Tannins: fascinating but sometimes dangerous molecules

Welcome to the Tannin home page. We offer a variety of information on tannins including, but not limited to, their biosynthesis, chemical structures, toxicology, positive effects, chemical analysis....

Tannins are naturally occurring plant polyphenols. Their main characteristic is that they bind and precipitate proteins. They can have a large influence on the nutritive value of many foods eaten by humans and feedstuff eaten by animals. Tannins are common in fruits (grapes, persimmon, blueberry...), in tea, in chocolate, in legume forages (trefoil..), in legume trees (Acacia spp., Sesbania spp., ...), in grasses (sorghum, corn ...).

Tannins contribute to many aspects of our daily lives. They are responsible for the astringent taste we experience when we partake of wine or unripe fruits, and for the

enchanting colors seen in flowers and in autumn leaves.

For more information on tannins explore the following topics:


[Definition] [Occurrence] [Biosynthesis] [Chemical structure] [Interaction with other macromolecules] [Toxic and antinutritional effects] [Positive effects] [Chemical analysis] [References]
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