[Comparative choleretic properties of natural xanthone compounds from Gentianopsis barbata].

Comparative data are presented for the choleretic activity of xanthones isolated from Gentianopsis barbata (Froel.) Ma. (Gentianaceae family): a sum of xanthone glycosides (I) and aglycons (II); xanthone aglycons, including decussatin [1-(OH)-3,7,8-(OCH3)3] (III) and gentiacaulein [1,7-(OH)-3,8-(OCH3)2] (IV); and xanthone glycoside gentiabavaroside [1-O-primverosyl-7-(OH)-3,8-(OCH3)2] (V). It was established that (II) is superior to (I) with respect to cholagogic effect and is inferior to (III) and (IV) with respect to cholatostimulant action.