[Pharmacological properties of the new antiviral preparation alpizarin]

Various species of experimental animals were used for studying pharmacological properties of a new original antiviral (antiherpetic) agent alpizarin (2-beta-C-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone; with composition of C19H18O11) isolated from the aerial part of Hedysarum flaveacens Rgl. and Schmalh., Hedysarum alpinum L. It was found that in addition to the antiviral effect, alpizarin possesses also prominent cardiostimulant, capillary-strengthening, anti-inflammatory properties and enhances reparative processes in the gastric mucosa. The drug has no significant action on the central nervous system, the tone of peripheral vessels and intestinal smooth musculature and fails to influence carbohydrate metabolism and blood coagulation system.