The present invention relates to C-20 steroid compounds, compositions and methods of use thereof to treat, minimize and/or prevent traumatic brain injury (TBI), including severe TBI, moderate TBI and mild TBI, including concussions.

A synthesis method for a 7-ketolithocholic acid is prepared from a new intermediate I-1. According to the method, phytosterol degradation product bisnoralcohol is used as a starting material, and the 7-ketolithocholic acid or the intermediate thereof is obtained by means of an oxidation reaction, a Knoevenagel reaction (or wittig reaction), hydrogenation, a ketal protection reaction, an allylic oxidation reaction, ketal removal protection, and the hydrogenation.

The present application provides an intermediate compound and a preparation method therefor and an application thereof. The intermediate compound has the following structural formula (I). By using the intermediate compound of the present application, dedrogesterone can be conveniently synthesized only by performing AB ring double bond construction and side chain modification, the total yield is high, and the route is short.

##STR00001##

The present invention discloses a synthesis method of ursodeoxycholic acid by using the plant-derived compound BA as a raw material to synthesize ursodeoxycholic acid through the steps of ethylene glycol or neopentyl glycol protection, oxidation, Wittig reaction, deprotection, reduction and hydrolysis, etc. The raw materials used for the synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid in the present invention are cheap and easy to get, the synthesis steps are easy to operate, the yield is high, the reaction is environmentally friendly, and the industrial production is convenient.

Described herein are steroids of Formula (I): ##STR00001##
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5a, R.sup.5b, R.sup.6, and Z are as defined herein. Such compounds are contemplated useful for the prevention and treatment of a variety of CNS-related conditions, for example, treatment of sleep disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, convulsive disorders, disorders of memory and/or cognition, movement disorders, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, pain, traumatic brain injury, vascular diseases, substance abuse disorders and/or withdrawal syndromes, and tinnitus.

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.