The composition according to claim 1 wherein said ester or ether of betulin is a compound according to the formula: Wherein R1 and R2 are independently H or an optionally substituted acyl group containing from 2 to about 32 carbon atoms with the proviso that both R1 and R2 are not simultaneously H and said compound is present in the composition in the range of about 0.01 to about 50 percent by wei