〔Abstract〕 Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of Swertia punicea and screen the hypoglycemic activity of 1, 5, 8-
trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone and swertiamarin. Methods: The chemical constituents of S. punicea were isolated and purified using
column chromatography techniques, including silica gel, ODS, and MCI. The chemical constituents were identified and characterized
through thin-layer chromatography and spectroscopic data. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated using alloxan-induced type 1
diabetic mice, with metformin serving as a positive control. The effects of the compounds on changes of body mass, food intake, water
consumption, and blood glucose levels were assessed. Results: Seven compounds were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of S.
punicea, identified as 1, 5, 8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (1), 1, 7-dihydroxy-3, 4, 8-trimethoxyxanthone (2), swertiamarin (3),
7-О-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1, 8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (4), amarogentin (5), 7-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D
xylopyranosyl]-1, 8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (6), mangiferin (7). The results of hypoglycemic activity showed that 1, 5, 8-
trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone significantly reduced food intake, water consumption, and blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, with
hypoglycemic effects comparable to metformin, and superior improvement in food and water intake. Conclusion: Compound 6 was
isolated from this plant for the first time. The compound 1, 5, 8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone significantly ameliorated the symptoms
of increased food and water intake in diabetic mice, exhibiting potent hypoglycemic activity. Given its high yield, it shows potential as a
natural antidiabetic drug or health product.