[On the occurrence of proanthocyanidins, leucoanthocyanidins and catechins in vegetables (author's transl)].

22 species of vegetables grown in Germany were investigated and only rhubarb contained (+)-catechin besides traces of (-)-epicatechin. The catechin concentrations were lower in the stalks than in the leaves and decreased during plant growth. Proanthocyanidins (dimers and oligomers of polyhydroxy-flavan-3-ols) were only found in the testa of broad beans, beans, and peas with coloured flowers, and in rhubarb stalks. Leucoanthocyanidins (polyhydroxy-flavan-3,4-diols) could not be found in any vegetable.