Polyhydroxy phenols, which are non-peptidic mimetics of galloyl peptides, and a process for the preparation of gallic acid derivatives using a gallic-acid providing moiety are provided as well as polyhydroxy phenol-containing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions. The use of polyhydroxy phenols as a medicament and especially for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention, treatment or diagnosis of a disease or a condition, wherein P-selectin is involved, is provided. The same compounds can also be used as targeting tools to P-selectin expressing cells or tissues in a composition, further comprising an active compound in a vehicle.