Ajinomoto - Leaflet An Historic Perspective On Tannin Use - v1.0 - 2010 - Cópia

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Fact sheet > > > An historic perspective on tannin use.

Application fact sheet
>>> 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.
>>> SOME BASICS ON TANNINS
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.
>>> GREEKS AND ROMANS
Oak galls such as Aleppo gallnuts were already known to the

ancient Greeks as early as 500 B.C. when Hippocrates
mentioned them as ingredients for the treatment of certain
ailments, although it is not always clear if the mentioned galls
are indeed those we refer to today as Aleppo gallnuts. In his
“Historia plantarum” Theophrastus of Eressus (371-286 BC)
contemporary and acquaintance of Aristotle in the third
century BC unambiguously makes reference to these plant
materials and describes 10 different types(4).
In his “De Materia Medica” (approx. 50-70 A.D.) Pedanius
Dioscorides(5) refers to Oak galls as “Kekides” and they were
used as astringent and also to treat a number of inflammatory
conditions including ulcers of the mouth and to remedy tooth-
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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).
>>> THE ARABS
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).
>>> CONTEMPORARY FOLK MEDICIN
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).

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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.
>>> NATIVE AMERICANS
Although Native Americans obviously did not have access to the

previously mentioned sources of hydrolysable tannins such as
Oak galls or Sumac leave they did make use of the closely
related Rhus Thyphina and Rhus glabra (resp. Staghorn and
Smooth Sumac), both indigenous to North American to cure a
variety of ailments including mouth and throat sores, burns,
control diarrhoea and promote urination(18).
The drupes of both species were used by Native Americans to
prepare “Indian lemonade”. These North American Rhus species
Rhus glabra – Smooth Sumac
are also rich sources of tannic acid.
>>> FOOD USE
While for commercial tannic acid extraction leaves from Rhus

coriaria (Sicilian Sumac) are used, the fruits from this shrub -
indigenous to many countries in the Mediterranean Basin or
Middle East - are widely used in the local cuisine as condiment
or spice. In Turkey and Iran it is often used on rice and it often
is also part of the spice mix used on the Turkish fast food
“döner kebap”. In Jordan it is part of the extremely popular
“zahtar” spice mix. Similar mixes are reported from Syria and Israel. Also in Arab cuisine it is often used.
Sumac spice is also associated with health benefits including promoting healthy digestion, easing upset stomachs,
and reducing feverish symptoms. Not surprisingly Sumac spice can contain up to 4 % hydrolysable tannins.
>>> LINKS BETWEEN THE ANCIENTS AND CURRENT DAY KNOWLEDGE
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.
>> Anti-microbial properties

In the last decade an increasing number of references are underpinning anti-microbial properties of polyphenols
including tannic acid. Inhibition has been confirmed for a rift of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, with Gram-
positive strains being more susceptible. Typical MIC-values range between 500 and 1000 µ g/ml(19)(20).

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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).
>> Anti-oxidant properties

Oxidation processes are vital to our metabolism and without them no life is possible, but simultaneously unwanted
renegade radicals are formed which are linked with ageing or diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disorders.
Anti-oxidant properties are evaluated using a variety of in-vitro and Tannic acid Anti-oxidant Value
in-vivo techniques and there is extensive debate regarding their Potential
biological relevance. However, there does seem to be a consensus
TEAC 10300 µ M TE/g
that simple anti-oxidant assays such as TEAC, FRAP or ORAC-
assays are of little relevance to predict anti-oxidant activity in-vivo. ORAC (OH-.-radical)a 25800 µ M TE/g
ORAC (O2—anion)a 48400 µ M TE/g
Nevertheless in such assays tannic acid exhibits an exceptionally
high anti-oxidant potential, higher than grape seed extract which is TEAC (Grape seed extract) 8400 µ M TE/g
considered in the industry as a very strong benchmark anti-oxidant. ORAC (Grape seed extract) 10000 – 15000
µ M TE/gb
Such assays also do not take in account metal-mediated oxidation
processes in biological systems. In recent years it has become a
Analysis by Brunswick Laboratories
obvious that the iron-sequestering properties of polyphenols are an b

Published data from various sources
important element in the protective action of polyphenols against

radical induced damage(23). The use of tannic acid as a complexing agent for iron is almost as old as its medicinal
use: iron-tannate complexes have been at the basis of writing inks for centuries, and the tannin-iron colour reaction
was already known to the Romans(24).
Studies using PGG (pentagalloylglucose) – one of the major constituents of gallotannins – suggest that superoxide
anion formation was reduced(25) while anti-oxidant activity of SOD, CAT and GPx enzymes increased in cells
treated with PGG. Furthermore it was found that H2O2-induced membrane lipid damage was reduced and cell
survival increased, suggesting that PGG efficiently can protect against oxidative stress induced cell damage(26).
Radicals also play an important role in inflammation and often increased production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) is the first event in an inflammatory cascade. Obviously the strong anti-oxidant properties of polyphenols
can be one of the possible pathways modulating the organism’s inflammatory response.
>> 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).

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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.
>> Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death in the Western world and apart from hereditary
predisposition many other environmental factors such as diet, life style, exercise level,… are at play. Similarly the
pathogenesis is also governed by a multitude of factors.
Vectors such as the already previously mentioned anti-oxidant status of the body or inflammation are certainly
involved and here also evidence is emerging that points to beneficial effects of tannic acid on these markers(27).
Another important aspect is the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol. In recent years a number of animal studies
have indicated that polyphenols and also tannic acid(30) have a marked effect on lipid metabolism and can reduce
the levels of plasma lipids and LDL cholesterol, as well as reduce LDL-oxidation.
It is suspected that vascular smooth cell migration also plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis and thus
strategies that inhibit this migration could be beneficial in the management of this disease. Recently it was
established in an in-vitro model that tannic acid derived from Sumac can effectively inhibit this migration(13).
>>> 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.

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>>> REFERENCES
Rapport du comité de salut public sur les nouveaux moyens de tanner les cuirs proposes par le cit.. A. Seguin,
(1)
Ann. Chim. 20, 15

(2) Leather processing and tannin technology handbook. NIIR board of consultants and engineers, p15,
http://books.google.be/books?id=sAv-4FFR_foC&pg=PA16&lpg=PA16&dq=%22leather+making%22+antiquity&source=bl&ots=vLdxe-
QzHS&sig=0HL4uCms55tgv1LPslG-
f0YYNgs&hl=nl&ei=xh6NSp_TLNW2jAeOrtTyDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6#v=onepage&q=%22leather%20making%22%20antiquity
&f=false
(3) Plant polyphenols – Vegetable tannins revisited. E. Haslam, Cambridge University Press, 1989, p154
(4) “Theophrastus on Oaks”, C. A. Thanos, Bot. Chron., 2005, 18(1), 29-36.
De Materia Medica. Pedanius Dioscorides, Book 1-146, Revision of John Goodyer’s 1655 English edition by T.A.
(5)
Osbaldeston; June 2000

(6) Naturalis Historia. Pliny the Elder, Book XXIV, Chapter 5 and Chapter 54.
Oak galls preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 and their probable use. H.G. Larew, Economic
(7)
botany, 1987, 41(1), 33-40, DOI: 10.1007/BF02859343

(8)Kitab Zad al-Musafir wa qut al-Hadir (Provisions for the traveller and nutrition for the sedentary). Abu Gaafar ibn
Ibrahim Ibn abi Halid al-Gazzar, 10th century – later translated in Latin as Viaticum by Constantin the African
(9)Antimicrobial effects of four medicinal plants on dental plaque. A. Angaji et al, Journal of medicinal plants
research, 3(3), 2009, 132-137
Gallotannins inhibit growth, water-insoluble glucan synthesis and aggregation of mutans Streptococci. C.D. Wu-
(10)
Yuan, J. Dent. Research, 1988, 67(1),

(11) Dental treatment in Medieval England. T. Anderson, British dental journal, 2004, 197(7), 419-425
Herbs as a food and medicine source in Palestine. A. Abu-Rabia, Asia Pacific journal of cancer prevention,
(12)
2005, 6, 404-407
Ethnopharmacological survey of natural products in Palestine. N. Jaradat, An-Najah Univ. J. Res. (N. Sc.),
(13)
2005, Vol 19, 13-67

Tannin extract from sumac inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell migration. R. Zargham et al., McGill journal of
(14)
medicine, 2008, 11(2), 119-123

(15) The ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India. Part I, Volume IV, p. 64 http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-4.pdf
(16) Anti-inflammatory activity of Qurecus infectoria, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Kaempferia galanga and Coptis
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)
2007, Vol 7, 32-37

(18) Rhus glabra L. – smooth sulmac: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rhus%20glabra.pdf
Growth inhibition of selected food-borne bacteria by tannic acid, propyl gallate and related compounds. K-T
(19)
Chung et al, Letters in applied microbiology, 1993, 17, 29-32

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(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)
3(3), 2009, 132-137

(22) Polyphenols, oral health and disease: a review. S. Petti et al. Journal of dentistry, 2009, 37, 413-423
A review of the antioxidant mechanisms of polyphenol compounds related to iron binding. N.R. Perron et al, Cell
(23)
Biochem. Biophys., 2009, 53, 75-100

(24) An indicator of is time: two millennia of the iron-gall-nut test. T. E. Edmonds. Analyst, 1998, 123, 2909-2914
(25) Tannins as anti-inflammatory agents, M. D. Jeffers, Thesis Miami University 2006: Oxford, Ohio
(26) Antioxidant properties of 1,2,3,4,--pental-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose from Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. Ellipticus. M.J.
Piao et al., Food Chemistry, 2009, 115, 412-418

Gallates inhibit cytokine-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and expression of leucocyte adhesion
(27)
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)
Mol. Pharmacol., 2005, 68(3), 895-904

Effect of rutin and tannic acid supplements on cholesterol metabolism in rats. S-Y. Park et al, Nutrition
(30)
Research, 2002, 22(3), 283-295
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.


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Page 1 of 7

Fact sheet > > > An historic perspective on tannin use.

>>> SOME BASICS ON TANNINS

>>> GREEKS AND ROMANS

Oak galls such as Aleppo gallnuts were already known to the

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

>>> THE ARABS

>>> CONTEMPORARY FOLK MEDICIN

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

>>> NATIVE AMERICANS

Although Native Americans obviously did not have access to the

>>> FOOD USE

While for commercial tannic acid extraction leaves from Rhus

>>> LINKS BETWEEN THE ANCIENTS AND CURRENT DAY KNOWLEDGE

>> Anti-microbial properties

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

>> Anti-oxidant properties

obvious that the iron-sequestering properties of polyphenols are an b

important element in the protective action of polyphenols against

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

>> Cardiovascular disease

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

Ann. Chim. 20, 15

Osbaldeston; June 2000

botany, 1987, 41(1), 33-40, DOI: 10.1007/BF02859343

Yuan, J. Dent. Research, 1988, 67(1),

2005, Vol 19, 13-67

medicine, 2008, 11(2), 119-123

2007, Vol 7, 32-37

Chung et al, Letters in applied microbiology, 1993, 17, 29-32

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

3(3), 2009, 132-137

Biochem. Biophys., 2009, 53, 75-100

Piao et al., Food Chemistry, 2009, 115, 412-418

Mol. Pharmacol., 2005, 68(3), 895-904

Research, 2002, 22(3), 283-295

Ajinomoto OmniChem sa/nv

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