Tannins and Their Biomedical Potential

Tannins are a diverse class of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds widely distributed across different plant species, where they play key structural and defensive roles. These bioactive metabolites have gained considerable scientific interest due to their broad spectrum of therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic activities. Based on their chemical structure, tannins are primarily classified into two major groups: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins, each exhibiting distinct biological functions and pharmacological significance. Derived from a variety of medicinal plants, tannins have demonstrated remarkable efficacy against numerous diseases and physiological disorders, highlighting their relevance in traditional medicine and modern biomedical research. However, despite their promising health benefits, excessive intake of tannins may lead to adverse effects, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of safety limits and dose-dependent toxicity. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of tannins, encompassing their sources, classification, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications.