Xanthones isolated during the period 1980 to mid-1991 are tabulated un
der different classifications along with their plant sources. CMR data
of xanthones in general have also been incorporated. The importance o
f xanthones as possible chemotherapeutic agents, has been discussed. I
n addition, the plant sources that are known to produce xanthones upti
l now have been presented in a tabular form indicating the families to
which they belong.