A comprehensive review on the polyphenolic compounds is presented. The emphasis is placed on the structural and functional implications on the regiochemistry as well as on the stereochemistry of oligomeric polyphenols. A correlation between the natural polyphenolic compounds and the synthetic ones is highlighted by making a general classification of polyphenolic compounds. The uses and applications of polyphenolic compounds are discussed in detail. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.