The present invention provides methods for treating Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other viral diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) related infections by administering one or more compounds of formula I: ##STR00001## wherein: the dotted line represents a single or a double bond; and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and independently of each other represent --CH.sub.2OH, --CH.sub.2OR.sub.4, --CH(OH)CH.sub.3, --CH(OR.sub.4)CH.sub.3 or a group represented by the formula: ##STR00002## or salts or hydrates thereof in a carrier which minimizes micellar formation or van der Waals attraction of molecules of said compound. The invention also provides S enantiomeric forms of such compounds which possess the ability to inhibit cell growth whilst being of low toxicity to such cells and methods of making such compounds.