[Studies on synthesis and anti-HIV RT activity of hypericin and ethylhypericin].

Condensed polycyclic anthraquinone hypericin and its analogues showed activity against several retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Another condensed polycyclic anthraquinone ethylhypericin was synthesized from butanone in order to compare its biological activity with hypericin. Biological activity showed that ethylhypericin was slightly more effective than hypericin in HIV-RT inhibitory test.