Tannic acid

Tannic acid, also known as tannic acid, is found in the wood of certain oak trees (Quercus infectoria and other Quercus species). The tannic acid extracted from the wood is used as a medicine.

In the past, tannic acid was used in combination with activated charcoal and magnesium in the so-called "universal antidote", which was used to treat poisoning. It was believed that these three ingredients in combination could absorb toxins better than each of these ingredients alone. Unfortunately, the activated charcoal absorbed the tannic acid and more or less deactivated it. This made the combination less effective. Today, tannic acid is used to treat cold sores, diaper rash, heat spots, ingrown toenails, sore joints, sore throats, inflamed tonsils, spongy or receding gums, skin rashes and the effects of exposure to poison ivy, as well as to stop bleeding directly on the affected areas. Tannic acid is also taken orally for chronic bloody diarrhea, dysentery, blood in the urine, persistent coughs and cancer. Tannic acid is also used as a vaginal douche for white or yellowish vaginal discharge (leucorrhea).

Tannic acid is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.

In industrial production, tannic acid is often used as an ingredient in ointments and suppositories to treat hemorrhoids, for tanning leather, in the manufacture of ink and to kill dust mites on furniture.

How does tannic acid work?

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

How effective is tannic acid?

Tannicacid may be ineffective on cold sores, diaper rash, minor burns and sunburn, as well as heat spots.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of tannic acid for cancer, swollen tonsils, ingrown toenails, receding gums and sore throats, as well as when used to relieve the effects of exposure to poison ivy.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of tannic acid in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Tannic acid is safe and harmless when used in the amounts found in food.

However,tannic acid does not appear to be safe and harmless when used on the skin to treat diaper rash, heat spots, minor burns and sunburn. There are also concerns about the safety of tannic acid when used on the lips to treat cold sores. The concern is that the tannic acid could be absorbed by the body through the lips and cause harmful side effects. However, there is not yet enough scientific data to confirm these concerns. In large quantities, tannic acid can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting and liver damage. Regular consumption of plants containing tannic acid in high concentrations has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the nose and throat.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Applying tannic acid to damaged skin or large areas of skin is not safe or harmless. There are concerns that it may be absorbed through the skin and cause harmful side effects. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of oral use of tannic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using it until more is known.

Kidney problems: Tannic acid can cause kidney damage and aggravate existing kidney problems.

Liver problems: Tannic acid may cause liver damage and aggravate existing liver problems.

Skin problems: You should avoid baths with added tannic acid if you suffer from weeping eczema or excessive skin damage. Too much tannic acid could be absorbed by the body through the damaged skin.

Fever or infectious diseases: You should not take a bath with added tannic acid if you are suffering from a fever or infectious disease.

Heart failure: You should not take a bath with added tannic acid if you suffer from heart failure.

Interactions

Tannic acid should not be taken in combination with the following medications:

Medication taken orally

Tannic acid absorbs substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking tannic acid with oral medications may reduce the amount of drug substance absorbed by the body, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the medication. To prevent this interaction, tannic acid should be taken at least one hour after oral medication.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of tannic acid depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for tannic acid. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.