The chemical structure of the purified proanthocyanidin polymers of Lotuscorniculatus was analysed by 13C NMR and by mild acid catalysed degradation in the presence of excess of phloroglucinol. The NMR data showed that the polymer was partially glycosidated with a number average Mr in the range 1800–2100 (six to seven flavanoid units). The products from phloroglucinol scission reaction indicated the