From the methanol extract of the whole herb of Swertia tetrapetala PALL. (Gentianaceae), were isolated 1, 8-dihydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-2, 3, 5-trimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-2, 3, 4, 7-tetramethoxyxanthone, luteolin, luteolin-7-o-glucoside and a bitter principle, swertiamarin. 1-Hydroxy-2, 3, 5-trimethoxyxanthone was found at first time in this plant among the Genus Swertia. Isolated xanthones suggest that this plant might be related with the Genus Frasera.
