| abstract |
This invention provides a method of lowering cholesterol and blood lipid levels, preventing hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and peripheral vascular disease comprising administering an effective amount of 17α-dihydroequilenin or a mammalian metabolic conjugate thereof, including a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a mammal in need thereof. The invention also provides a compound for use as a pharmaceutical, the compound being selected from 17α-dihydroequilenin, a mammalian metabolic conjugate thereof and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the said compound in association or combination with a pharmaceutical carrier. |