Biological Activities of Nitro Steroids

The present review describes the biological activities of synthetic nitro steroids. More than fifty biologically active nitro steroids showed an analeptic, antineoplastic, anesthetic, neuroprotector, immunosuppressant, dermatologic properties, and also show other biological activities. The structures and activities of a selection of nitro steroids are reported. Also, some new and additional activities are predicted with the computer program PASS, based on structure–activity relationships (SAR), which point toward new possible applications of these lipid compounds. This review emphasizes the role of the nitro steroids, as an important source of leads for drug discovery.