Page 123 - phytochemistry II -pharmD general
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II. Condensed tannins
Condensed tannins differ from gallotannins and ellagitannins, where their
structures are related to flavonoids. Also they lack sugar in their structure
Condensed tannins are polymeric flavonoids, and most of them are based on
the flavan-3-ols (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin
The following drugs are rich in condensed tannins:
Barks: Cinnamon, wild cherry, Cinchona, oak and Hamamelis
Roots and rhizomes: Krameria.
Leaves: Green tea.
Seeds: Cocoa and Kola
Extracts: Catechu
Some drugs contain both hydrolyzable and condensed tannins such as tea,
Hamamelis leaves and bark.
Green tea, an important phytonutrient
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
- It is the main active component of green tea leaves.
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