Tannins - what is it? This and other issues related to this substance will be discussed in the article.
General information
Tannins - what is it? Only technologists, chemists and pharmacists know the answer to this question. After all, this substance (gallodobic and tannic acids) is a phenolic compound, which includes a large number of -OH groups. This component is quite widespread in the plant kingdom. It is characterized by tanning properties, as well as a specific astringent taste. Tannins are able to form strong bonds with complex carbohydrates, proteins, and other natural polymers.
Where are you located?
Tannins - what is it? The answer to this question cannot be exhaustive without knowledge of exactly where the substance is located and how it is extracted.
As you know, tannins are found in wood, tree bark, in the leaves, as well as the fruits of many plants (sometimes in the roots, seeds, tubers). It is also worth noting that a huge amount of these substances is found in chestnut, acacia, spruce, larch, eucalyptus, Chinese camellia, cocoa, pomegranates, persimmons, etc. The tart taste and astringent properties that many leaves and fruits possess are created precisely thanks to tannins. Plants with a sufficiently high tannic acid content are protected from pathogens, insects and some animals.
What does it look like?
So, the answer to the question: "Tannins - what is it?" received, now go to their description. The final product, obtained from plants and trees, is a light yellow powder that dissolves fairly well in water, glycerin and alcohol.
Synthetic tannin
Until the mid-20th century, only natural tannic acids were used in medicine and industry. But in 1950, a cheap way to produce artificial tannin was found. It is worth noting that a synthetic substance has several advantages over natural. Firstly, it can be obtained in pure form. Secondly, its consistency is more convenient for accurate measurement of the required dose. Thirdly, the production of this artificial substance is much simpler. Also, such tannin, the price of which varies between 20-30 rubles for 50 mg, has a longer shelf life, and it does not have coloring properties.
Medical use
To date, only one artificial tannin is known. In a pharmacy, it is sold in the form of powder (Delaskin), cream, and even bath additives. Its manufacturer is the German pharmaceutical giant Derma-Pharm.
The spectrum of application of this substance in clinical practice is quite wide. It is prescribed for diseases and conditions such as:
- inflammation of the larynx, mouth, and gums;
- runny nose, colds, and laryngitis;
- burns, sores, necrosis of soft tissues and cracked nipples;
- intoxication with alkaloids (except cocaine, morphine, nicotine, atropine and eserin salicylate);
- diarrhea;
- hemorrhoids;
- dermatological infections;
- intoxication with mercury, salts of lead and other heavy metals;
- viral pathologies (papular acrodermatitis, chickenpox, etc.);
- surgical wounds in urology, gynecology and proctology;
- cracks in the anus;
- skin diseases of children.