More specifically, the present invention relates to a use of asiatic acid derivatives represented by general formula 1: wherein, Ri represents hydrogen, hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzyl group, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, vinyl, ethinyl, cyano, azide, ethoxymethyloxy, octyloxymethyloxy, methanesulfonyloxy, phenylthio group or (methylthio)thiocarbonyloxy group; R2 represents hydrogen or hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, methoxy or ethoxy group; R, and K2 may form an oxo group; R3 represents hydrogen, hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, vinyl, methyl or ethyl group; R4 represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, vinyl, or hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group; R2 and R4 may form an epoxy group; R3 and R4 may form an oxo group; Rs represents methyl, hydroxymethyl group of which hydroxy group may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl group, carboxylic group, carboxylic ester moiety, carboxylic amide moiety or

aldehyde group; R4 and Rs may form -OCR6R70CH2- [wherein, R6 is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or phenyl group, R7 represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl group, and R6 and R7 may form -(CH2)s-]; Rs represents hydrogen or methyl group; Rs represents -CH2COOR or -COOR [wherein, R represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, CH(ORIl)RIo, CH(ORl3)CH2R,2 (wherein, Rlo represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl group, Rii represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, octyl, benzyl, methoxymethyl or methoxyethyl group, R12 represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl group, R13 represents methyl or ethyl group, or Rl2 and R13 may form -CH2CH2CH2-), or glucosyl or rhamnosyl group], hydroxymethyl of which hydroxy group may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, methanesulfonyloxymethyl or cyanomethyl group; R14 and Rls independently represent hydrogen, or both form oxo group together [provided that when Ri is hydroxy, K2 is hydrogen, R3 is hydrogen, R4 is hydroxy, Rs is hydroxymethyl and Rs is methyl, R does not represent hydrogen nor methyl, and Rlo does not represent hydrogen; and provided that when Ri is hydroxy, R2 is hydrogen, R3 or R4 may form, with Rs -OC(R6)(R7)OCH2-, and R6 is methyl, R does not represent methyl group; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, for treating dementia or cognitive disorder.

Background Art Asiatic acid, madecassic acid and asiaticoside, trisaccharide of asiatic acid, which are compounds extracted from Centella asiatica, isolated firstly by Bontems in 1941 [J. E. Bontems, Bull. Sci. Pharmacol., 49, 186-91(1941)1 and their srtuctures were defined by Polonsky [J.

Polonsky, Compt. Rend., 232, 1878-80(1951); J. Polonsky, Bull. Soc.

Chim., 173-80(1953)].

The extracts including asiatic acid and asiaticoside from Centella

asiatica have been used for tratment of hurted skin or chronic ulcer since old times, and also for treatment deformation of skin due to tuberculosis or leprosy [P. Boiteau, A. Buzas, E. Lederer and J. Polonsky, Bull. Soc.

Chim., 31,46-51(1949)].

Recently, they have been reported to have some effect on dementia and cognitive disorder by Hoechst (EP 0383 171 A2). However, as can be seen from the experimental results described in the literature above, the remedial effect for treating dementia is so weak that the research for medicines to treat dementia with much stronger effect is still requested.

Disclosure of the Invention The present inventors have already synthesized various asiatic acid derivatives represented by chemical formula 1 as above and filed with the Korea Industrial Property Office as a patent application (Korean Patent Application No. 95-46131 and 96-58175), and also performed intensive studies on the asiatic acid derivatives, and found the fact that the derivatives of formula 1 are useful for treating dementia and cognitive disorder, to complete the invention.

The object of the present invention is to provide medicines for treating dementia or cognitive disorder, which contains asiatic acid derivatives of general formula 1 as an active component: wherein, Ri represents hydrogen, hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzyl group, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy,

vinyl, ethinyl, cyano, azide, ethoxymethyloxy, octyloxymethyloxy, methanesulfonyloxy, phenylthio group or (methylthio)thiocarbonyloxy group; R2 represents hydrogen or hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, methoxy or ethoxy group; Ri and R2 may form an oxo group; R3 represents hydrogen, hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, vinyl, methyl or ethyl group; R4 represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, vinyl, or hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group; R2 and R4 may form an epoxy group; R3 and R4 may form an oxo group; Rs represents methyl, hydroxymethyl group of which hydroxy group may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group; tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl group, carboxylic group, carboxylic ester moiety, carboxylic amide moiety or aldehyde group; R4 and Rs may form -OCR6R70CH2- [wherein, R6 is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or phenyl group, R7 represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl group, and R6 and R7 may form -(CH2)s-]; Rs represents hydrogen or methyl group; Rs represents -CH2COOR or -COOR [wherein, R represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, 2-tetrahydropiranyl, CH(OR1I)Rlo, CH(ORI3)CH2Rl2 (wherein, Rlo represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl group, Rii represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, octyl, benzyl, methoxymethyl or methoxyethyl group, Rl2 represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl group, Rl3 represents methyl or ethyl group, or R12 and Rl3 may form -CH2CH2CH2-), or glucosyl or rhamnosyl group of which hydroxy group may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group], hydroxymethyl of which hydroxy group may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group, methanesulfonyloxymethyl or cyanomethyl group; RI4 and Rls independently represent hydrogen, or both form oxo group [provided that R, is hydroxy, R2 is hydrogen, R3 is hydrogen, R4 is hydroxy, Rs is hydroxymethyl and Rs is methyl, R does not represent hydrogen nor methyl, Rlo does not represent hydrogen; and provided that Ri is hydroxy,

R2 is hydrogen, R3 or R4 forms, with Ri -OC(R6)(R7)OCH2-, and R6 is methyl, R does not represent methyl group; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, for treating dementia or cognitive disorder.

In other words, the present invention relates to a use of asiatic acid derivatives represented by formula 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, for treating dementia or cognitive disorder.

The treatment according to the invention includes rapid alleviation of symptoms or preventive measures.

The general preparation of compound of general formula 1 according to the present invention is presented by Korean patent application No. 95-46131, but in case that the definiton of general formula among compounds is general formula 2 below, it is is desirable to prepare by Method 1-8.

wherein, Ra represents hydrogen, hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzyl group, methanesulfonyloxy, (methylthio) thiocarbonyloxy, halogen, ethoxymethyloxy or octyloxymethyloxy group; Rb represents hydrogen or hydroxy group; Ra and Rb may form an oxo group; Rc represents hydrogen or hydroxy group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group; Rb and Rc may form an epoxy group; Ri represents hydroxymethyl group which may be protected by acetyl or benzoyl group; Rc and Rd may form -OC(Rf)(Rg)OCH2- [wherein, Rf is hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or phenyl

group, Rg represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl group, and Rf and Rg may form -(CH2)5-]; Re represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxymethyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, octyloxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl or 2-tetrahydropyranyl group The preparation of asatic acid derivative of chemical formula 2 above accordig to the present invention is presented below.

Method 1 Titrated extracts of Centella asiatica (TECA) is hydrolyzed to obtain a mixture of asiatic acid and madecassic acid, and the mixture is reacted with 2,2-dimethoxypropane in the presence of acid catalyst. The reaction product is purified by column chromatography to isolate 3,23-0- isopropylidene asiatic acid (3) in which 3,23-dihydroxy group is protected. The obtained product is treated with diazomethane to synthesize methyl 3,23-0-isopropylidene asiatate (4). [See Scheme 1.] Scheme 1 2,2-dimethoxypropane titrated extract of . (asiatic acid + 2,2-dimethoxypropane Centella asiatica (TECA) madecassic acid) HOX HO, O H 0 diazomethane/ether O S 7C oi 4 Method 2 Two hydroxy groups at 3- and 23-position of asiatic acid are protected with various ketone or aldehyde group to synthesize compounds represented by general formula (5). [Provided that RrH and Rg=H, the compound is synthesized by the use of dimethyl sulfoxide and trimethylsilyl chloride.] The compound of general formula (5) is treated with chloromethyl octyl ether to synthesize a compound represented by general formula (6). [See Scheme 2.] Scheme 2 Ho t t Ho <0H HO 0 - HO asiatic acid R) Pg 5 Ref chloromethyloctyl ether ~ X Oz w \/ OC8H17 Rf Ao j Rg 6 O-C8H17 0 Rt0W Pg 6 (wherein, Ri and R7 are the same that are defined above.) Method 3 The hydroxy group at 2-position of compound (4) obtained above is treated with sodium hydride and imidazole, to be converted to alkoxide group. Carbon disulfide is added thereto and the mixture is heated under reflux, and then treated with methyl iodide to obtain a xanthate (7).

The resultant compound is treated with tributyltin hydride and catalytic

amount of AIBN to give methyl 2-deoxy-3,23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (8), which is then deprotected to obtain methyl 2-deoxyasiatate (9). The compound (9) above is hydrolyzed to obtain 2-deoxyasiatic acid (10).

From 2-deoxyasiatic acid (10), 2-deoxy-3,23-O-isopropylidene asiatic acid (11) is synthesized, which is then reacted under the condition described in Method 2, to synthesize a compound represented by general formula (12). [See Scheme 3.] Scheme 3 S sodium hydride OCH3 n-BU3SnH carbon disulfide AIBN methyl iodide I 7\0/ 7 X X t I 0>H3 740 8 HO; 9 HO 0 8 HOW <, 2,2-dimethoxyprop S 0 c \5 9-L HO 10 7Lo 11 RsC I X iso 12

Method 4 Methyl 2-O-octyloxymethyl-3,23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (13) is synthesized by means of Method 2 from compound (4) obtained above [See Scheme 4.] Scheme 4 Method 5 The compound (3) obtained above is reacted with an alkyl halide under the conditions of Method 2, to synthesize a compound represented by general formula (14), which is acetylated at 2-position to synthesize a compound represented by general formula (15). [See Scheme 5.] Scheme 5 e01 HO,, COORe 3 acetic acid AcO,, COORe I 15 14 AWOOW 15 (wherein, R5 is the same that is defined above.)

Method 6 From the compound (3) obtained above, ethoxymethyl 2-0- ethoxymethyl-3,23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (16) is obtained under the same conditions of Method 2 but with prolonged reaction time. By means of the same method, benzyloxymethyl group is incorporated to COOH group at 28-position by using chloromethyl benzyl ether. The resultant compound is acetylated to synthesize benzyloxymethyl 3,23-0- diacetylasiatate (17). [See Scheme 6.] Scheme 6 CH3CH20CH20 ACOOCH20C2H5 chloromethylethyl ether 3 16 acetic benzyl ether acetic acid \acetic acid COOCH2OCH2Ph AcO y AcO 17 Method 7 2,3-Hydroxy group of asiatic acid is converted to 2,3-epoxy group, and the obtained compound is reacted with a variety of nucleophilic compound to cause ring opening of epoxy group to prepare a series of novel compounds according to the present invention. In other words, the compound (4) obtained above is reacted with methanesulfonyl

chloride to obtain methyl 2-O-methanesulfonyl-3 ,23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (18), which is then treated with PTSA to give methyl 2-0- methanesulfonyl asiatate (19). The obtained compound is then treated with potassium carbonate in methanol solvent to synthesize methyl 2,3- epoxyasiatate (20). The compound (20) is treated with lithium iodide trihydrate and acetic acid to synthesize methyl 2- a -iodo-2-deoxyasiatate (21) of which epoxide has been opened. [See Scheme 7.] Scheme 7 MsO,COOCH3 MsO,, COOCH3 methanesulfonyl chloride 4 Et31\i ° oi 18 N N tassium 0 MsO,, COOCH3 OCH3 potassium carbonate 0 HO HO 19 HO 20 20 < C ?XH3 acetic acid H0 acetic acid HO HO 21 Method 8 Dihydroxy group at 3- and 23-position of asiatic acid was methylidene protected by dimethylsulfoxide and trimethylsilyl chloride to

synthesize a compound represented by general formula (5, RrRg=H), which is then treated with pyridinium dichromate (PDC) to obtain a compound represented by general formula (22). The resultant compound is reacted with chloromethyl octyl ether to give a compound represented by general formula (23). [See Scheme 8.] Scheme 8 N0 N HO . ° OH OH HO 0 HOZ asiatic acid Xoi 5 ( Rf = Rg =H PDC OH 22 chloromethyloctyl ether 0 Ion 23 LD50 value of mouse by injection of compounds according to present invention into abdominal cavity was 100-250mg/kg the present invention,

and that shows relative safety of compounds according to present invention.

The dose of compound of chemical formula (1) is 0.05 to 50 mg/day for an adult. The dose usually varies depending on age and body weight of a patient, as well as the condition of symptoms.

The medicines for treating dementia or cognitive disorder according to the present invention may be formulated into a suitable formulation for oral or parenteral administration by using conventional methods. For oral administration, it may be formulated as tablets, capsules, solution, syrup or suspension, while for parenteral administration, as transdermal or hypodermic injections, or injections into abdominal cavity or muscles.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Now, the present invention is described with reference to Examples, Preparation Examples and Experimental Examples. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not restricted to those examples.

Example 1: Isolation and purification of asiaticoside and asiatic acid in large scale Quantitative extract (5 g) of Centella asiatica was directly separated by column chromatography (silica gel, 230 - 400 mesh; dichloromethane/methanol = 10/1) to obtain asiatic acid (1.5 g), madecassic acid (1.4 g) and mixture (2.0 g) of asiaticoside and madecassoside. The obtained mixture was dissolved in minimum amount of 60% methanol, in a water bath at 100 0C, and then cooled at room temperature to give pure asiaticoside as needle-like crystalline.

(m.p.: 230 - 240°C) Separately, the extract (62 g) was dissolved in methanol (700 ml), and 5N sodium hydroxide solution(50ml) was added thereto, and the resultant mixture was heated under reflux for 10 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, neutralized, filtered

and dried to obtain a mixture (2, 43g) of asiatic acid and madecassic acid.

Example 2: Preparation of 3,23-O-Isopropylidene asiatic acid (3) The mixture (12 g) of asiatic acid and madecassic acid, and p- toluenesulfonic acid (200 mg) were dissolved in anhydrous DMF (100 ml), and 2,2-dimethoxypropane (5 ml) was added thereto by injection.

The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 hours, and then neutralized and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove the solvent. After extracting, washing and drying, the residue was purified by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 30:1) to obtain 8.04 g of 3,23-O-isopropylidene asiatic acid (3).

-i IR (neat) : 3440, 1698, 1200 cm + + + Mass (EI) : m/e 528 (M ), 513 (M -Me), 482 (M -HCOOME), 452, 424, 407, 248, 203, 189, 133 H-NMR (CDCl3): 8 6 0.75, 1.04, 1.06, 1.09, 1.45, 1.46 (each s, 3H), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz), 2.18 (d, 1H, J=11.2Hz), 3.32 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.46, 3.51(ABq, 2H, J=10.8Hz), 3.78 (m, 1H), 5.24 (brt, 1H) Example 3: Preparation of Methyl 3,23-O-isopropylideneasiatate (4) 3,23-0-Isopropylidene asiatic acid (3) (5 g) was dissolved in ethyl ether, and ethereal solution of diazomethane was slowly added dropwise thereto at 0 C. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove ether, and the residue was purified by column chromatography <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (hexane:ethyl acetate = 3:1) to obtain 4.9 g of methyl 3,23-0- isopropylidene asiatate (4) (95%).

<BR> <BR> -1<BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) :3466, 1724, 1201 cm Mass (EI) : m/e 542 (M+), 527 (M+-Me), 482 (M+-HCOOME), 483, 467, 451, 407, 262, 203, 189, 133

1H-NMR (CDCl3): 8 0.66, 0.97, 1.00, 1.02, 1.40, 1.39 (each s, 3H), 0.79 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=6.0Hz), 2.15 (d, 1H), 3.25 (d, 1H,J=9.6Hz), 3.41 3.43 (ABq, 2H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 3.72 (m, 1H), 5.18 (brt, 1H) Example 4: Preparation of 3,23-0-alkylidene asiatic acid (5) Gi RrH, Rg=H Dimethyl sulfoxide (2.5 eq.) and trimethylsilyl chloride (2.5 eq.) were added to THF with stirring. Asiatic acid (2) obtained above (2.53 g, 5.18 mmol) was added thereto, and the mixture was heated under reflux and argon atmosphere for 3 days. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol = 20:1) to obtain 2.01 g of pale yellow solid (yield: 79.45%).

H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.75, 1.05, 1.08, 1.12 (each s, 3H), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.18Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.76Hz), 2.19 (d, 1H, J=10.9Hz), 3.04, 3.76 (ABq, 2H, J=10.11Hz), 3.23 (d, 1H, J=10.23Hz), 3.87 (dt, 1H, J=4.26Hz, 10.02Hz), 4.95 (d,d, 2H, J=5.9Hz), 5.24 (t, 1H) G2 RrH, Rg=CH3 Asiatic acid (255 mg, 0.52 mmol) obtained above was dried over p- toluenesulfonic acid under reduced pressure. Then the compound was dissolved in anhydrous THF, and CH3CH(OEt)2 (0.15 ml) was added dropwise thereto, and the resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. To the reaction mixture, saturated solution of sodium carbonate was added by injection, and the solvent was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed and dried, and purified by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 20:1) to obtain 178 mg of title compound

(yield: 66.2%).

-1 IR (neat) 2926, 1695 cm Mass (EI) m/e 514 [M ] HNMR(300MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.14 (t, 1H), 4.64 (qt, 1H, J=4.92Hz), 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.63, 2.97 (ABq, 2H, J=10.1Hz), 3.17 (d, 1H, J=10.4Hz), 0.98, 0.95, 0.65 (each s, 3H), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=5,49Hz), 0.75 (d, 3H, J=6.39Hz) 3 Rf=H,Rg=C6H5 Excepting from substituting C6H5CH(OMe)2 for CH3CH(OEt)2, the same procedure as Example 4¼2 was performed (yield:32.1%).

IR (neat) 3437, 1696 cm-1 Mass (EI) m/e 576 [M ] 578 H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.52 ~ 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.37 ~ 7.35(m, 3H), 5.53(s, 1H), 5.24(t, 1H), 3.90, 3.30(ABq, 2H, J=10.1 1Hz), 3.47(d, 1H,J=10.47Hz), 2.18 (d, 1H,J=11.46Hz), 1.19,1.09, 4.07, 0.77 (each s, 3H), 0.93 (d, 3H, J=6.09Hz), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.33Hz) 4 Rf=CH3, Rg=C2H5 Excepting from substituting C2H5COCH3 for CH3CH(OEt)2, the same procedure as Example 42 was performed (yield:58.96%).

IR (neat) 3436, 1694 cm-1 Mass (EI) m/e 542 [M ] lHNMR(300MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.18 (t, 1H), 3.68, 3.47 (ABq, 2H, J=4.26Hz), 3.48 (d, 1H, J=7.05Hz), 2.12(d, 1H,J=10.65Hz), 0.97, 0.89, 0.69 (each s, 3H)

5 RfCH3, Rg=C3H7 Excepting from substituting C3H7COCH3 for CH3CH(OEt)2, the same procedure as Example 4G2 was performed (yield:43.01%).

IR (neat) 3369, 2928, 1694 cm-1 Mass (EI) m/e 558 [M +2] 1HNMR(300MHz, CDCl3) S 5.18 (t, 1H), 3. 79 -- 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.18 (d, 1H, J=10.23Hz), 3.67, 2.98 (ABq, 2H, J=9.8Hz), 2.12 (d, 1H, J=10.65Hz), 1.05, 1.01, 0.98, 0.69 (each s, 3H), 0.88 (d, 3H, J=5.55Hz), 0.79 (d, 3H, J=6.39Hz) GG RrRg=-(CH2)5 Excepting from substituting cyclohexanone for CH3CH(OEt)2, the same procedure as Example 42 was performed.

Mass (EI) m/e 1H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.77, 0.96, 1.07 (each s, 3H), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.33Hz), 2.18 (d, 1H, J=11.46Hz), 3.24 (d, 1H, J=9.51Hz), 3.41, 3.59 (ABq, 2H, J=10.47Hz), 3.76 (dt, 1H, J=8.54Hz), 5.23 (t, 1H) Example 5 Preparation of octyloxymethyl 3, 23-O-alkylidene asiatate(6) t Rf=H, Rg=H The compound 5(258.4mg, 0.52mmol) obtained in Example 41 above was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane.

Diisopropylethylamine(0.1 8ml) was added thereto and stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. At 0 C, chloromethyloctyl ether(0.lml) was added dropwise thereto and stirred for 5 minutes. Methanol was added thereto and the residue was refined by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol=30:1) to obtain 138mg of white solid (yield:

41.6%).

lH NMR (400MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.76, 1.05, 1.09, 1.13 (each s, 3H), 0.88 (d, 3H, J=5.6Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=6.36Hz), 2.25 (d, 1H, J=10.8Hz), 3.04, 3.76 (ABq, 2H, J=10.OHz), 3.22 (d, 1H, J=10.8Hz), 3.58 (m, 2H), 4.94 (d,d, 2H, J=6.0Hz), 5.21, 5.24 (ABq, 2H, J=5.88Hz), 5.26 (t, 1H) Q Rf=H, Rg=CH3 Excepting from substituting compound 5 obtained in Example 4G2 for compound 5 obtained in Example 4t above, the same procedure as Example 51 was performed.

<BR> <BR> -i <BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 3481, 2927, 1732 cm Mass (EI) m/e 656 [M ] lH NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.22 (t, 1H), 5.20, 5.17 (ABq, 2H,J=6.21Hz), 4.69 (qt, 1H, J=4.95Hz), 3.84~3.77 (m, 1H), 3.69, 3.03(ABq, 2H, J=10.07Hz), 3.55 (m, 2H), 2.22 (d, 1H, J=11.16Hz), 1.05, 1.00, 0.95, 0.72 (each s, 3H), 0.84 (d, 3H, J=2.55Hz), 0.82 (d, 3H, J=2.19Hz) G3 RH, Rg=C6H5 Excepting from substituting compound 5 obtained in Example 403 for compound 5 obtained in Example 41 above, the same procedure as Example 51 was performed (yield:23.8%).

IR (neat) 3697, 1730 cm-1 Mass (EI) m/e 719 [M +1] (4) Rf=CH3, Rg=C2H5 Excepting from substituting compound 5 obtained in Example 404

for compound 5 obtained in Example 4t above, the same procedure as Example sql was performed (yield:58.96%).

IR (neat) 3469, 1733 cm 1 Mass (EI) m/e 684 [M ] H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.16 (t, 1H), 5.14, 5.1 1(ABq, 2H, J=6.29Hz), 3.68(m,1H), 3.48 (m, 2H,), 3.24 (d, 1H, J=9.57Hz), 2.16(d, lH,J=1 1.5Hz), 1.00, 0.96, 0.91, 0.66 (each s, 3H), 0.84(d, 1H,J=5.55Hz), 0.76(d,1H,J=5.73Hz) 5 Rf=CH3, Rg=C3H7 Excepting from substituting compound 5 obtained in Example 45 for compound 5 obtained in Example 41 above, the same procedure as Example 51 was performed (yield:80.2%).

<BR> <BR> -1<BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 3468, 2927, 1729 cm Mass (EI) m/e 698 [M ] H NMR (400MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.26 ~ 5.20 (m, 2H), 5.10 (t, 1H), 3.87 ~ 3.84 (m, 1H), 3.60 ~ 3.56 (m, 2H), 2.27 (d, 1H), 1.08, 1.07, 1.03, 0.76 (each s, 3H), 0.94 (d, 3H, J=5.84Hz), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=5.4Hz) 6 RfRg = -(CH2)5- Excepting from substituting compound 5 obtained in Example 40G for compound 5 obtained in Example 41 above, the same procedure as Example 501 was performed (yield: 34%).

Mass (EI) m/e 710 [M+], 667, 596, 567, 522, 521 lH NMR (400MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.75, 0.95, 1.03 (each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=5.86Hz), 1.09 (d, 3H, J=3.9Hz), 2.10 (d, 1H, J=4.40Hz), 3.35 (d, 1H, J=9.77Hz),

3.48, 3.52 (ABq, 2H, J=11.24Hz), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.8 (m, 1H), 5.21, 5.24 (dd, 2H, J=5.86Hz), 5.26 (t, 1H) Example 6 : Preparation of methyl 3, 23-O-isopropylidene-2-O- [(methylthio)thiocarbonyllasiatate(7) Sodium hydride(60% dispersion of inorganic oil, 18.3 mg, 0.46 mmole), imidazole(2 mg) and tetrahydrofuran(2 ml) were added to methyl 3, 23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (4) (50 mg, 0.092 mmole) and the resultant mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. Carbon disulfide(0.2 ml, excessive amount) was added thereto and refluxed for 2 hours. Methyl iodide (0.1 ml, excessive amount) was added thereto and heated under reflux again for 1 hour. The reactant mixture was treated with water and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. After extracting, washing and drying the residue was refined by column chromatography(hexane : ethyl acetate = 10:1) to obtain 56 mg of white solid (yield: 96%).

<BR> <BR> -i <BR> <BR> IR (neat):1723, 1233, 1057 cm H NMR (CDCl3) 8 5.78(1H,m), 5.24(1H,bt), 3.80(1H,d,J=lOHz), 3.60(3H,s), 3.54, 3.58(2H,dd,J=7.2Hz), 2.51 (3H,s), 2.23(1H,d,J=11.2Hz), 0.94(3H,d, J=5.2Hz), 0.84(3H,d,J=6Hz), 0.73, 1.09, 1.11, 1.14, 1.41, 1.45 (each 3H,s).

Example 7 : Preparation of methyl 2-deoxy-3, 23-O-isopropylidene asiatate(8) A catalytic amount of AIBN and benzene(lOml) were added to xanthate compound (7)(202mg, 0.32mmole) obtained above. Tributyltin hydride(0.26ml, 0.96mmole) was added thereto with the resultant heated under reflux and stirred for 1 hour and a half. The reactant mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the solvent was removed. The obtained residue was refined by column chromatography(hexane:ethyl

acetate = 10:1) to obtain 168 mg of white solid (yield : 100%). The product was recrystallized with hexane to yield needle-like crystalline.

-i <BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 1724 cm MS (EI) : 527(M +1), 512, 407, 262, 203, 133.

H NMR (CDCl3) 8 5.25(1H,bt), 3.60(3H,s), 3.52(1H,t), 3.44, 3 .54(2H,dd,J= 10Hz), 2.23(1 H,d,J=1 1.2Hz), 0.94 (3H, d, J=5.6Hz), 0.86(3H,d,J=6.4Hz), 0.73, 0.97, 1.07, 1.09, 1.42, 1.45(each 3H,s) Example 8 : Preparation of methyl 2-deoxyasiatate(9) Tetrahydrofuran(10 ml) and 1N HCl solution(lml) were added to compound(8) (460mg, 0.87mmole) obtained above and stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The solvent was totally removed by distillation under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was refined by column chromatography(hexane:ethyl acetate = 3:2) to obtain 402 mg of white solid (yield : 95%). The crude product obtained was recrystallized with ethyl acetate to yield needle-like crystalline.

-i <BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) : 3400, 1724 cm MS (EI) : 486(M ), 426, 262, 203, 133 Example 9 : Preparation of 2-deoxyasiatic acid (10) LiI-3H2O (450mg, 2.39mmole) and 2,4,6-colidine(5ml) was added to methyl 2-deoxyasiatate (9) (38mg, 0.78mmole) and heated under reflux for 10 hours. The flask was covered with aluminium foil to block light during reflux. The reactant solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove collidine. The obtained residue was refined by column chromatography(dichloromethane:methanol=20: 1) to obtain pale yellow solid (yield : 99%). The product obtained was recrystallized with methanol to yield 280 mg of needle-like crystalline(yield: 76%).

IR (KBr) : 3436, 1693 cm-1 MS (EI) : 472(M ), 426, 248, 203, 133 H NMR (CDCl3 + pyridine-d5) 8 5.21(1H,bt,J=2.8Hz,3.6Hz), 3.60(1 H,t,J=7.2Hz,8.2Hz), 3.36, 3.70 (2H,dd,J=10.0Hz), 2.21(1H,d,J=11.2Hz).

Example 10 : Preparation of 2-deoxy-3, 23-O-isopropylidene asiatic acid (11) Excepting from substituting compound 10 for the mixture of asiatic acid and madecassic acid, the same procedure as Example 2 was performed (yield:59.9%).

<BR> <BR> -1<BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 2928, 1697 cm 'HNMR (400MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.25 (d, 1H), 3.52 (t, 1H), 2.17 (d, 1H), 1.44, 1.40, 1.10, 1.04, 0.98, 0.78 (each s, 3H), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz) Example 11 : Preparation of octyloxymethyl 2-deoxy-3, 23-0- isopropylidene asiatate(12, Re=octyloxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 11 for compound 5 in Example 50 above, the same procedure as Example sql was performed <BR> <BR> <BR> (yield:53.9%). <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> -i <BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 2929, 1733 cm Mass (EI) m/e 654 [M ] lH NMR (500MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.17 (t, 1H), 5.14, 5.12 (ABq, 2H, J=6.02Hz), 3.49 ~ 3.48 (m, 2H), 3.46, 3.34(ABq,2H,J=6.17Hz), 2.15 (d, 1H), 1.35, 1.32, 1.01, 0.96, 0.67 (each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=7.04Hz), Example 12 Preparation of ethyloxymethyl 2-deoxy-3, 23-0-

isopropylidene asiatate(12, R=ethoxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 11 for compound 5 in Example 5Q and substituting chloromethylethyl ether for chloromethyloctyl ether, the same procedure as Example st was performed (yield:46%).

<BR> <BR> -i <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 2929, 1733 cm Mass (EI) m/e 570 [M+] lH NMR (500MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.16 (t, 1H), 5.16 (s, 2H), 3.60, 3.58(ABq, 2H, J=1.36Hz), 3.45~3.35 (m, 3H), 2.15 (d, 1H), 1.45, 1.38, 1.34, 1.04, 0.98, 0.70 (each s, 3H), 0.88 (d, 3H, J=6.32Hz), 0.79 (d, 3H, J=2.24Hz) Example 13 : Preparation of tetrahydropyranyl 2-deoxy-3, 23-0- isopropylidene asiatate (12, Rc=2-tetrahydropyranyl) Compound 11(133mg, 0.26mmol) and pyridinium paratoluene sulfonate(catalytic amount) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane.

Dihydropyrane(0.07ml) was added dropwise thereto and stirred at room temperature for 40 hours. The resultant was neutralized and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. After extracting, washing and drying, the residue was refined by column chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate=8: 1) to 73mg of compound(12, Re=2-tetrahydropyranyl) (yield:47.2%).

<BR> <BR> -1<BR> <BR> <BR> IR (neat) 2945, 1733 cm 1H NMR (400MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.96(t, 1/2H), 5.92(t, 1/2H), 5.28(t, 1/2H), 5.26 (t, 1/2H), 3.88 (t, 1H), 3.67 (t, 1H), 3.52 (t, 2H), 3.46 (t, 2H), 1.45, 1.42, 1.11, 1.05, 0.96 (each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz) Example 14 : Preparation of methyl 2-O-octyloxymethyl-3,23-O- isopropylidene asiatate (13)

Excepting from substituting compound 4 for compound 5 in Example 51, the same procedure as Example sql was performed.

IR (neat) 2927, 1728 cm-1 Mass (EI) m/e 684 [M ] lH NMR (500MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.18 (t, 1H), 4.73, 4.62 (ABq, 2H, J=6.72Hz), 3.70 ~ 3,65 (m, 1H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 3.35 (d, 1H, J=9.76Hz), 1.36, 1.33, 1.02, 1.01, 0.96, 0.66 (each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=6.18Hz), 0.79 (d, 3H, J=6.46Hz) Example 15 : Preparation of methoxymethyl 3, 23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (14, Re=methoxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 3 for compound 5 in Example sql and substituting chloromethylmethyl ether for chloromethyloctyl ether, the same procedure as Example 51 was performed (yield:19%).

mp. 104-112°C HNMR(300MHz,CDCl3): 8 0.77, 1.04, 1.08, 1.11, 1.45, 1.46(each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 0.96(d, 3H, J=5.7Hz), 2.27 (d, 1H, J=1l.1Hz), 3.32 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.47 (d, 1H, 9.6Hz), 3.55 (d, 1H, 9Hz), 3.79 (m, 1H), 5.17 (d, 1H, 6Hz), 5.20 (d, 2H, J=6Hz), 5.28 (t, 1H, J=3.5Hz) IR (KBr) cm-1 3500, 2950, 1740, 1450, 1380, 1065, 925, 860 23 C a ]o = +10.4 (c=0.2, CHCl3) Example 16 : Preparation of ethoxymethyl 3, 23-O-isopropylidene asiatate (14, Re=ethoxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 3 for compound 5 in Example 51 and substituting chloromethylethyl ether for chloromethyloctyl ether, the same procedure as Example 51 was

performed (yield:46%).

IR (neat) : 3468, 1 734 cm-1 MS (EI) m/z: 586 (M+) H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 5.27 (t,lH), 5.23 (s,2H), 3.74 - 3.82 (m,lH), 3.66 (q,2H,J=7.6Hz), 3.53, 3.44 (ABq, 2H), 3.32 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 2.25 (d, 1H), 1.46, 1.44, 1.10 (ABq, 2H), 1.07, 1.03, 0.76 (each s, 3H), 1.22 (t, 3H, J=6.8Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.6Hz), 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.4Hz) Example 17: Preparation of methoxyethoxymethyl 3, 23-0- isopropylidene asiatate (14, Re=methoxyethoxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 3 for compound 5 in Example 50 and substituting methoxyethoxymethyl chloride for chloromethyloctyl ether, the same procedure as Example sql was performed (yield:25%).

mp. 76-79°C HNMR(300MHz,CDCl3): 8 0.77, 1.04, 1.08, 1.11, 1.45, 1.46 (each s, 3H), 0.86 (d, 6.3Hz, J=3Hz), 0.96 (d, 3H, J=5.7Hz), 2.2-0.9 (m, 21H), 2.26 (d, 1H, J=10.2Hz), 3.32 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.47 (d, J=9.0Hz), 3.52 (d, 1H, J=9.0Hz), 3.55 (t, 2H, J=5.1Hz), 3.77 (m, 1H), 3.77 (t, 2H, J=5.1Hz), 5.26 (t, 1H, J=3.6Hz), 5.28 (s, 2H) IR (KBr) cm-1 3500, 2950, 1725, 1450, 1380, 1070, 940, 860 24 [c,]o =+38.7C (c=0.1, CHCl3) Example 18 : Preparation of methoxymethyl 2-O-acetyl-3, 23-0- isopropylideneasiatate(15, Re=methoxymethyl) Compound(14)(R5=methoxymethyl, 139mg, 0.24mmol) obtained above was dissolved in pyridine and stirred. Acetic anhydride(0.04ml,

0.38mmol) was added thereto and stirred for 2 days. The resultant was concentrated under reduced pressure , washed, dried and refined by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol=30: 1) to 75mg of white solid (yield:52%).

mp. 110-1150C HNMR(300MHz,CDCl3): 8 0.77,1.09,1.11,1.12, 1.41,1.43, 2.01 (each s, 3H), 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=6Hz), 2.27 (d, 1H, J=10.8Hz), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.50 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.52 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.56 (d, 3H, J=9Hz), 5.0 (m, 1H), 5.17 (d, 1H, J=6Hz), 5.20 (d, 1H, J=6Hz), 5.27 (t, 1H, J=3.5Hz) -i IR (KBr) cm 2950, 2740, 1450, 1240, 1080, 1025, 950, 800 24 [ a ]O = +43.6° (c=0.1,CHCl3) Example 19 : Preparation of ethoxymethyl 2-O-acetyl-3, 23-0- isopropylideneasiatate(15, Re=ethoxymethyl) Excepting from substituting compound 14 (R5=ethoxymethyl) obtained for compound 14 (R5=methoxymethyl) used in Example 18, the same procedure as Example 18 was performed (yield:91%).

mp. 136-1370C H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3): 8 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.1Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.7Hz), 1.01, 1.06, 1.08, 1.41, 1.43, 2.01 (each s, 3H), 0.9-2.2 (m, 20H), 1.21 (t, 7.3Hz), 2.26 (d, 1H, 11.1Hz), 3.48 (d, 1H, J=9Hz), 3.53 (d, 1H, J=9Hz), 3.54 (d, 1H, J=10.7Hz), 3.66 (q, 2H, J=7.3Hz), 5.00 (dt, 1H, 4.3, 10.7Hz), 5.23 (s, 2H), 5.26 (t, 1H, J=4.2Hz) 24 [ 2 ]o = -0.66 (c=0.34, CC14) Example 20 : Preparation of ethoxymethyl 2-O-ethoxymethyl-3, 23- O-isopropylideneasiatate (16)

Excepting from substituting compound 3 for compound 5 obtained in Example sql above, and substituting chloromethylethyl ether for chloromethyloctyl ether , the same procedure as Example sql was performed (yield:19%).

mp. 68-70°C H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3): 8 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.7Hz), 0.80, 1.05, 1.10, 1.41, 1.51 (each s, 3H), 0.9-2.2 (m, 20H), 1.22 (t, 3H, J=7.2Hz), 2.26 (d, 1H, J=11.1Hz), 3.35 (d, 1H, J=9Hz), 3.39 (d, 1H, J=9Hz), 3.46 (d, 1H, J=9.6Hz), 3.60 (q, 2H, J=7.2Hz), 3.76 (q, 2H, J=7.2Hz), 3.80 (dt, 1H, 4.2, 9.6Hz), 4.67 (s, 2H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 5.27 (t, 1H, J=3.6Hz) IR (KBr) cm-1 2950, 1715, 1450, 1380, 1020, 925, 860 [α]o24=+33.1° (c=0.1, CHCl3) Example 21 : Preparation of benzyloxymethyl 3, 23-O-diacetyl asiatate (17) Excepting from substituting compound 3 for compound 5 obtained in Example sql and substituting chloromethylbenzyl ether for chloromethyloctyl ether , the same procedure as Example 51 was performed and then synthesized through acetylization (yield:45%).

H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3): 8 0.75, 0.85, 0.99, 1.10, 2.04, 2.09 (each s, 3H), 0.89 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 0.9-2.2 (m, 21H), 2.27 (d, 1H, J=12.9Hz), 3.57 (d, J=11.7Hz), 3.83 (d, J=11.7Hz), 3.90 (dt, 1H, 3.9, 10.2Hz), 4.68 (s, 2H), 5.04 (d, 1H, J=10.2Hz), 5.28 (t, 1H, J=3.6Hz), 5.32 (s, 3H), 7.34 (s, 5H) IR (neat) cm-1 2950, 2740, 1450, 1380, 1065, 925, 860, 800 25 [a] 25 +25.250 (c=0.1, CHCl3)

Example 22 : Preparation of methyl 2-O-methanesulfonyl-3, 23-0- isopropylideneasiatate (18) Methyl 3, 23-0-isopropylidene asiatic acid (4) (354.7mg, 0.65mmole) was dissolved in dichloromethane(15ml). Triethyl amine(82.4mg, 0.72mmole) and methanesulfonyl chloride(99.2mg, 0.98mmole) were added thereto and stirred at 0 0C for 3 hours under nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction was finished, the solvent was removed. After extracting, washing and drying, the residue was refined by column chromatography (hexane : ethyl acetate=2:1) to 380mg of pure compound (18) as white solid (yield:93%).

H NMR (CDCl3) 8 5.24(1 H, m), 4.69-4.62 (1H, m), 3.60 (3H, s), 3.57 (1H, d ,J=10.5Hz), 3.53 (1H, d, J=10.5Hz), 3.49 (1H, d, J=10.5Hz), 3.01 (3H, s), 2.26-2.20 (1H, m), 2.23(1H, bs), 1.44 (3H, s), 1.40 (3H, s), 1.11 (3H, s), 1.09 (3H, s), 1.07 (3H, s), 0.94 (3H, d, J=6.0Hz), 0.85 (3H, d, J=7.0Hz), 0.72(3H,s) Example 23 : Preparation of methyl 2-O-methanesulfonyl asiatate (19) The compound(18) (1.2g, 1 .92mmole) obtained above was dissolved in methanol(30ml). p-toluenesulfonic acid(480mg, 2.52mmole) was added thereto and refluxed for 10 minutes under nitrogen atmosphere.

The reactant was neutralized, extracted, washed, dried and refined by column chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate=1:1) to obtain 1.06g of pure compound (19) as colorless oil(yield : 94%).

H NMR (CDCl3) 8 5.24 (lH, m), 4.77-4.74 (1H, m), 3.69 (1H, d, J=10.5Hz), 3.61 (3H,s), 3.44 (1H, d, J=10.5Hz), 3.70 (1H, bs), 3.10 (3H, s), 1.08 (3H, s), 1.07 (3H, s), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.94 (3H, d, J=5.1Hz), 0.85 (3H, d, J=6.5Hz), 0.74 (3H, s)

Example 24 : Preparation of methyl 2,3-epoxyasiatate (20) The compound(19) (2.78g, 4.77mmole) obtained above was dissolved in methanol(60ml). Potassium carbonate(1.32g, 9.53mmole) was added thereto and stirred at room temperature for 3 days under nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction was finished, solvent was removed. After extracting, washing and drying, the residue was refined by column chromatography (hexane : ethyl acetate=2:1) to obtain 2.05g of pure compound (20) as white solid (yield: 89%).

m.p. : 230-234"C <BR> <BR> -I <BR> <BR> <BR> IR (KBr) : 3400, 2920, 1730, 1430, 1450, 1200, 1040 cm H NMR (CDCl3) 8 5.27 (1H, m), 3.60 (3H, s), 3.56 (1H, m), 3.31 (1H, m), 3.27 (1H,m), 3.11 (1H, d, J=4.0Hz), 1.12 (3H, s), 1.6 (3H, s), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.94 (3H, d, J=5.1Hz), 0.86 (3H, d, J=6.4Hz), 0.74 (3H, s) Example 25 : Preparation of methyl 2 -iodo-2-deoxyasiatate(21) Compound 20(24.5mg, 0.05mmol), Lil 3H2O(98mg, 10.3eq) were dissolved in THF(5ml). AcOH(0.Sml) was added thereto with stirring, and the resultant was reacted for 1 day under argon atmosphere.

The resultant was diluted with water, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine and 10% Na2S203 solution, dried, and refined by column chromatography(hexane:ethyl acetate = 3:1) to obtain 16.5mg of colorless solid (yield: 53.3%).

H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3): 0.74, 0.85, 1.02, 1.08 (each s, 3H), 0.86 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 0.94 (d, 3H, J=5.13Hz), 2.24 (d, 1H, J=11.2Hz), 3.42, 3.72 (ABq, 2H, J=12.7Hz), 3.60 (s, 3H), 4.57 (dt, 1H), 5.25 (t, 1H) Mass (EI) m/e 612 [M ], 552, 467, 407, 349

Example 26 : Preparation of 3,23-O-methylidene-2-oxoasatic acid(22) Compound 5( RrRg=H, 1.1g 2.2mmole) and pyridinium dichromate(0.83g, 2 .2mmole) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane. Acetic anhydride (0.62ml) was added thereto and heated under reflux for 2 hours. The reactant was diluted with ethyl acetate, filtrated and refined by column chromatography (dichloromethane : methanol = 20 : 1) to obtain compound 23(0.32g, yield 29.2%) H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.75, 1.02, 1.07, 1.13 (each s, 3H), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.9Hz), 0.85 (d, 3H, J=6.3Hz), 2.11-2.21 (m, 2H), 2.39 (d, 1H, J=12.7Hz), 3.42, 3.84 (ABq, 2H, J=10.4Hz), 4.10 (s, 1H), 4.69, 5.20 (ABq, 2H, J=5.9Hz), 5.23 (t, 1H) Example 27 : Preparation of Octyloxymethyl 3,23-O-methylidene-2- oxoasiatate(23) Except from substituting compound 22 for compound 5 used in Example sql, the same procedure as Example 50 was performed(yield 44%).

H NMR (300MHz, CDCl3) 8 0.78, 1.02, 1.10, 1.14 (each s, 3H), 0.87 (d, 3H, J=7.3Hz), 0.95 (d, 3H, J=5.9Hz), 2.13, 2.40 (ABq, 2H, J=12.7Hz), 2.27 (d, 1H, J=11.5Hz), 3.42, 3.84 (ABq, 2H, J=10.1Hz), 3.58 (dt, 2H, J=5.6Hz), 4.10 (s, 1H), 4.69, 5.24 (ABq, 2H, J=6.1Hz), 5.20-5.25 (m, 2H), 5.25 (t, 1H) Preparation Example 1: Tablets Active component 2.5mg Lactose BP 151.Omg Starch BP 30.0mg Pre-gelatinized corn starch BP 15.0mg

The active component was sieved, and mixed with lactose, starch and pre-gelatinized corn starch. Suitable amount of purified water was added thereto and the mixture was granulated. After drying, the granules were mixed with magnesium stearate and pressed to prepare tablets.

Preparation Example 2: Capsules Active component 2.5mg Starch 1500 96.5mg Magnesium stearate BP 1.0mug The active component was sieved and mixed with vehicles. The mixture was filled in gelatin capsules.

Preparation Example 3: Injections Active component 800,ag/mQ Dilute hydrochloric acid BP until pH 3.5 Injectable sodium chloride BP maximum lmQ Active component was dissolved in proper amount of injectable sodium chloride BP, and the pH of the resultant solution was adjusted to 3.5 by adding dilute hydrochloric acid BP. Then the volume of the solution was adjusted by using injectable sodium chloride BP, and the solution was thoroughly mixed. The solution was charged into 5 ml typel ampoule made of transparent glass, and the ampoule was sealed under the upper lattice of air, by fusing the glass. Then the ampoule was sterilized by autoclaving at 1200C for 15 minutes or more, to give injection.

Experimental Example 1: Effect of asiatic acid derivatives on treating dementia induced by scopolamine On a male ICR mouse having body weight of 25 - 30 g, dementia

was induced by subcutaneous injection of 1 mg/kg of scopolamine, 30 minutes before the experiment.

The compound according to the present invention was injected into abdominal cavity, and after 1 hour, scopolamine (1 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected. After 30 minutes, passive avoidance was measured in order to examine anti-dementia effect of the compound to prevent dementia induced by scopolamine. As control groups, animals without administration of scopolamine and animals with administration of scopolamine were observed. Animals with administration of asiatic acid and Velnacrine, which has been already used as an anti-dementia agent were used as a comparative example.

Passive avoidance test was carried out as follows: An avoidance shuttle box (40 x 20 x 20 cm) having lattices of 3 mm thickness in an interval of 0.5 cm at the bottom was divided into a light room and a dark room. A mouse was placed in the bright room, and when it entered into the dark room, training was given by causing electric stimulus of 0.3 mA to the mouse by the use of a grid. After 24 hours, same experiment was performed, and the retention time of the mouse in the bright room was measured to make an index of remembering the training of the day before. Retention time of 180 seconds or more is evaluated as "positive".

In order to exhibit the anti-dementia effect, the retention time (180 sec) of a normal mouse without inducing dementia in the bright room was set to 100%, while the retention time (34.5 sec) of a mouse having dementia induced by scopolamine in the light room was set to 0%.

The experimental results are shown in Table 1 below: Table 1: Anti-dementia effect of asiatic acid derivatives on dementia induced by scopolamine Concen- Retention anti- Compound tration time dementia (mg/kg) (sec) effect (%) 0.1 23.1t11.2 -7.8 asiatic acid 1.0 55.5+21.9 14.4 Velnacrine 1.0 92.7+ 19.2 40.0 0.1 36.2 # 18.8 5.5 2-oxoasiatic acid 1.0 145.5+24.7 75.4 octyloxymethyl 3 P ,23- 0.1 42.5 + 8.2 5.5 dihydroxyurs- 1 2-en-28-oate 1.0 63.9 t 23.3 20.2 Methyl 3,23-O-isopropyliden-2- 0.1 65.8 t 21.1 21.5 oxoasiatate 1.0 49.2 # 15.9 10.1 0.1 44.2 # 8.9 6.7 Methyl 2-oxoasiatate 1.0 43.2 # 10.1 6.0 Methyl 2 a -deoxy-2 P- 0.1 31.2+ 6.3 0.5 hydroxyasiatate 1.0 66.2+ 13.6 21.8 2-Tetrahydropyranyl 2-deoxy- 0.1 44.2 L 11.5 6.7 3,23-0-diacetylasiatate 1.0 9.5t 7.2 -17.2 0.1 29.3 # 5.9 -3.6 Methyl 2-O-methylasiatate 1.0 33.9 # 8.9 -0.4 0.1 37.9t18.2 2.3 Methyl 2-O-ethylasiatate 1.0 35.8 # 13.3 0.9 0.1 40.3 # 14.0 3.1 Methyl 2-O-ethyl-11 1-oxoasiatate 1.0 22.3 # 10.1 -7.7 3 ,23-O-isopropylidene 0.1 28.4 # 5.4 -4.2 asiatate 1.0 22.3 # 10.1 -8.4 Octylmethyl 3,23-0- 0.1 32.3+21.8 -1.5 isopropylidene asiatate 1.0 21.6 # 5.0 -8.9 Ethoxymethyl 3,23-O- 0.1 46.4 # 17.8 8.2 isopropylidene asiatate 1.0 15.7 # 9.6 -12.9

2 a -methyl-2 P -hydroxyasiatic 0.1 26.8t 11.3 -5.3 acid 1.0 60.5t15.7 17.9 Octyloxymethyl 3,23-0- 0.1 37.6fit 7.6 2.1 benzylideneasiatate 1.0 35.8-t 8.1 0.9 More excellent anti-dementia effect than Velnacrine (40%) was revealed in the group (75.4%) administered by 2-oxoasiatic acid (1 mg/kg). The group administered by octyloxymethyl 3 P ,23- dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oate (1 mg/kg) or methyl 3,23 -0-isopropyliden- 2-oxoasiatate (0.1 mg/kg) also showed significant anti-dementia effect.

As can be seen from the Experimental Examples described above, the asiatic acid derivatives according to the present invention showed excellent effect on treating dementia and cognitive disorder.