Abstract: Contents of total phenolics and extractable condensed tannins in leaves, branches and bark of Myrica rubra (Lour.) Sieb. et Zucc. were determined. In addition, type of condensed tannins, degree of polymerization and distribution of polymer were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The results were showed as follows: total phenolics content was the highest in bark (43.56%), followed by leaves(34.69%), and then branches(18.53%); while extractable condensed tannins content was the highest in leaves(25.67%), followed by bark(17.93%), and then branches(8.01%). Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate was invariably the basic unit occurring in the three condensed tannins. A-type and B-type linkages were the common types among the structural units of polymers. Meanwhile tannins in leaves and branches had the larger highest polymerization degree than bark.

Key words: Myrica rubra (Lour.) Sieb. et Zucc., polyphenolics, condensed tannin, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, polymerization