Special Issue "Tannins"
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2011)
Dr. Amy B. Howell
Marucci Center for Blueberry Cranberry Research, Rutgers University, 125A Lake Oswego Rd., Chatsworth, NJ 08019, USA
Tannins are a widely distributed group of compounds, found throughout the plant kingdom. There are two distinct types of tannins, the hydrolyzable tannins, which are polymers of ellagic or gallic acid esterified to a carbohydrate (usually glucose), and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), which are polymers of flavan-3-ols. Tannins can be high molecular weight, have very heterogeneous structures, and can form complexes with a number of other molecules (especially proteins and carbohydrates). All of these characteristics of tannins can influence their biological properties.
Tannins are astringent defense compounds that serve as predator feeding deterrents, and are produced by plants in times of stress, acting as antimicrobials. They may also play a role in fruit ripening and plant growth regulation. Tannins have a number of industrial uses, including dying and preserving, converting animal hides to leather, and the precipitation of proteins in wine and beer.
Historically, ingestion of tannins has been associated with anti-nutritional effects, especially on protein digestibility in ruminant animals. However, recent research on tannins has focused on their potential to positively impact human health, when consumed in the proper dosage and structural form. Tannins have demonstrated a host of potent biological activities, including bacterial anti-adhesion activity, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities, as well as influencing cell signaling and gut health.
This special issue of Molecules will consider submissions related to all characteristics of tannins (both hydrolyzable and condensed), including biological and chemical properties and potential human health effects.
Dr. Amy B. Howell
- condensed tannin
- hydrolyzable tannin
- chemical properties
- protein precipitation
- biological activities
- health effects
Molecules 2010, 15(8), 5658-5670; doi:10.3390/molecules15085658
Received: 21 July 2010; in revised form: 10 August 2010 / Accepted: 13 August 2010 / Published: 16 August 2010| Download PDF Full-text (360 KB)
Article: Tannin Fingerprinting in Vegetable Tanned Leather by Solid State NMR Spectroscopy and Comparison with Leathers Tanned by Other Processes
Molecules 2011, 16(2), 1240-1252; doi:10.3390/molecules16021240
Received: 6 December 2010; in revised form: 26 January 2011 / Accepted: 27 January 2011 / Published: 28 January 2011| Download PDF Full-text (409 KB)
Article: Tannin Composition of Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot Grapes from the Bordeaux Area for Different Vintages (2006 to 2009) and Comparison to Tannin Profile of Five 2009 Vintage Mediterranean Grapes Varieties
Molecules 2011, 16(2), 1519-1532; doi:10.3390/molecules16021519
Received: 25 January 2011; Accepted: 9 February 2011 / Published: 11 February 2011| Download PDF Full-text (292 KB)
Molecules 2011, 16(2), 1854-1877; doi:10.3390/molecules16021854
Received: 24 January 2011; Accepted: 17 February 2011 / Published: 22 February 2011| Download PDF Full-text (1312 KB)
Review: Tannins of Constant Structure in Medicinal and Food Plants—Hydrolyzable Tannins and Polyphenols Related to Tannins
Molecules 2011, 16(3), 2191-2217; doi:10.3390/molecules16032191
Received: 19 January 2011; in revised form: 24 February 2011 / Accepted: 28 February 2011 / Published: 4 March 2011| Download PDF Full-text (583 KB)
Review: Wine and Grape Tannin Interactions with Salivary Proteins and Their Impact on Astringency: A Review of Current Research
Molecules 2011, 16(3), 2348-2364; doi:10.3390/molecules16032348
Received: 9 February 2011; in revised form: 2 March 2011 / Accepted: 9 March 2011 / Published: 11 March 2011| Download PDF Full-text (225 KB)
Article: A-Type Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Inhibit the RANKL-Dependent Differentiation and Function of Human Osteoclasts
Molecules 2011, 16(3), 2365-2374; doi:10.3390/molecules16032365
Received: 7 February 2011; in revised form: 7 March 2011 / Accepted: 9 March 2011 / Published: 11 March 2011| Download PDF Full-text (1104 KB)
Article: Cranberry Proanthocyanidins Mediate Growth Arrest of Lung Cancer Cells through Modulation of Gene Expression and Rapid Induction of Apoptosis
Molecules 2011, 16(3), 2375-2390; doi:10.3390/molecules16032375
Received: 28 January 2011; in revised form: 8 March 2011 / Accepted: 10 March 2011 / Published: 11 March 2011| Download PDF Full-text (442 KB)
Review: The Effect of Tannins on Mediterranean Ruminant Ingestive Behavior: The Role of the Oral Cavity
Molecules 2011, 16(4), 2766-2784; doi:10.3390/molecules16042766
Received: 21 January 2011; in revised form: 10 March 2011 / Accepted: 22 March 2011 / Published: 25 March 2011| Download PDF Full-text (208 KB)
Last update: 4 March 2014