-frequent hot 20 63 48 Some ate decrease in irritability.flushes, some severe 30 57 62 Someheadaches. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.Biopsy - resting endometrium. Good mitoticendometrium. activity. 82-A 56 0 69% 0 Many Patient has not improved.Irritability, 10 31 27 Severalmild hot blushes and 20 8 19 Severalinsomnia - past 2 years. 30 38 51 SomeDiabetic. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.Biopsy - resting endometrium. Patchyendometrium hyperplasia. 83-A 69 0 100% 0 Many Good condition. Vaginal in-Atrophic vaginitis. 10 71 20 Many flammation improved.Hysterectomy in 20 17 48 Several1953 Marked vari- 30 4 37 Severalcose veins. 30 Biopsy - NoneBiopsy - hysterectomy 84-A 56 0 18 7 Several Condition same as before startPeriods of mild 10 36 38 Some of treatment.depression or 20 31 54 Fewirritability. 30 40 36 FewBiopsy - Early 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.prolif. endom. endometrium. ModerateScarce mitotic mitotic activity.activity. 85-A 52 0 21% 13 6 Several Slight improvement of allIntense, frequent 10 39 16 Some symptoms 10- 15 days afterhot blushes. Occa- 20 36 44 Some start of drug.sional nausea and 30 42 29 Somemild headaches. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.Biopsy - Not endometrium. Patchyenough material. hyperplasia. 86-A 53 0 12 3 Several Hot blushes disappeared. In-Insomnia, moderate 10 36 51 Some somnia and nervousness un-depression, mild 20 27 50 Some changed.occasional hot 30 47 26 Someblushes. Biopsy - 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.Early prolif. endom. endometrium. ModerateScarce mitotic activity. mitotic activity. 87-A 66 0 96% 0 Many Vaginitis improved but has notKraurosis vulvae, 10 70 16 Many disappeared.atrophic vaginitis 20 35 52 Manywith moderate 30 28 27 Manyleukorrhea. 3 Biopsy - Intermed.Biopsy - mocoid prolif. endom. Slightmaterial. mitotic activity. 88-A 49 0 11 21 Some Hot blushes gone 3 weeks afterMarked frequent hot 10 30 55 Few start. Nervousness the same.blushes and moderate 20 33 38 Fewnervousness. 30 28 47 FewBiopsy - Early prolif. 30 Biopsy - Late prolif.endom. Slight mitotic endometrium. Pooractivity mitotic activity.__________________________________________________________________________

The terms "hot blushes" and "hot flushes" are used synonymously herein.

EXAMPLES XXXI and XXXII

Tables VI and VII below set forth the results of tests in which two groups of 10 women were fed, respectively, 200 mg./day and 100 mg./day of F.E.S. In the test summarized in Table VI the drug was administered daily for 60 days whereas in the test summarized in Table VII the drug was administered in a regime of 25 days on the drug followed by a 10 day rest period over a total time period of 180 days. Treatment at 100 mg./daily relieved most of the post-menapausal symptoms with the exception of insomnia and depression. Treatment at 200 mg./daily did not relieve insomnia.

TABLE VII__________________________________________________________________________Vaginal Cytology Basal Leuco-Patient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 139-A 61 0 99% 0 0 Many Disappearance of symptoms re-Suffers mild, well- 10 62 20 7 Many lated to genitalia. Head-controlled diabetes. 20 31 27 19 Several aches unaffected. NoHas headache and dry- 30 7 30 19 Several withdrawal bleeding.ness with itching of 60 Late prolif. endom.external genitalia. Good mitotic activity. 140-A 39 0 100 0 0 Many Patient well. No mor hotHad ovariohysterec- 10 52 26 13 Some blushes and feels very re-tomy 8-67. Early 20 21 38 54 Some laxed. No withdrawalin October had hot 30 3 42 80 Few bleeding.blushes and nervousness. 141-A Early prolif. endom. Scarce mitotic activity. 56 0 3 11 Several Feels better but still has in-Suffers insomnia and 10 26 31 Several somnia. After second courseslight depression. 20 38 63 Some had few drops of withdrawal 30 46 45 Some bleeding. Late prolif. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 142-A Resting endom. 56 0 26 4 0 Several No hot blushes since treatmentMarked nervousness 10 13 16 36 Some started. Nervousness im-and occasional hot 20 2 37 29 Some proved moderately.blushes. 30 0 46 38 Some Intermed. prolif. endom. Discrete mitotic activity. 143-A 57 Atrophic endom. with pseudohyperplasia. 0 17 2 9 Few No change. No withdrawalMild nervousness. 10 26 33 Few bleeding. 20 29 57 Few 30 40 58 Few 30 Intermed. prolif. endom. Moderate mitotic activity. 144-A 69 No biopsy.Suffered pyelonephritis 0 100 0 0 Several Patient has mild renal insuffi-and has atrophy and 10 64 10 7 Several ency. Genitalia wetter withdryness of vulva. 20 30 29 18 Several occasional slight mucorrhea. 30 7 35 52 Several No withdrawal bleeding. 60 Early prolif. endom. Slight mitotic activity. 145-A Early prolif. endom. Discrete mitotic activity.Last menstrual period 49 0 13 26 Some No more hot blushes after one(LMP) 5/14. Has frequent 10 35 30 Some week on drug. After end ofhot blushes and feels 20 48 39 Few second course had vaginalnervous. On drug 11/14 30 66 50 Few bleeding which was discrete. 60 Late prolif. endom. Patchy hyperplasia. 146-A Early prolif. endom. Slight mitotic activityModerate nervousness 54 0 14 6 23 Several Feels better but has had twoand bouts of diarrhea 10 21 29 Some episodes of diarrhea. After 20 38 34 Some second course had moderate 30 35 62 Some withdrawal bleeding for two days. 147-A Resting endometrium. 51 0 66 3 0 Several Hot blushes disappeared shortlyLMP 13 mo. prior to drug. 10 9 21 38 Some after started drug and irri-Has frequent hot blushes 20 7 39 32 Some tability improved slightly.and marked irritability. 30 1 46 52 Some No withdrawal bleeding. 60 Intermed. prolif. endom. Slight mitotic activity. 148-A No biopsy.Has mild diabetes 65 0 100 0 0 Many + Besides drug patient receivedand atrophic vulvular oandida anti-monilial drugs. Vulvo-vaginitis. albicans vaginitis cured. No with- 10 54 3 17 Many drawal bleeding. 20 20 35 23 Several 30 13 56 60 Several__________________________________________________________________________ TABLE VIII__________________________________________________________________________Vaginal Cytology Basal Leuco-Patient Age Day Cells CPI EI cytes Remarks__________________________________________________________________________ 119-A 62 0 79% 0 2 Many Itching improved after one week andHas hypertension and 10 36 7 10 Several disappeared after 3 weeks. Nointense vulvar itching. 20 17 30 21 Several withdrawal bleeding but someHas diabetes mellitus 30 6 37 47 Some mucorrhea. Schedule: 25 dayscontrolled by dieting. Endometrial biopsy after 20 on drug - 10 days off. 180 dayNo endometrial biopsy days - Intermediate prolif. Biopsy - Late Proliferative en-before treatment. endometrium. Slight dometrium. Good mitotic activity. activity. At 180 days - Patient feeling well. Slight withdrawal bleeding for 3 days after four months of treatment. 120-A 53 0 9 10 3 Some Marked improvement after 5 to 10 daysInfrequent hot blushes 10 23 36 Some of treatment. She has beenand moderate nervousness. 20 51 67 Few feeling well. Moderate with-Biopsy - intermed. prolif. 30 40 58 Few drawal bleeding after second courseendom. with slight 20 day Biopsy - Late pro- of treatment. Schedule: 25 daysmitotic activity. lif. endom. with moderate on drug - 10 days off. At 180 mitotic activity. days - Biopsy - Late proliferative endometrium with good mitotic activity. Feeling well. From third to sixth cycle no withdrawal bleeding. 121-A 58 0 14 3 13 Several Headache improved but not insomnia.Has frequent headaches 10 3 26 17 Some Few drops of blood after thirdand insomnia. 20 38 62 Few course. Schedule: 25 days onBiopsy - atrophic 30 31 70 Few drug - 10 days off. Biopsy -endom. with cystic 60 day Biopsy - prolif. 180 days - Proliferative en-pseudohyperplasia. endom. with patchy hyper- dometrium with patchy hyperplasia. plasia. 180 days - Slight withdrawal bleeding on fourth and sixth cycles. Feeling well. 122-A 61 0 64 1 13 Many Feeling a little better. No with-Moderate irrita- 10 24 27 42 Few drawal bleeding. Schedule: 25bility and depression. 20 18 18 58 Few days on drug - 10 days off. 180Biopsy - inactive 30 3 40 37 Few days biopsy - Late proliferativeendometrium. 30 day Biopsy - prolif. endometrium. Feels depressed- endom. Slight mitotic no withdrawal bleeding. activity. 123-A 50 0 16 24 Some After one week of treatment, hotFrequent intense hot 10 46 37 Some blushes decreased in numberblushes with abdominal 20 35 58 Few and intensity and disappearedpain and flatulence. 30 58 65 Few after 20 days. Flatulence hasBiopsy - early prolif. 60 day biopsy - Late pro- decreased but not disappeared.endom. with poor lif. endom. with good Schedule: 25 days on drug - 10mitotic activity. mitotic activity. days off. 180 day biopsy - Late - Proliferative endometrium with moderate mitotic activity. Patient has episodes of abdominal discomfort, otherwise feels well. No withdrawal bleeding. 124-A 68 0 98 0 0 Many Itching improved; vulvar mucosaKraurosis vulvae and 10 80 0 7 Many slightly wet. No withdrawalmoderate itching. 20 53 11 28 Several bleeding. Schedule: 25 days onBiopsy - resting 30 21 35 31 Several drug - 10 days off. 180 dayendometrium. 30 day biopsy - Early pro- biopsy - Intermediate prolifera- lif. endom, with slight tive endometrium with poor mitotic mitotic activity. activity. Feeling well. No with- drawal bleeding. 125 A 52 0 8 3 Some No headaches and hot blushes dis-Moderately frequent hot 10 51 34 Some appeared after one week onblushes; rare headaches 20 35 62 Some drug. Minimal withdrawal bleedingBiopsy - atrophic endom. 30 60 48 Some after third course. Schedule:with cystic pseudo- 30 day biopsy - prolif. 25 days on drug - 10 days off.hyperplasia. endom. with moderate 180 day biopsy - Late prolifera- mitotic activity. tive endometrium with patchy hyperplasia. Occasional head- aches fifth month and slight withdrawal bleeding on fifth month. 126-A 58 0 47 1 13 Many Irritability improved but still de-Irritability and periods 10 37 8 20 Several pressed over family problems.of depression. 20 26 17 19 Several No withdrawal bleeding. Schedule:Biopsy - resting en- 30 8 31 43 Several 25 days on drug - 10 days off.dometrium. 30 day biopsy - Early pro- 180 day biopsy - Late prolifera- lif. endom. Moderate mito- tive endometrium with discrete tic activity. mitotic activity. Depressed. Has forgotten to take several capsules. No withdrawal bleeding. 127-A 55 0 37 8 3 Several Remained without significant 10 20 17 29 Some change; likely nervousnessSlight nervousness 20 7 35 23 Some decreased. No withdrawaland hypertension. 30 11 47 61 Few bleeding. Schedule: 25 daysBiopsy - resting 60 day biopsy - late pro- on drug - 10 days off. 180endometrium. liferative endometrium. day biopsy - Early prolifera- Moderate mitotic activity. tive endometrium with moderate mitotic activity. Irritability improved. No withdrawal bleeding. 128-A 49 0 14 26 Many Symptoms improved in five days andMarked and frequent 10 23 31 Many disappeared after 15 days. Feel-hot blushes with fre- 20 28 63 Several ing well. Moderate withdrawalquent moderate headaches. 30 55 42 Several bleeding after second and thirdBiopsy - early prolif. 30 day biopsy - late prolif. courses. Schedule: 25 days onendom. with moderate endometrium. Good mitotic drug - 10 days off. 180 daymitotic activity. activity. biopsy - Proliferative endometrium with patchy hyperplasia. Feeling well. Moderate withdrawal bleeding in fifth and sixth months.__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XXIII

Groups I, II, III and IV each composed of human female patients suffering postmenapausal syndrome were orally given dosages of 10, 25, 50 and 100 mgs./day, respectively, of pure Compound II (LM) having a melting point of about 155.degree.C. for 3 cycles, each cycle consisting of taking the compound daily for 20 days followed by a 10 day period during which the patient abstains from taking the compound. The results are set forth below.

The pure Compound II (LM) can be separated from a mixture of it and its high melting diastereoisomer by solubilizing the mixture in glacial acetic acid and crystallizing out the pure Compound II (LM) in accordance with the process described in the copending patent application of Vernon V. Young, Ser. No. 643,819, filed June 6, 1967, herein incorporated by reference.

FSH (units).sup.2 VAGINAL CYTOLOGY.sup.3 SUBJECTIVE CPI RESPONSE.sup.4GROUP DOSE.sup.1 INITIAL 90 DAYS TREATMENT INITIAL 20-DAYS 90 Days__________________________________________________________________________I 10 mg. 105(144-66) 25.8(54-6) 5.2(18-0) 24.7(38-16) 4 of 10II 25 mg. 102(156-66) 22.2(36-6) 7.6(19-0) 40.8(52-26) 8 of 10III 50 mg. 92.8(138-54) 12.0(30-6) 5.5(11-0) 55.2(73-42) 10 of 10IV 100 mg. 99(150-60) 11.4(30-6) 11.0(19-0) 67.5(77-59) 9 of 10__________________________________________________________________________ .sup.1 Dose mg. orally daily for 20 days with a 10 day rest. .sup.2 Follicle stimulating hormone assay before and after 3 cycles of treatment. .sup.3 Chorionic pycnotic index. .sup.4 Subjective response as reported to physician by patient.

Claims

1. A method of treating post-menapausal syndrome in a human female having such syndrome which comprises internally administering to said human an amount sufficient to relieve said syndrome of a compound of the formula selected from the group consisting of: ##SPC7##

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is orally administered.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the compound is administered in a cycle of 20 to 25 days of administration followed by a rest period of 5 to 10 days.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the compound is administered to said human in an amount of about 0.1 to 10 mg. per day per kilogram body weight of said human.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said compound is the diastereoisomer of the formula ##SPC8##

having a melting point of about 155.degree.C.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said compound is the diastereoisomer of the formula ##SPC9##

having a melting point of about 178.degree.-180.degree.C.