| abstract |
Benzylidenethiazolidine compounds of formula (I): <IMAGE> (I) <IMAGE> [in which R1, R2 and R5 are each hydrogen or alkyl; R3 and R4 are each hydrogen, alkyl, formyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, hydroxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, formyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, optionally substituted alkoxy or halogen; W is methylene, carbonyl or a group of formula >C=N-OV, wherein V is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl or optionally substituted alkyl; and _n is an integer of from 1 to 3] and salts thereof have the ability to inhibit the formation of lipid peroxide in the mammalian body, and can therefore be used for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and other diseases and disorders arising from an imbalance in the lipid peroxide level. They can also be used for the preparation of the corresponding benzylthiazolidine compounds, which have a generally greater hypoglycemic activity. Processes for the preparation of these compounds of formula (I) are also provided. |