Abstract
Derivation of triterpenoids and then the screening for corticomimetics among them is our primary interest. $C_{11}$-oxo-triterprenoids except glycyrrhetinic acid are rarely found in the plant kingdom. Based on the facts that $C_{3}$ and $C_{11}$-Oxo-group are essential for the corticoid-like-activity through its competitive inhibition on the corticoid-5.betha.-reductase, it was attempted to produce artificial inhibitor on the enzyme by introducing $C_{11}$-oxo group to the triterpenoids of oleanene series such as oleanolic acid and hederagenin. We could obtain the $C_{11}$-oxo-oleanolic acid m.p. $264-6^{\circ}$, uv ${\lambda}max$ 249 and $C_{11}$-oxo-hederagenin amorp. uv ${\lambda}max$ 251 by acetylation, $CrO_{3}$-oxid., and deacetylation. Glycyrrhetinic acid, a natural 11-oxo-compound and the other 11-oxo-derivatives of oleanolic acid and hederagenin were compared in their inhibitory activity on the corticoid-5.betha.-reductase. The inhibitory activity of those compound were decreased in the order of $C_{11}$-oxo-oleanolic acid, $C_{11}$-oxo- hederagenin, glycyrrhetinic acid. This suggests more strong corticomimetic activity of those artificially derived $C_{11}$-oxo-oleanolic acid and $C_{11}$-oxa-hederagenin. Their Ki value were $4.6{\times}10^{-4}M$ and $5.8{\times}10^{-4}M$ respectively.
