| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I): (see formula I) [in which: A is a group of formula (II) or (III): (see formula II or III) W is methylene, carbonyl or >C=N-OV, where V is hydrogen, sulpho, acyl or alkyl; U is methylene, or W is absent and U is a carbon-carbon double bond between A and -CR1(OH)-; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each hydrogen or alkyl; Y1 and Y2 are each hydrogen or a hydroxy-protecting group; and n is 1, 2 or 3] and salts thereof have anti-diabetic activity in mammals. Methods of preparing them are also provided. |