Astringent (None)

An astringent is a chemical compound or substance that causes the contraction or shrinkage of body tissues, typically by one of three main mechanisms: constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction), denaturing and precipitating proteins to form a protective layer, or drawing water out of tissues. Astringents are used in medicine, skincare, and cosmetics to reduce secretions, tighten tissue (such as pores), and manage minor bleeding. Common examples include tannins (in tea and wine), witch hazel, alum, calamine, and certain alcohols. The term "astringent" does not refer to a single molecular target or a well-defined biological molecule, but rather to a class of substances defined by their functional effect. For this reason, it is not an appropriate molecular drug target name for use in biomedical databases.

Other names

AdstringentStyptic (for agents specifically stopping bleeding)

Varies by agent; three broad mechanisms: Vasoconstriction: agents that constrict small blood vessels (e.g., epinephrine); Protein denaturation/precipitation: agents that cause skin/mucosal proteins to coagulate or aggregate (e.g., tannins, metallic salts); Dehydration: agents that abstract water from tissue (e.g., alcohols, glycerol)