Dicinnamides as potential hypocholesterolemic agents.

A series of 12 alkyl and aryl dicinnamides related to cynarin were synthesized by the mixed anhydride method. However, attempts to synthesize these aromatic amides via the usual carbodiimide coupling methods were unsuccessful. These compounds were tested for their cholesterol-lowering properties in rats maintained on normal lab chow. No hypocholesterolemic effect was noted with the parent substance, cynarin, or any of its structural analogs.