Biological activity of glycosides of vitamin D3 and 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3.

For the first time, the biological activity of the newly synthesized glycosides of vitamin D3 and of 1 alpha(OH)D3 has been studied in rats, chickens, and Japanese quails. Glucosidation did not reduce the activity of vitamin D3. In chickens, vitamin D3 glucoside has an activity of 90% to 95% as compared to the aglycon. In rats vitamin D3 glucoside is equally active when given by intravenous or oral route. Glycosides of 1 alpha (OH)D3, however, show a lower activity in rats, chickens, and quails. 1 alpha (OH)D3 glucoside has about 10% activity of the free 1 alpha (OH)D3, while 1 alpha (OH)D3 cellobioside is without any activity in chickens. 1 alpha (OH)D3 glucoside might be of interest, due to its broader therapeutical dosage range.