Tannin
- Derived from the Frenck work “Tanin” means tanning substance.
- These are chemically Natural Polyphenols – It contains sufficient hydroxyl group and other suitable group such as carboxyl, to form strong complex with protein and other macromolecules. This term first used by Seguin (1796).
- Tannins are Complex Non nitrogenous Plant product.
- Astringent property – Precipitate tissue protein.
- Mostly high molecular weight compounds
- Water Soluble
You may also read Identification Test for Tannins – Pharmacognosy B Pharmacy 5th Semester
Definition: Tannins are secondary metabolites which are non-nitrogenous, complex polyphenolic organic compound having high molecular weight, water soluble and astringent property.
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Occurrence:
- Tannins are widely distributed in Plant Kingdom. Such as Higher Plant, Combretaceae(Arjuna, Bahera, Myrobalan), Leguminosae(Pterocarpus, Black Catechu, Ashoka).
- Found in seed, root, stem, bark, leaf.
- Tannins are present in the solution form in the distinct vacuoles of the cell sap in plants.
Medicinal Use of Tannin
- Used mainly due to its astringent property.
- Externally used as a healing agent which helps in formation of new tissue and healing of inflamed mucosa, minor burns, ulcers, haemorrhoids, wounds, antiseptic, haemostatic.
- Internally used as Diarrhoea
- Antidote in heavy metal poisoning and alkaloid(tannins make complex with heavy metals and alkaloids.)
You may also read Identification Test for Tannins – Pharmacognosy B Pharmacy 5th Semester