A method for suppressing undesired viral growth in a host which comprises
administering to the host an effective amount of a compound of the
formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are
independently selected from the group consisting of HO--, CH.sub.3O-- and
CH.sub.3(C.dbd.O) O--. The method is exemplified by inhibiting Tat
transactivation of a lentivirus and in suppressing Herpes simplex virus.