The molecule is a xanthone glycoside that is the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro derivaive of swertianolin (the S,4R-stereoisomer). It is isolated from Swertia japonica and shows hepatoprotective properties. It has a role as a hepatoprotective agent and a plant metabolite. It is a beta-D-glucoside, a monosaccharide derivative, an aromatic ether and a xanthone glycoside. It derives from a swertianolin.
(1S,4R)-4,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-1-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxanthen-9-one