Objective: To perform chromatograph preparation and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the representative tannins from Tara pods.Method: The components of Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) pods were isolated and purified

and their structures were identified by modern chromatography method. Their antioxidant activities of these fractions and compounds were investigated by 2

2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method.Result: Six representative tannin compounds were isolated from the aqueous extract of the Tara pods and the structures were identified as gallic acid(1)

methyl gallate(2)

ethyl gallate(3)

methyl 3

5-di-O-galloylquinic acid(4)

methyl 3

4

5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid(5)

and methyl 3

4

5-tri-O-galloylquinate(6). High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) results showed that the 6 compounds were the main tannin components in Tara. Antioxidant activity results showed that

aqueous extract (Fr. 1)

methanol extract (Fr. 2) and 6 tannin compounds had certain antioxidant activities

and their DPPH free radical scavenging capability was in the following order:1 > 5 > aqueous extract > 3 > Vitamin C > 6 > methanolic extract > 4 > 2 .Conclusion: The extracts of Tara pods had good antioxidant activity

and the tannin compounds should be the main active antioxidant components.