In this paper we report on research conducted on one of the
four plants used by traditional healers. We used bioassay-guided
fractionation methodologies in an attempt to isolate the active
principles through a validated HIV entry inhibitor assay
(InPheno, Basel). In particular, the structural elucidation of
two new xanthones from the tubers of Pyrenacantha
kaurabassana Baill is reported. Their anti-HIV activity as
entry inhibitors is also reported.