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: wherein: the dotted line represents a single or a double bond; and R1 and R2 are the same or different and independently of each other represent —CH2OH, —CH2OR4, —CH(OH)CH3, —CH(OR4)CH3 or a group represented by the formula: 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.