TANNIC ACID

OTHER NAME(S):

Acide Tannique, Ácido Tánico.

Overview

Overview Information

Tannic acid is found in the nutgalls formed by insects on twigs of certain oak trees (Quercus infectoria and other Quercus species). It is removed and used as medicine.

Historically, tannic acid was used along with activated charcoal and magnesium oxide in the “universal antidote,” formerly used for poisoning. These three ingredients in combination were believed to work better at absorbing poisons than any of the ingredients alone. Unfortunately, the activated charcoal soaked up the tannic acid, more or less inactivating it. This made the combination less effective.

These days, people apply tannic acid directly to the affected area to treat cold sores and fever blisters, diaper rash and prickly heat, poison ivy, ingrown toenails, sore throat, sore tonsils, spongy or receding gums, and skinrashes; and to stop bleeding.

Tannic acid is also taken by mouth and applied directly for bleeding, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, bloody urine, painful joints, persistent coughs, and cancer.

Vaginally, tannic acid is used as a douche for white or yellowish discharge (leukorrhea).

In foods and beverages, tannic acid is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, tannic acid is used in ointments and suppositories for the treatment of hemorrhoids; for tanning hides and manufacturing ink; and to kill dust mites on furniture.

How does it work?

Tannic acid contains ingredients that have a protective effect on the skin.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Cold sores and fever blisters.
  • Diaper rash.
  • Minor burn or sunburn.
  • Prickly heat.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Cancer.
  • Swollen tonsils.
  • Ingrown toenails.
  • Poison ivy.
  • Thinning gums.
  • Sore throat.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of tannic acid for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Tannic acid is safe when used in the amounts found in foods.

However, tannic acid seems UNSAFE when applied to the skin to treat diaper rash, prickly heat, and minor burn or sunburn. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is worried that tannic acid might also be UNSAFE when used to treat cold sores and fever blisters on the lips. The concern is that the tannic acid might be easily absorbed through the lips and cause harmful side effects. But there isn’t enough research yet to know for sure. The FDA has asked for more studies.

In large amounts, tannic acid can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Regular consumption of herbs with high tannin concentrations seems to be associated with an increased chance of developing nose or throat cancer.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to apply tannic acid to broken skin or large areas of skin. There is concern that it might be absorbed and cause harmful side effects.

The safety of taking tannic acid by mouth during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney problems: Tannic acid can cause kidney damage, making existing kidney problems worse. Don’t use tannic acid if you have a kidney disorder.

Liver problems: Tannic acid can cause liver damage, making existing liver problems worse. Don’t use tannic acid if you have a liver disorder.

Skin conditions: Don’t take a bath with added tannic acid if you have weeping eczema and extensive skin damage. The broken skin could allow too much tannic acid to get into your body.

Fever or infectious diseases: Don’t take a bath with added tannic acid if you have a fever or infectious disease.

Heart failure: Don’t take a bath with added tannic acid if you have heart failure.

Interactions

Interactions?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

!

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with TANNIC ACID

    Tannic acid absorbs substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking tannic acid along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take tannic acid at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of tannic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for tannic acid. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  • Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.