As the name implies, this is a derivative of tannin, and has for its formula (C14H8[CH3,CO]209). It was originally produced by Meyer, of Marburg, and the first investigation of its properties was made by Fr. Müller, of Bonn; afterward was employed in the medical clinic by Kunkler, and by Drews, of Hamburg.

Tannigen is an odorless, tasteless, grayish-yellow powder, soluble to a slight extent in water, but dissolves freely in alcohol and in solutions of the alkaline salts. The dose for internal administration ranges from 1 to 10 or even 15 grains. It is preferably given in powder. Locally, the powder can be applied undiluted. It is not poisonous. Apparently it does not alter in any way the condition of the stomach, except as an astringent. In the presence of alkaline salts it preserves its astringent property, and hence its powers are not impaired by the intestinal juices. It undergoes saponification in its passage through the intestinal canal, but some part of that administered escapes unchanged in the faeces. Of that absorbed by oxidation, it is converted into gallic acid and in this form appears in the urine.

Tannigen has thus far been chiefly used as a remedy for the diarrhoea of children. It has been found especially useful in the ileocolitis of early life. In chronic cases it has seemed far less efficient. It possesses great advantage as a remedy for children, in that the powder is odorless and tasteless.

By Müller, tannigen has been used successfully in the treatment of gastric catarrh, pyrosis, and other affections in which tannin has been heretofore used. Local application of the powder has been made in catarrhal affections of the nasal and faucial mucous membrane. It will probably prove a useful substitute for tannin.