Contemplated compounds, compositions, and methods are presented for use in the treatment, or prevention, of a cognitive, neurodegenerative or neuronal disorder or disease, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Contemplated compounds, compositions, and methods are presented for use in the treatment, or prevention, of a cognitive, neurodegenerative or neuronal disorder or disease, such as Alzheimer's disease.

A compound of formula (I)

or a compound of formula (II)
wherein, for each of the compound of formula (I) and the compound of formula (II), R.sup.1 denotes a CH.sub.2OH group, R.sup.2 denotes a CHO group or a CH.sub.2OH group, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, independently of one another, denote a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group.

##STR00001##

##STR00002##

A compound of formula (I)

or a compound of formula (II)
wherein, for each of the compound of formula (I) and the compound of formula (II), R.sup.1 denotes a CH.sub.2OH group, R.sup.2 denotes a CHO group or a CH.sub.2OH group, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, independently of one another, denote a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group.

##STR00001##

##STR00002##

Disclosed is a method for production of oxygenated diterpenoid compounds, such as triptophenolide, triptonide and triptolide, by inserting genes encoding particular cytochrome P450 enzymes and expressing the genes in selected host cells for synthesis of the compounds. Further disclosed are particular cytochrome P450 enzymes suitable for this synthesis.

Disclosed is a method for production of oxygenated diterpenoid compounds, such as triptophenolide, triptonide and triptolide, by inserting genes encoding particular cytochrome P450 enzymes and expressing the genes in selected host cells for synthesis of the compounds. Further disclosed are particular cytochrome P450 enzymes suitable for this synthesis.