中文摘要：

原花色素是多酚类物质中一类重要的化合物，在食物及饲料中占很大比例，时于人和动物体具有不可忽视的生理作用。但由于其相对分子质量大、结构复杂，并且具有聚合物的性质，因此关于这类物质的研究远不及其它简单多酚。本文概述比较了儿茶素单体、原花色素二聚或三聚体及原花色素多聚体在生物体内的吸收及其生物利用，总结了原花色素在生物体内的代谢过程及其降解机理，简述了不同聚合度的原花色素及其代谢产物在血液中的存在状态和细胞吸收情况。了解这些有助于阐明原花色素的降解过程、生理活性及其作用机理。

英文摘要：

Proanthocyanidins （PAs）, as a predominant group of both flavonoids and polyphenols, are less studied than other simpler compounds due to their large molecular size, complicated structure and polymeric nature, though they play major roles in both human diet and animal forages and have noticeable health effects. In this review, the absorption and bioavailability of PAs are compared among catechin （CC） monomers, PA dimers/tnmers and larger PA ohgomers. lhe metabolic late oi PAs Is summarizea, aria one possible mechanism of PA degradation in vivo is discussed, based on some evidence of a preliminary depolymerization. Regarding to various physiological potential of PAs, plasma circulation and cellular uptake of these compounds and their metabolites are also briefly referred. These help to figure out to what extent the monomers, dimers/trimers, larger PA polymers, or their metabolites directly contribute to the multiple biological effects in vivo, so as to demonstrate the health effects of PAs, and elucidate the relevant mechanisms.