Abstract: This invention provides extracts of Salvia species essentially consisting of that fraction from a Salvia that precipitates from aqueous solution at pH .ltoreq.3, said precipitate having the property such that it is is essentially fully dissolved in aqueous solution at pH 6, with solubility beginning to be readily observable at about pH 4, said extract having a molecular weight of .ltoreq.3500 datons. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides active agents having a molecular weight of .ltoreq.1000 daltons.

Abstract: Compositions are provided containing molecules having at least one moiety from .beta.-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid and/or caffeic acid, which are found in extracts from the plant genus Salvia, said moieties being of the formula: ##STR1## the active agents having a molecular weight of at least 190 daltons. A class of preferred agents are those which are conjugated to form dimers, trimers, tetramers and larger polymers containing said moieties, with the most preferred being salvianolic acid dimers, trimers, tetramers and larger polymers. The compounds and compositions may be administered in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients systemically or locally to treat viral infections.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions containing molecules having at least one moiety from .beta.(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid and/or caffeic acid which are found in extracts from genus Salvia, said moieties being of the formula: ##STR1## said active agents having a molecular weight of at least 190 daltons. A class of preferred agents are those which are conjugated to form dimers and larger polymers containing said moieties. The agents of the invention may be administered in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers systemically or locally.

Abstract: This invention provides extracts of Salvia species essentially consisting of that fraction from a Salvia that precipitates from aqueous solution at pH .ltoreq.3, said precipitate having the property such that it is is essentially fully dissolved in aqueous solution at pH 6, with solubility beginning to be readily observable at about pH 4, said extract having a molecular weight of .ltoreq.3500 datons. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides active agents having a molecular weight of .ltoreq.1000 daltons.