Classes Of Tannins Research Articles

Tannin-on-protein adlayers: Secondary adsorption quantified by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D)

The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technique allows to detect adsorption and mechanical characteristics of protein adsorption layers at solid surfaces, including subsequent secondary adsorption of additional species interacting with the proteins. Here, we study the secondary adsorption of two different classes of tannins - hydrolysable vs. condensed - onto a β-lactoglobulin base layer using QCM-D in a protein/tannin adlayer configuration. Sequential flow experiments of protein solutions, tannin solutions and neat solvent or buffer are used to distinguish reversible from desorption-resistant layer formation, evaluate the viscoelastic characteristics the layers, and map protein/tannin interactions in view of their structural properties and origin. We find that for the majority of tannins, secondary layer structural changes (detected via a change in the dissipation factor) occur before significant mass adsorption (detected via the resonance frequency shift). In contrast, simultaneous onset of structural change and adsorbed mass within an observation window of 100 ms was only found for certain hydrolysable tannins. We use these data to build adsorption maps and group the tannins according to their adlayer properties, providing a physical basis for an improved understanding of the organoleptic perception of tannins and polyphenols, in particular with respect to attributes such as ‘astringency’ and ‘lingering’. Moreover, these maps provide insight into the capacity of different tannins to modify the mechanical properties of protein adsorption layers.

The Effect of Individual Compounds from <i>Rubus chamaemoruson</i> Hemostasis <i>in vitro</i>

Introduction. One of the key tasks of the pharmaceutical industry is the search for new promising compounds – potential drug candidates. Natural objects, especially plants, have long been rich sources of new molecules and are widely used in the global food and pharmaceutical industries. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a perennial herb from the Rosaceae family. The fruits and leaves of R. chamaemorus contain a wide variety of polyphenolic secondary metabolites – hydrolysable/condensed tannins and flavonoids. Extracts enriched by polyphenols showed significant antiproliferative activity and inhibition of cell growth, and also induce cell apoptosis. As a result of our previous phytochemical research of R. chamaemorus leaves, five polyphenolic secondary metabolites belonging to the classes of tannins and flavonoids were isolated and characterized.Aim. Screening of previously isolated from R. chamaemorus individual compounds for the hemostasis system in vitro and identification of the most promising compounds for subsequent pharmaceutical development.Materials and methods. Experiments under in vitro conditions were performed on the blood of healthy male donors. The research of the effect on platelet aggregation was carried out according to the Born method on an AT-02 aggregometer (LLC "SPF "Medtech", Russia). Determination of anticoagulant activity was carried out by conventional clotting tests on a Solar CGL 2110 turbidimetric hemocoagulometer (CJSC "SOLAR", Russia). Cytofluorimetric analysis was performed on a NovoCyte instrument (Agilent Technologies, USA).Result and discussion. The influence of the isolated compounds 1–5 on the parameters of activation, platelet aggregation and the coagulation component of hemostasis was studied. At a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml, compounds 1–5 did not affect the fibrinogen concentration and prothrombin time. Compounds 1, 3 and 5 completely suppressed platelet activation at the studied concentrations. Compounds 1 and 3 showed antiaggregation activity comparible to the values of acetylsalicylic acid and are contained in all aqueous and alcoholic extracts of R. сhamaemorus leaves; their quantitative content varies depending on the extraction conditions.Conclusion. Thus, as a result of the screening of individual compounds 1–5 isolated from the leaves of R. chamaemorus their antiaggregating and anticoagulation properties were established. Compounds 1 (4-O-α-L-arabinofuranosylellagic acid) and 3 (quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide) showed antiaggregation activity comparible to that of acetylsalicylic acid, and are the most promising of the studied series of compounds for the subsequent pharmaceutical development of new antiplatelet agents.

POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM PLANTAGO MAJOR L. AND PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA

The chemical composition of plant polyphenols Plantago major L. and Plantago lanceolata L. growing in Uzbekistan was studied. More than 20 compounds, including 7 flavonoids, 9 phenolic acids, and 8 hydrolysable tannins, the ages of which have been determined using physicochemical methods of research have been isolated from plants. From P. major L., along with well-known phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, rutin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, hyperoside, quercetin, substances belonging to the class of tannins – 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 1,2,3-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose and 2 new hydrolysable tannins were isolated – hexahydroxydiphenoyl diester-1-(O-2-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)-1-(O-β-D-xylopyranoside), hexahydroxydiphenoyl-1-(O-β-D-glucopyranoside) diester)-2-(O-4-O-halloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside).
 From the aerial part of the P. lanceolata L. plant, along with known polyphenols such as gallic acid, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, kaempferol, quercetin, rhamnetin, 4 hydrolysable tannins were isolated for the first time: 3-O-galloyl-4,6-hexahydroxydi-phenoyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 2,3-di-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 1,2,3-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose, 2-O-bis-digalloyl-4,6-valoneyl-β-D-glucose. Based on the results of chemical (acid and stepwise hydrolysis) and physical (UV-, IR-, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy) research methods, it was proved that the diester of hexahydroxydiphenoyl-1-(O-2-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)-1-(O-β-D-xylopyranoside), diester hexahydroxydiphenoyl-1-(O-β-D-glucopyranoside)-2-(O-4-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) (P. major L.) and 2-O-bis-digalloyl-4,6-valoneyl-β-D-glucose (P. lanceolata L.) are new hydrolysable tannins not described in the literature previously.

ДУБИЛЬНЫЕ ВЕЩЕСТВА РАСТИТЕЛЬНОГО ПРОИСХОЖДЕНИЯ И НЕКОТОРЫЕ МЕХАНИЗМЫ ИХ ФАРМАКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ

Tannins are found in many parts of plants (fruits, bark, roots, leaves). In the chemical classification, they belong to water-soluble polyphenols. There are 2 classes of tannins: hydrolyzable (formed by polyatomic alcohol) and non-hydrolyzable (formed by condensation of phenolic compounds). Tannin derived from plants belongs to pharmacopoeia preparations. Most often in pharmacology it is used as an astringent and local anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, there is information about its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of tannin. The mechanisms by which almost all the properties of both hydrolyzable and condensed tannins are realized are based on the regulation of the activity of the corresponding key enzymes; in most cases, this may be their activation to trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions. In addition, condensed tannins, due to their weak ability to dissolve, are able to precipitate and inactivate other substances (for example, cholesterol, external and internal antigens) due to the binding ability of gallic and tannic acids with biological molecules and prevent their excessive accumulation in the body. Some plants (for example, legumes, raspberries, persimmons, bananas) contain tannic acids with neuroprotective properties and antidepressant effects, the mechanism of which is associated with a decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase, as well as the effect on the activity of Na + / K+-ATPase and Ca2+- ATPase. Extracts of tannins have a hypoglycemic effect due to the inactivation of α-amylases, lipases and glucosidases; this property can be used to develop drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Chemical composition and antibacterial action of Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum bark extract, “barbatimão” species: Evaluation of its use as a topical agent

Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum (Willd.) Hochr. (Fabaceae) is a native Amazonian tree, popularly known as “barbatimão”. The stem barks of this tree are widely used in folk medicine to treat infections, cutaneous and ulcerative wounds, under the form of a suspension of the bark-derived powder. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the ethanolic extract of S. pulcherrimum (SPEE). Likewise, to putatively identify the active compounds of the extract by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Therefore, we aimed to rationalize this observation by turning the bark powder-derived suspension into an ointment (SPEEO) incorporating SPEE (20% w/v). Both the antibacterial action and the acute dermal toxicity were evaluated in rats as animal model. Mortality, body weight changes, feed and water intake, organ weights, histological and biochemical parameters were measured for 14 days post-treatment with no major sign of toxicity. The SPEE showed excellent in vitro antibacterial activity (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration = 100 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus and no in vivo acute dermal toxicity. The SPEEO inhibited up to 85% bacterial growth in a petri dish, with better results than the control standard ointment (Kollagenase®). We putatively identified 13 compounds present in the SPEE, belonging to the class of tannins, including one trimer and two dimers of catechin. Thereby, the data showed SPEEO as a potent antibacterial candidate for herbal medicine preparation.

Characterization of Phytochemicals and Chemical Compounds of Patat Leaves (Phrynium capitatum) as Wrapping Materials for Pesor Doclang

Doclang is a typical food of Bogor. One of the compositions is “pesor” wrapped in patat leaves. Apart from being a food wrapper, patat leaves are used as traditional medicine. Research on the chemical content of patat leaves is still limited and needs to be further developed. In this study, phytochemical testing and chemical content of the extracts of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol from patat leaves were carried out. Phytochemical tests include alkaloid tests; steroid and terpenoid testing; flavonoid test; saponin test; phenolic hydroquinone; tannin and polyphenol test. Based on phytochemical test results, the extract of patat leaves was known to contain alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic hydroquinones, and tannins with different distributions at each level of solvent polarity. The instruments used to identify the chemical content of patat leaf extract were GCMS and LCMS QTOF. Through GCMS analysis on n-hexane extract, 114 compounds were identified with a similarity level of ≥ 80% to the library. Among these compounds, confirmed to be terpenoid and steroid compounds. In the LCMS analysis of ethyl acetate extract obtained 25 compounds and 31 compounds for methanol extract. It is suspected that these compounds come from the alkaloid, steroid, flavonoid, saponin, phenolic hydroquinone, or tannin class.

Benefits of Sweet Potato Leaves in Increasing Trombocite Levels in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Patients

Sweet potato leaves are one of the herbal plants that have pharmacological effects, including function as antioxidants, anti-genetics, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The purpose of this literature review is to find out the benefits of sweet potato leaves on increasing platelet levels in dengue hemorrhagic fever sufferers. The method used is the literature review method from 25 Elvesier articles, StatPearls Publishing, Pubmed NCBI. Based on the results of several studies, sweet potato leaves contain several ingredients that are useful for increasing platelet levels and overcoming dengue, including flavonoid and tannin class compounds. Flavonoid and tannin class compounds have activity that increases platelets through community stimulation of GM-CSF and IL-3 which can carry megakaryocyte cell orders and have the effect of assessing the spleen.

RECENT ADVANCES IN STUDYING TANNIC ACID AND ITS INTERACTION WITH PROTEINS AND POLYSACCHARIDES

The purpose of this review was to gain a deeper understanding of tannic acid (TA) and its properties, which could be important for improving the technology of gluten-free food. TA is widely used in agriculture, food, medicine, and other fields due to its unique physiological functions (anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, antibacterial, anti-viral, etc.). It can closely interact with proteins and polysaccharides, which can significantly influence the structure, function, and nutritional properties of compounds. In this article, TA is chosen as a polyphenol model, and the structure of tannins and the degree of their extraction have been considered systematically. Prospective application of interaction between TA and common biological macromolecules have been presented. In this review, different classes of tannins are summarized. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of extracting tannins have also been described. This review provides detailed information about the mechanisms of interaction of TA with biological macromolecules such as proteins and polysaccharides. Maize, buckwheat, rice flour and starch should be introduced as non-traditional raw materials in production of pasta for people ill with coeliac disease. Pasta dough from unconventional raw materials has non-standard rheological characteristics, and it is difficult to impart good plastic properties to it. That is why, studying the properties of tannins is necessary to improve the technology of gluten-free pasta. However, due to the different nature and composition of proteins, gluten-free foods do not have a network structure. So, they can hold neither water nor starch granules, their prepared dough is loose, with low viscosity, and is not easily moulded. That is why, the use of tannin to form a strong structure when developing a gluten-free pasta technology has become the main purpose of the research. Some potential problems of gluten-free dough processing can be solved by using new technical means. In view of this, the authors put forward the idea of using TА to form cross-links and a strong gluten-free dough structure.

Putative Roles of Plant-Derived Tannins in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatry Disorders: An Updated Review.

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are characterized by the structural and functional abnormalities of neurons in certain regions of the brain. These abnormalities, which can result in progressive neuronal degeneration and functional disability, are incurable to date. Although comprehensive efforts have been made to figure out effective therapies against these diseases, partial success has been achieved and complete functional recovery is still not a reality. At present, plants and plant-derived compounds are getting more attention because of a plethora of pharmacological properties, and they are proving to be a better and safer target as therapeutic interventions. This review aims to highlight the roles of tannins, ‘the polyphenol phytochemicals’, in tackling neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as neuropsychiatric disorders like depression. Among the multifarious pharmacological properties of tannins, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholinesterase activities are emphasized more in terms of neuroprotection. The current review also throws light on mechanistic pathways by which various classes of tannins execute neuroprotective effects. Despite their beneficial properties, some harmful effects of tannins have also been elaborated.

EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK KAPANG ENDOFIT ISOLAT BR-S1 (A) TERHADAP BAKTERI Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Background Tea parasitic plant (Scurrula oortiana L.) is one of medicinal plants (herba medicina) containing several active compounds but its utilization is still constrained by some problems, so that there needs other approaches by utilizing potential of BR-S1 (A) isolate endophytic fungi which grows in these plants to control MRSA pathogenic bacteria. Objective This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of the four types of BR-S1 (A) endophytic fungi extract from the origin of tea parasites to the growth of MRSA bacteria.Methods The researchers used laboratory experimental method by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and the data obtained were analyzed statistically. Result The research result showed that MRSA bacteria had various sensitivity on four types of BR-S1 (A) isolate endophytic fungi; with its highest sensitivity on extract of ethyl acetate and its lowest sensitivity was extract of n-hexane (no inhibition). The difference of sensitivity test results was suspected to be related to active compound content found in ethyl acetate extract in form of flavonoid and tannin class compounds which had been proven to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion It can be concluded that the four types of BR-S1 (A) endophytic fungus extract originating from tea parasites, only ethyl acetate extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of MRSA bacteria, this is due to the content of two active compounds from the flavonoid and tannin groups.

Hydrolysable tannins, gallic acid, and ellagic acid in walnut reduced 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction in T-Cells cultured from the spleen of mice

Walnut is an allergenic food in some populations. Although some allergenic proteins have been identified in walnuts, few small molecule components in the food have been evaluated for their immunomodulatory functions. To examine the immunomodulatory functions, we cultured T-cells from the spleen of mice with small molecule compounds in walnut, measured 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction in the cells and assessed the T-cell activation and growth. Of the nine compounds of walnut, three compounds decreased the T-cell activation and growth in anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-stimulated spleen cells of mice, whereas five compounds increased that. Because the three compounds, pedunculagin, casuarictin, and pentagalloylglucose that decreased the T-cell activation and growth belong to the hydrolysable tannin class, we inferred that the tannins would be hydrolyzed in a culture containing fetal bovine serum to yield gallic acid and/or ellagic acid. Therefore, we assessed the effect of these two compounds on the T-cell activation and growth and cytokine secretion in the culture. Both compounds decreased the T-cell activation/growth and the secretion of interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and interferon-γ. These results suggested that walnuts contained compounds that either suppressed or promoted T-cell growth and that supplementation of hydrolysable tannins to walnut-containing foods might ameliorate allergic reaction by walnut consumption.

Structural Revisions in Natural Ellagitannins.

Ellagitannins are literally a class of tannins. Triggered by the oxidation of the phenolic parts on β-pentagalloyl-d-glucose, ellagitannins are generated through various structural conversions, such as the coupling of the phenolic parts, oxidation to highly complex structures, and the formation of dimer and lager analogs, which expand the structural diversity. To date, more than 1000 natural ellagitannins have been identified. Since these phenolic compounds exhibit a variety of biological activities, ellagitannins have potential applications in medicine and health enhancement. Within the context of identifying suitable applications, considerations need to be based on correct structural features. This review describes the structural revisions of 32 natural ellagitannins, namely alnusiin; alnusnin A and B; castalagin; castalin; casuarinin; cercidinin A and B; chebulagic acid; chebulinic acid; corilagin; geraniin; isoterchebin; nobotanin B, C, E, G, H, I, J, and K; punicalagin; punicalin; punigluconin; roxbin B; sanguiin H-2, H-3, and H-6; stachyurin; terchebin; vescalagin; and vescalin. The major focus is on the outline of the initial structural determination, on the processes to find the errors in the structure, and on the methods for the revision of the structure.

Stryphnodendron Species Known as "Barbatimão": A Comprehensive Report.

Stryphnodendron spp., popularly known as “barbatimão”, is the native Brazilian tree most often employed to treat wounds and infections. The aim of the present study was to highlight the importance of S. adstringens, as well as other Stryphnodendron species recognized as “barbatimão”, to human health, depicting the relevance of ethnopharmacological knowledge to scientific evidence for uses, related chemical compounds, development of pharmaceutical formulations, and the establishment of toxicity parameters. For this purpose, the literature databases PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, CAPES Thesis and Google Scholar were searched until 2017. It was observed that stem bark was the primary part of the plant used, mainly as a decoction, for wound healing and treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders. Confirmed biological activities, including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, were related to the presence of compounds from tannin class, mostly proanthocyanidins. Toxicity parameters for stem bark were inconclusive, but toxicity was observed to a significant extent when seeds were ingested by cattle or other animals. Due to these important and confirmed biological activities, government policy encourages the phytotherapic use of S. adstringens, and some formulations with stem bark extracts were developed and patented. Furthermore, antiprotozoal, hypoglycemic and antiviral activities were identified as promising.

ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Modification of Tannins to Elaborate Aromatic Biobased Macromolecular Architectures

AbstractReview: 200 refs.

In-Vitro Inhibition of Human Lipase PS by Polyphenols From Kiwi Fruit

<p>Polyphenols are widely distributed in higher plants. It is well recognized that they are responsible for many beneficial effects observed in humans after ingestion of vegetables and fruits. Kiwis (<em>Actinidia chinensis</em>) are an increasingly popular fruit in Europe and contain a wide range of polyphenols.</p> <p>Different preparations from kiwi fruits were compared for the content of soluble and condensed polyphenols and tested <em>in-vitro</em> for inhibition of human pancreatic lipase. It is shown that human pancreatic lipase is substantially inhibited by kiwi polyphenols as long as the proportion of condensed polyphenols remains intact. Lipase inhibition is negligible when condensed polyphenols are hydrolysed by acidic treatment. It was also demonstrated that Kiwi polyphenols do not precipitate proteins as described for the tannin class of condensed polyphenols. Hence, the inhibitory effect of condensed Kiwi polyphenols is not considered to be related to unspecific enzyme inactivation by a tannin-like effect.</p>

Eco-dyeing using Tamarindus indica L. seed coat tannin as a natural mordant for textiles with antibacterial activity

Tamarind seed coat tannin was extracted and its tannin class was determined. The extracted tannin was employed as a natural mordant alone and in combination with metal mordant namely copper sulphate for cotton, wool and silk fabrics and dyed using natural dyes namely turmeric and pomegranate rind. The colour strength, colour coordinates, wash and light fastness were evaluated and compared for all the three fabrics with and without mordanting. The pre-mordanted fabrics on dyeing gave better colour strength, wash and light fastness than those dyeing obtained without mordanting. The total phenolic content of the extract was calculated and minimum inhibition concentration was 1% against both the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The mordanted and dyed fabrics resulted in good antibacterial activity up to 20 washes, when natural mordant was used along with 0.5% and 1% copper sulphate mordant and dyed with natural dyes.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Ellagitannin Natural Products

AbstractReview: 108 refs.

Repeated applications of tannins and related phenolic compounds are retained by soil and affect cation exchange capacity

Abstract Retention of tannins, produced by plants, could be important for managing soil organic matter and nutrient cycling. However, we know little about the comparative retention of different classes of tannins and related compounds or if soils have a maximum storage capacity for them. To address these questions, forest, and pasture loam soils, collected at 0–5 cm (surface) and 10–20 cm (subsurface), were repeatedly treated with water (Control) or solutions containing condensed and hydrolyzable tannins or related phenolic subunits (10 mg g−1 soil). Treatments included a polymeric flavonoid-based procyanidin from sorghum, catechin, tannic acid, β-1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl- d -glucose (PGG), gallic acid, and methyl gallate. After each application, soluble-C in supernatants was determined by oxidative-combustion infrared analysis and retention of treatment-carbon by soil was calculated as the difference between added and recovered soluble-C. An interaction between soil depth and treatment was evident through all applications with highest retention of both hydrophobic (PGG) and hydrophilic (procyanidin) tannins, compared to other phenolic compounds. For all treatments except gallic acid and methyl gallate, higher sorption occurred in surface soil, which contained more organic matter than subsurface soil. With each successive application, less additional treatment-C was retained by soil and the amount of C remaining in supernatants was correlated with the presence of phenolic substances. Cumulative retention by surface soil was more than 10.3, 8.5 and 6.4 mg C g−1 soil for PGG, tannic acid, and procyanidin, several times higher than the other compounds. Soluble-C extracted from treated soil, with cool water (23 °C), was 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than Control samples and highly correlated with Prussian Blue (PB) phenolics, indicating some retained treatment-C was only weakly held on the soil. The final extraction, with hot water (80 °C), removed more soluble-C, particularly from surface samples, that contained fewer PB phenolics per unit soluble-C than cool water extracts. After all extractions more than 85% of sorbed procyanidin-C was retained by samples compared to 81% of methyl gallate, 79% of PGG, 74% of tannic acid, 50% of catechin, and 40% of the gallic acid. Total C, measured in soil after all extractions, was close to expected values, confirming tannins and phenolic compounds had remained in soil and were not otherwise lost. Cation exchange capacity was increased about 30% in subsurface and forest samples by PGG, a hydrolyzable tannin, but decreased by 30% and 35% in surface and pasture soil, respectively, by its monomer, gallic acid.

Synthesis of ellagitannin natural products

Covering: up to the beginning of 2011 A detailed overview of chemical synthesis approaches to ellagitannins is provided. This unique family of natural products, which belong to the hydrolysable tannin class of plant polyphenols, today features nearly 1000 members that have been fully characterised, from monomeric to oligomeric and complex hybrid structures, many of which display potentially useful biological activities for their development into new pharmaceutical drugs.

Tannins characterisation in new and historic vegetable tanned leathers fibres by spot tests

This paper describes the adaptation and evaluation of three chemical tests for tannins characterisation in vegetable tanned leathers. Tests were performed on fibres of new leathers tanned with different known vegetable tannins and historic leathers. Rhodanine test, nitrous acid test and acid butanol test, developed to identify, respectively, gallotannins, ellagitannins and condensed tannins, are described. Ferric test and vanillin test, the two traditional tests used for vegetable tanned leathers characterisation, were also performed and their usefulness discussed. Gallic acid, ellagic acid and catechin, structural constituents of the different classes of tannins were also tested. Results of the developed methodology allowed the identification of tannins’ chemical class in new and historic leather samples studied. Data obtained permitted to verify the information on tanning materials used in new leathers. Vegetable tanning technology was confirmed in historic samples and tannins were characterised. This study shows that these tests are useful and can be a valuable source of information to evaluate new vegetable tanned leathers quality for conservation and restoration purposes as well as historic leathers tanning technology.