A study of polyphenolic compounds and shikimic acid in the leaves of Rhus and Poupartia (Anacardiaceae), Sapium, Ricinus and Aleurites (Euphorbiaceae) have been undertaken. From the results obtained on the constituents of these plants, corilagin, an ellagitannin, proved to be common except in Rhus chinensis. Shikimic acid is also common except in Poupartia. Flavonoid compounds consisted of glycosides of flavonols and apigenin.