Carob tree

 The Carob is the fruit of an evergreen (Ceratonia Siliqua) cultivated in the

Mediterranean area. The seeds of the carob are utilized in food industry for their
gum content. However, the use of the whole fruit in human consumption is rather
limited, due to a high level of tannins causing astringency.
 It has a high content of sugars (48 – 56%) and condensed tannins (16 – 20%) and
low contents of protein and fat. Carob powder or syrup is used as an ingredient in
cakes and cookies and chocolate substitute. Carob powder contained high levels of
carbohydrates (75.92%), (6.34% protein) and low level of fat (1.99%). The crude
fiber content recorded 7.30%.
 Carob powder was rich source of Fe, Ca, Na, K, P and S as well as E, D, C, Niacin, B6
and folic acid. Carob powder consisted of 11 phenolic compound. Pyrogallol,
catechol, chlorogenic and protocatechuic recorded the highest values, while
coumarin, cinnamic, ferulic, gallic acid and vanillic recorded the least values of the
phenolic compounds.
 Carob powder oil consisted of 17 fatty acids, but consisted mainly of four fatty acids
namely: oleic, linolic, palmitic and stearic acids recording 40.45%, 23.19%, 11.01%
and 3.08%, respectively.
 The caloric value of the carob powder was 346.95 K caloric / 100 g dry matter.
These all nutrition facts are may be better as substitute for coffee and tea but questions rise
on higher percentage of tannin presents in compound form.
 Tannins (commonly referred to as tannic acid) are water-soluble polyphenols that
are present in many plant foods. They have been reported to be responsible for
decreases in feed intake, growth rate, feed efficiency, net metabolizable energy, and
protein digestibility in experimental animals. Therefore, foods rich in tannins are
considered to be of low nutritional value. However, recent findings indicate that the
major effect of tannins was not due to their inhibition on food consumption or
digestion but rather the decreased efficiency in converting the absorbed nutrients to
new body substances.
 The tannin percentage in tea and coffee are minor as compare to carob (16 %). They
also have pH 1 that means highly acidic in nature. They might be change (acidic) the
pH of cellular synovial fluids and harms the body health.
 That’s why Something difficulties with carob powder cause irritating to eyes,
respiratory system and skin according to case study by F & D and Cambridge
university. However, tannic acid seems UNSAFE when applied to the skin to treat
diaper rash, prickly heat, and minor burn or sunburn. The US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is worried that tannic acid might also be UNSAFE when used
to treat cold sores and fever blisters on the lips. The concern is that the tannic acid
might be easily absorbed through the lips and cause harmful side effects. But there
isn’t enough research yet to know for sure. The FDA has asked for more studies.
 In large amounts, tannic acid can cause side effects such
as stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Regular consumption of
herbs with high tannin concentrations seems to be associated with an increased
chance of developing nose or throat cancer
 It’s UNSAFE to apply tannic acid to broken skin or large areas of skin. There is
concern that it might be absorbed and cause harmful side effects.
Tannic acid can cause kidney damage, making existing kidney problems worse.
Don’t use tannic acid if you have a kidney disorder.
 Tannic acid can cause liver damage, making existing liver problems worse. Don’t use
tannic acid if you have a liver disorder.
 Don’t take a bath with added tannic acid if you have weeping eczema and extensive
skin damage. The broken skin could allow too much tannic acid to get into your
body.
 Don’t take a bath with added tannic acid if you have a fever or infectious disease.
Tannic acid absorbs substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking tannic acid
along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body
absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this
interaction, take tannic acid at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.
  Tannic acid cause Excite, Flush of Impel of mind, there was also create baleful, mal
mind.
FDA reports of tannic acid limits in food categories
Catagories Maximum level of use (%)
Backed goods 0.01
Alcoholic beverages 0.015
Non alcoholic beverage 0.005
Frozen dairy 0.04
Hard candy 0.013
Meat product 0.001
Tannic acid may be used in rendered animal fat in accordance with 9 CFR 318.7.

The Material safety data sheet (MSDS) of tannic acid containing products report mention
handling: Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of
insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical
advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, alkalis.

Physical and chemical properties of tannic acid:

Taste: Astringent.
Color: White to yellowish to light brown
pH (1% soln/water): Acidic.
(My personal opinion for this much of pH 1 of tannic acid is much higher than the
concentrated acid such as HCL, HNO3, sulfuric acid etc. and these acidity is very harmful to
our body at regular consumption (like imbalance of daily routine etc.) or may be
carcinogenic after long time.
Dispersion Properties: See solubility in water, acetone.
Solubility: Easily soluble in acetone. Soluble in cold water. Insoluble in diethyl ether.

Toxicological Information
Routes of Entry : Inhalation. Ingestion.
Toxicity to Animals : Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 2260 mg/kg [Rat].

Chronic Effects on Humans:

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: 3 (Not classifiable for human.) by IARC. DEVELOPMENTAL
TOXICITY: Classified Reproductive system/toxin/female [POSSIBLE]. May cause damage to
the following organs: kidneys, liver.

Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of
inhalation.

Special Remarks on Toxicity to Animals: Not available.

Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans:

May affect genetic material (mutagenic). May cause adverse reproductive effects. May
cause cancer based on animal test data.

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:

Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: May cause skin irritation. It may be absorbed through
broken, abraded, or burned skin. Eyes: Causes eye irritation. Inhalation: Dust may cause
respiratory tract irritation. Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal tract irritation (gastritis)
with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and ulceration or bleeding
from the stomach. May affect liver (hepatitis, jaundice, hepatic necrosis), behavior
(somnolence, ataxia, convulsions), urinary tract(kidney damage, nephritis, renal failure,
acute tubular necrosis), respiration (dyspnea, respiratory depression, chronic pulmonary
edema), metabolism, blood. Chronic Potential Health Effects: Ingestion: Prolonged or
repeated ingestion cause symptoms similar to that of acute ingestion.

By MORBID ANATOMY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON average lethal doses of tannic

acid are in,
Goat : Subcutaneous dose 300 mg./kg. : intravenous dose 20mg./kg.
Rabbit : Subcutaneous dose 1000 mg./kg. : intravenous dose 10mg./kg
Guineapig : Subcutaneous dose 500 mg./kg.
Rat : Subcutaneous dose 1500 mg./kg

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information
currently available to us. However, I am not sure but possibility to carob contain maximum
amount of tannin and may harm after long time. But I think we need more research on
safety data of carob powder

Something difficulties with carob powder by MSD report of Cambridge commodities Ltd.
Carob powder damage the Eyes and they mention if any symptoms related to eye problems
immediately move individual away from exposure and into fresh air. Rinse with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart.

Carob powder may irritate (itching, red patches etc) skin or skin infection Remove
contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and copious amounts of water. When carob
Swallowing Seek medical attention immediately. Wash out mouth and drink water if
conscious. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If carob inhaled by the
nose may cause difficulties in breathing, in this conditions administer oxygen and seek
medical help.

For the personal protection MSD report stated Avoid inhalation and wear respirator if
needed. Avoid contact and prolonged or repeated exposure. Wear resistant gloves. Wash
thoroughly after handling. Protective clothing recommended. Wear safety glasses in
compliance with OSHA regulations if needed.

According to Dietary Tannins: Consequences and Remedies there was a reduction in

Liver vitamin A as a result of the inclusion of 3.2% tannic acid in the diet. It was suggested
that the absorption of vitamin A was impaired in the presence of tannic acid. Carrera et al.
139 studies found that the coefficient of digestive utilization of vitamin B12 was 42 in the
control, and 22.9 and 22.7 with two doses of tannic acid when given at a rate of 250 and
500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. That means it was very serious for human health.

But some studies reported, Carob powder is acclaimed ingredient with a marked
nutritional value due to its high dietary fiber and phenol compounds. The soluble fibers
exert a preventative role against heart disease and lowering serum cholesterol.
Moreover, some phenolic acids (Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and protocatechinic
acid contribute against various types of cancer such as breast, lung and gastric cancer as
reported.
That’s the reasons, its rises a question on higher percentage of Tannin presents in carob as
compare to tea and coffee. I am not just focus on tannin and hazardous effects, but I also
take view on compound nutritional values of carob powder. It may be nullify the toxic
effect in compound form, that’s why I use compound word in nutritional properties. Most
of the URL or websites made on Carob tree shows beneficial aspect for commercial purpose
only, in other side if we think about higher dose of tannin harm the body health. The main
polyphenol dietary sources are fruit and beverages (fruit juice, wine, tea, coffee, chocolate
and beer) and, to a lesser extent vegetables, dry legumes and cereals. The total intake is ∼1
g/d. The LD50 values for rats, mice, and rabbits after a single dose of tannic acid was given
orally ranged from 2.25 to 6 g/kg of body weight. Rectal toxicity of tannic acid is about
twice its oral toxjcity. The LD50 values for the subcutaneous or intraperiton administration
of condensed tannins from different sources are reported to be 70 to 300 mg/kg of body
weight of the animal.

Formulations
1 teaspoon = 4 gm 1 tbsp = 4 gm
1 cup honey = 340 gm 1 cup flour = 128 gm
1 cup butter = 227 gm 1 tbsp salt = 17.06
1 cup milk = 68 gm
1 cup oil = 224 gm

1) Carob peanut Butter bar

Peanut butter or almond 1 cup 227 gm
butter
Carob powder ½ cup 64 gm
Raw honey ¼ cup 85 gm
Melted coconut oil ¼ cup 56 gm
Vanilla 2 teaspoons 8 gm
‘

2) Chocolate chips
Carob powder ½ cup 64 gm
Coconut oil ½ cup 112 gm
Sea salt Pinch of Acc. To taste
Coconut sugar 1 tbsp 4 gm

3) Chocolate peanut butter mini cake

Quinoa flour 3 tbsp 12 gm
Carob powder 1 tbsp 4 gm
Cinnamon ¼ tbsp 1 gm
Sea salt ¼ tbsp 1 gm
Baking powder ¼ tbsp 1 gm
Coconut oil 2 tbsp 8 gm
Organic peanut butter 1 tbsp 4 gm
Maple syrup 1 tbsp 4 gm
Milk of choice 3 tbsp 12 gm

The above all formulation need maximum amount of carob powder instead of cocoa
powder to make taste and touch of chocolate and these amount contain higher
percentage of tannin in formulation and these much quantity should not prefer for daily
consumption as a food but it is preferable to use as a medicine only under the
 supervision of physician according to report available of tannic acid percentage in carob
powder.
The chemical nature of tannin is water soluble, if we develop the formulation in fat
(pure milk) the percentage amount of tannin in formulation should be decrease and our
formulation make in permissible amount. Carob powder may not as such toxic but if
formulation contains higher tannin it should harm the body.

Ayurved always safe because it serves compound molecules not single molecules.

Dr. Pankaj Goriya

Ph.D (Ayurved) Scholar (Gold medal), Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.
worked In:
1) Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Gandhinagar.
2) Scientist B, Patanjali Research Institute, Hardwar.