Tannin

Tannin refers to a broad class of **polyphenolic biomolecules** found in numerous plants, not a single molecular target or receptor. Tannins are **large, complex molecules** derived from phenolic acids and have varying structures, often classified as hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, phlorotannins, and phlobatannins. Their primary natural role is in plant defense due to their ability to **bind and precipitate proteins**, making plant material less palatable and less digestible to herbivores and inhibiting microbial growth[1][5][6]. Tannins are used in leather tanning, dyeing, ink manufacture, and food processing. Occasionally, the term "tannin" is incorrectly used to refer specifically to **tannic acid**, a particular type of hydrolyzable tannin, but in reality, tannin encompasses a wide variety of similar, but structurally diverse, molecules[3][4]. Tannin is **not a therapeutic target** like a receptor or enzyme, but rather a family of natural products with biological and industrial roles. **Important caveat:** - The term "tannin" should not be interpreted as a molecular target or receptor. Tannins are structurally diverse mixtures, not a unique protein or functional biomolecule as recognized for drug targeting. When referring to pharmacologically relevant targets, consider specifying a particular molecule (such as "tannic acid" if relevant) or recognizing that tannins are plant-derived compounds, not canonical drug targets[4][5]. - If your goal is to catalog druggable targets or therapeutic proteins, "tannin" is inappropriate as it refers to a compound class, not a defined molecular entity or biological target.

Other names

TanninsTannic acid (often incorrectly used as a synonym)Polyphenolic biomolecule