NOR-ANDROSTENOLONEPHENYLPROPIONATE, A NEW POTENT ANABOLIC ESTER

Abstract

Nor-androstenolone (= 19-nor-testosterone = 19-nor-17β-hydroxy-3-keto-androst-4-ene, by abbreviation nor-T) is known to possess relatively strong anabolic properties compared with its androgenic activity (Hershberger et al., 1953, Barnes et al., 1954 a). Some of its esters, like the cyclopentylpropionate (Barnes et al., 1954 b, Hollifield et al., 1956) and the benzoate (U. S. A. Patent, 1955) have been shown to be more active and to possess an even more favourable anabolic/androgenic ratio. Other nor-T derivatives the 17-methyl and ethyl compounds are also active (Overbeek & De Visser, 1956, Saunders & Drill, 1956, Mc Swiney & Prunty, 1956). These latter compounds, like methyl testosterone are also active after oral administration. Since it is known that the phenylpropionate of testosterone (Dekanski & Chapman, 1953) and oestradiol (Overbeek & De Visser, unpublished) have a very high potency together with a markedly prolonged action, the phenylpropionate of nor-androstenolone (by abbreviation nor-TPP) was also prepared and subjected to a pharmacological study.