Benzothieno[3,2-b]indole derivatives as potent selective estrogen receptor modulators

A series of estrogen receptor ligands based on benzothieno[3,2-b]indole were synthesized and their binding affinity for estrogen receptor subtypes (ERα and ERβ) and effects on mouse uterus and bone were evaluated. Some of these compounds showed strong binding affinity to ER and significantly increased the bone mineral density of ovariectomized mice.