The terminological notions have been explained, followed by indication the most important tannic plants deserving of being detailed exarnin to give the reason for their significance and medical use. The authors have discussed variability in quantity of tannic compounds in plants in ontogeny as well as problems connected with drying and examinations of the tannic raw materials. The method of isolation of both tannic fractions and pure tannoids have been mentioned, with special interest paid on the elaboration which is basic for modern analytic of these compQunds. The classification of natural tannoids have been suggested, followed by structural formulae of gallotannoids and elagotannoids.