Evidence supporting the use of: Tannins
For the health condition: Itching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in many plants, and their use in traditional medicine for itching (pruritus) is primarily based on their astringent properties. Traditionally, tannin-rich extracts, such as those from witch hazel, oak bark, or tea, have been applied topically to soothe itching associated with minor skin irritations, insect bites, and rashes. The astringent effect of tannins helps to "tighten" skin and mucous membranes, which can reduce inflammation and provide a temporary barrier effect, thereby relieving some symptoms of itching. Folk medicine practices across various cultures have recommended tannin-containing poultices, washes, and baths for managing pruritic conditions.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited direct clinical evidence assessing tannins specifically for itching relief. Some laboratory studies suggest that tannins have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may contribute indirectly to alleviating symptoms of itching, especially when related to minor skin irritation or infection. However, robust clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy for pruritus are lacking. As a result, the use of tannins for itching is best characterized as supported by tradition, with a modest evidence rating due to some plausible mechanisms of action but insufficient direct scientific validation.

More about Tannins
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

Aloe vera
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory

Products containing Tannins

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.