Phlobaphene

Phlobaphene (derived from the Greek phloios = inner bark and baphe = dye) or Gerbstoffrote are a group of phytochemicals that belong to the group of tannins.

They are chemically very little defined. They arise from flavanols or oligomeric proanthocyanidins, their precursors are therefore flavonoids. They are formed during the drying of drugs. Their color is often red, but goes down to brownish black. They are high molecular weight polymers. Their formation is accelerated by oxidative enzymes.

Phlobaphene act not astringent.

They cause the red color of some herbal drugs, such as the ratanhiaroots, tormentil, cinnamon, clove, or of Cola seeds.

For Phlobaphene the CAS number 71663-19-9 has been assigned.