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>>> INTRODUCTION
It was the Frenchman A. Seguin who first introduced the word “tannin” in 1796 to describe extracted matter from
plants for converting animal hides into leather(1). However the use of extracts or plants as such in this trade is much
older. According to some, use of oak galls and Sumac leaves – both rich in tannins – in leather making is already
suggested in Sumerians cuneiform tablets dated to 3000-2000 B.C.(2). More solid archaeological evidence
suggests widespread use around 1500 B.C. in the Mediterranean region, and seemingly the practice was well
established by 600 B.C.(3). It should be noted that leather making using alternate processes is an even older craft
dating back to as early as 6000-5000 B.C.
The practice to use tannin-rich extracts or tannin-rich plants as such in curing ailments or diseases is similar to
leather making a very old tradition of which the origins have been shrouded by the mists of time.
Over the years the term “tannin” has been used to denominate
a wide variety of (plant-derived) polyphenolic compounds often
leading to confusion and misunderstanding. From a chemical
perspective the tannins in wine are indeed quiet different from
those found in tea or those obtained from nut galls.
In the narrow sense of the word – as found in pharmacopoeia, Food Chemical Codex and
official monographs - the terms “tannin” or “tannic acid” refers to a small group of polyphenols called hydrolysable
(gallo)tannins obtained from a handful of plant materials of which Aleppo gallnuts and Sumac leaves are examples.
ache. Taken as a drink in water or wine they were also used to treat
intestinal disorders.
In his “Naturalis historia” Pliny the Elder reports on 23 remedies
containing Aleppo galls and 8 remedies containing Sumac(6).
Among these we find treatments for inflammatory conditions such
as celiac or infections of gums, fingers (whitlows – paronychia) or
ulcerations or sores of the skin. Even the treatment of dysentery is
mentioned. It is also used to remedy excessive menstruation.
Already early on Oak galls were an article of trade as is evidenced
by the excavation in 1961 of 3.5 kg of galls buried after the eruption Eruption of Vesuvius – Death of Pliny the Elder by Pierre-Henry de Valenciennes
of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. at a shop along the Decumanus
Maximus main street in the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum(7).
After the collapse of the Roman Empire science in medieval Western Europe came to a virtual standstill and much
of the former knowledge on plant based remedies was lost. Fortunately the environment in the Arab Caliphates
was much more favourable and under the Arab rule medical science thrived for many centuries.
Already in the 10th century oak galls were used as part of the treatment of dental caries(8) . A practice that should
not surprise us as modern science is confirming that gallnut tannins have anti-microbial(9)(10) and other properties(10)
against mouth dwelling bacteria associated with tooth decay such as Streptococcus mutans and S sobrinus.
It is only much later in c. 1240 AD that Gilbertus Anglicus in England describes a similar use in his “Compendium of
Medicine”(11).
Not only are historic references on the use of tannin rich plants or extracts numerous, even today such materials
continue to play a role in traditional herbal medicine practiced in areas where these plants are indigenous.
In Palestine Sumac is still used in a number of conditions: as astringent to stop bleeding but also to treat urinary
tract inflammation(12)(13). In traditional Persian medicine Sumac is believed to have artheroprotective properties(14).
Not only does current day use persist in traditional growing areas, but also in areas where such treatments were
introduced many centuries ago true early trade. Indeed, during the T’ang dynasty (618 – 907), the Arabs already
introduced oak galls as far away as China and were first mention in the “T’ang Materia Medica” (T’ang pen ts’ao).
Today they are still part of traditional Chinese medicine where they are known as “moshizi” and are used to treat
oral ulcerations or skin lesions among other uses.
Similarly Aleppo galls were also introduced in India and still remain part of the traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine
where it is known as “Mayyaku” or “Mayaphala” (Sanskrit)(15).
In Thailand Aleppo galls are known as “Ben Ka Nee” and are highly valued as a treatment for a number of ailments
and particularly inflammatory conditions(16).
Today in Malaysia it is still customary among Malay women to use Aleppo galls – locally known as “Manjakani” as
a post partum treatment to accelerate recovery after childbirth(17). Again such a use should not surprise us
considering the antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties associated with these tannins.
The fact that certain folk remedies can be traced back to ancient times is obviously no guarantee for their efficacy.
On the other hand: it is noteworthy to observe that on both sides of the Atlantic, Native Americans and cultures of
the Old World independently of each other developed treatments using tannin-rich plants to cure similar ailments.
Additionally modern science is providing more and more evidence that such uses are indeed based on sound
biochemical logic and can be quantified through interactions with enzymes, biochemical messengers, or other
substrates of our cellular machinery and are not the result of some old folk version of the placebo-effect.
At least part of the inhibitory effect is associated with iron sequestering in the growing media which could explain
why benign beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus strains are far less inhibited than certain pathogens as these
micro-organisms are less depending on heme-based enzymes when compared with their pathogenic relatives(20).
Considering this background uses to improve digestion or relieve upset stomachs or topical uses in wound
dressing can easily be understood.
Similarly anti-microbial effects of tannic acid against mouth dwelling bacteria can explain the already mentioned
historic use to treat dental caries or toothache(10)(21). Modern scientific evidence is suggesting that not only anti-
microbial effects but also other mechanisms are at play in the prevention of dental disorders(22).
>> Inflammation
Inflammation involves a complex cascade of events associated with a rift of diseases including allergies,
atherosclerosis, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis among others. It is controlled by a variety of signalling molecules
such as cytokines, prostaglandins and others as well as a number of cellular responses.
Evidence is suggesting that tannic acid can interact with a number of these signalling pathways by modulating
gene expression or inhibiting signalling molecules and thus can have a positive effect on the inflammatory
response of the body(16)(25)(27)(28)(29).
It is therefore no surprise that conditions where inflammation plays a pivotal role are treated in many parts of the
world by using concoctions containing tannic acid rich plants.
>>> CONCLUSIONS
The use of polyphenols in general and tannic acid in particular to improve the quality of life dates back thousands
of years and probably pre-dates the advent of written historic records.
Contrary to many other plant-based medicinal treatments the efficacy of polyphenols is in a number of instances
not based on anecdotal evidence but is more and more supported by modern day science.
An increasing body of evidence is suggesting that due to the unique combination of anti-microbial, anti-
inflammatory and anti-oxidant action of these compounds a number of beneficial effects in respect to lifestyle
related health conditions can be expected.
>>> REFERENCES
Rapport du comité de salut public sur les nouveaux moyens de tanner les cuirs proposes par le cit.. A. Seguin,
(1)
2005, 6, 404-407
Ethnopharmacological survey of natural products in Palestine. N. Jaradat, An-Najah Univ. J. Res. (N. Sc.),
(13)
chinensis, the main components of Thai herbal remedies for aphtous ulcer. N. Kamkaen et al., J. Health Res.,
2009, 23(1), 17-22
Ultrastructural findings and elemental analysis of Qurcus infectoria Oliv. L.K. Soon et al., Annals of microscopy,
(17)
(20)Mechanism of inhibition of tannic acid and related compounds on the growth of intestinal bacteria. K.T. Chung
et al., Food and chemical toxicology, 1998, 36, 1053-1060
Antimicrobial effects of four medicinal plants on dental plaque. A. Angaji et al, J. of medicinal plants research,
(21)
molecules in vascular endothelial cells. T. Murase et al, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., 1999, 19, 1412-1420
(28)Antiinflammatory evaluation of alcoholic extract of galls of Quercus infectoria. G. Kaur et al., J.
Ethnopharmacol., 2004, 90(2-3), 285-292
Gallotannin inhibits the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells. K. Erdèlyi et al.,
(29)
Information provided in this paper is based on the present state of our knowledge. Some applications or methodologies mentioned in this document can be protected by
international patent law. Ajinomoto OmniChem nv/sa cannot be held responsible for patent law infringements and customers should contact the patent holder if so required.
The statements provided in this Fact Sheet have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent,
treat or cure any disease.
Information provided in this leaflet is only applicable to the Ajinomoto OmniChem hydrolysable tannins. Regulatory status of condensed tannins or competing products can
be different. For further information you can always contact our Technical Department.
Due to the many different parameters involved we are not able to submit a general recommendation. It only shows without liability on our part the uses to which our products
can be put. Therefore initial trials are absolutely necessary. Ajinomoto OmniChem nv/sa cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the application of the above
mentioned product.