| ABSTRACT: |
|
Tannins are plant polyphenolic compounds that are contained in large
quantities in food and beverages (tea, red wine, nuts, etc.) consumed by
humans daily. It has been shown that various tannins exert broad cancer
chemoprotective activity in a number of animal models. This review
summarizes the recent literature regarding both the mechanisms involved,
and the specific organ cancer models used in laboratory animals. An
increasing body of evidence demonstrates that tannins act as both
anti-initiating and antipromoting agents. In view of the fact that tannins
may be of valid medicinal efficacy in human clinical trials, the present
review attempts to integrate results from animal studies, and considers
their possible application in humans. |