單寧及其相關化合物為一群複雜之物質,廣泛分佈於植物領域,通常它們以多酚成分混合存在著,而且由於不易以再結晶之方式取得,在分離上很難被純化。最近,由於使用新的層析方法,研究者不僅可確認單寧抽取物之複雜本質,而且在微量之情況下亦可探獲這些多酚成分。雖然在丹寧化學被完全了解之前還有許多研究必須進行,依約九十篇文獻之回顧,目前將其分成三個群類,同時,敘述某些相關化合物所具有之特色及珍奇之特徵。最後對單寧及相關化合物之有關生物活性加以摘要。
Tannin and related compounds comprise a large group of complex substance that are widely distributed in the plant kindom, they usually occur as mixtures of polyphenols that are difficult to purify because most of them can not be recrystal-lized easily. Recently, the use of new chromatographic method enable research workers not only to confirm the complicated nature of thannin extracts but also to detect those polyphenols presented in small amount. Although much work remains to be done before the chemistry of tannins is fully understood, three main groups are recognized in the present status based on the review of about ninety papers. The distinctive and unique features of some related compounds in their free phenolic forms are also described. Finally the biological activitys related to tannin and related compounds are noted.