A xanthone from Swertia chirayita

Abstract The structure of new xanthone from Swertia chirayita has been established as 1,5-dihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxy xanthone (chiratol) on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. Two other xanthones, i.e. swerchirin (1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy xanthone) and 7- O -methyl swertianin (1,8-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy xanthone) have been isolated. Swerchirin was identified as the hypoglycaemic principle of the plant.