Antitumor and hepatoprotective activity of natural and synthetic neo steroids.

In this review, steroids with a tertiary butyl group, which are usually called neo steroids, are a small group of natural lipids isolated from higher plants, fungi, marine sponges, and yeast. In addition, steroids with a tertiary butyl group have been synthesized in some laboratories in Canada, USA, Europe, and Japan and their biological activity was studied. Some natural neo steroids demonstrate antitumor or hepatoprotective activities. In addition, synthetic neo steroids exhibit anticancer and neuroprotective properties. However, to confirm the above data, both practical and clinical experimental studies are necessary. Nevertheless, the results may be useful for pharmacologists, chemists, biochemists, and the pharmaceutical industry.