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Why do persimmons pucker your mouth?
Name: Linda Martin
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Around 1993
Question:
What exactly is the astringent that is found in persimmons that
makes your mouth pucker?
Replies:
The astringents in persimmons are tannins (tannic acid) and other
polyphonously compounds. There are many forms of tannins, but generally there
are two groups: 1) flavonol derivatives and 2) esters of sugar, usually
glucose, with one or more trihydroxybenzenecarboxylic acids. Tannins can be
found in many plants and trees, including oak, sumac, myrobalan, and the
Chinese nutgall. How do astringents work? Basically, they reduce the
permeability of cell membranes and hardens the cement substance of the
capillary endothelium (the inner cell layer of capillaries). In effect, this
inhibits movement of plasma protein through capillaries, which thus reduces
local edema (swelling) and inflammation. Muscle contraction and tissue
wrinkling accompanies the effect. Since astringents do not penetrate very
deeply into cells, the action is limited to the cell surface and interstitial
(in-between cells) spaces. The American Indians had many uses for persimmons
(scientific name: Diospyros virginiana L.). The infusion of the fruit was
used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, uterine hemorrhages, and sore throats. The
powdered seeds were mixed with water to make a drink for kidney stones. The
boiled bark was used for sores of the mouth, lips and throat. A lot of good
from a simple tree and its fruit!
wizkid
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Update: June 2012
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