[The chemico-pharmacological patterns in the action of plants from the family of Pyrolaceae].

The effect of leaf decoctions of three plants of the Pyrolaceae family, namely, umbrella wintergreen, one-side ortilia, and round-leaf Pyrola was studied in rat experiments. All plants under study were found to contain approximately equal amounts of tannins and arbutin glycoside. Their concentration was comparable though rather lower than in common bearberry, a well-known plant with diuretic and antiseptic activity. When given for a long time, all Pyrolaceae increased urination and sodium excretion. Besides, their decoctions caused an antimicrobial effect. Only round-leaf Pyrola weakened the development of experimental inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effect was probably due the presence of flavonoids the content of which in Pyrola was maximum.