The famous Latvian chemist, Augusts Ošiņš, was born on 16 April 1895. He graduated from the University of Latvia in 1928 and received an engineering-chemistry degree in the field of organic chemistry technology. Even during his studies Ošiņš had worked as an assistant analyst at the department of chemistry and was involved in research work there.

 In order to implement the results of his research, Augusts Ošiņš built a turpentine factory in Mērsrags in 1932. The factory used pine stumps that had been buried under ground for over 25 years to produce turpentine, colophony and heavy oil by means of grounding the stumps and treating them with steam and benzene.

The workers at the factory noticed that the heavy oil they extracted as a result of the manufacturing process was perfect at healing all wounds, easing breathing, and reducing coughs. Upon researching the oil that was being extracted from the pine stumps, Augusts Ošiņš found that the oil had many valuable curative properties. Further research proved that considerable health benefits could arise from use of the oil in the treatment of tuberculosis and with cancer patients. Augusts Ošiņš gave his newly discovered oil the name “Silvanols”.

In 1938, Ošiņš introduced the public to his discovery. He sent Silvanols to scientists in America and in several European countries, including Germany, France and England. Ošiņš delivered reports at scientific conferences throughout Europe, where he related the outstanding results gained from the use of Silvanols in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis and with general wounds.

 “Silvanols” became popular worldwide. French scientists showed especial interest in the newly discovered oil. They wanted to become the owners of Silvanols and the technology involved in its production, but Ošiņš believed that Silvanols had to remain in Latvia and bring benefit to the Latvian people. 

SIA Silvanols is a pharmaceutical company that was established on 8 December 1994. The founder of the company, chemistry professor Ieva Leimane, named the newly established company after the discovery by the outstanding Latvian chemist, Augusts  Ošiņš.

Leimane developed a unique water-soluble base which served as a foundation for the creation of the first original products by SIA Silvanols in 1995, including OSTEOGELS®, RINOGELS®, and TROMBOGELS®. 

Today, the product portfolio of SIA “Silvanols” consists of a unique range of original products which includes non-prescription drugs, medicinal products, and food supplements, which together amount to over seventy different products.