Crystalline caffeic acid derivatives and compositions and method for treating snakebite

摘要

Novel crystalline products of manufacture are represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and the caffeoyl group, with the limitation that only one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be hydroxyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the indicated compounds. The compounds are useful as anti-venom agents for hemolytic snake venoms. Pharmaceutical preparations containing the above compounds, or the compound commonly known as caffeic acid wherein both R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydroxyl, are provided for treatment of snakebite victims, as well as the method of using those preparations in such treatment.