The tannin compounds are widely distributed in many species of plants, where they play a role in protection from predation, and perhaps also as pesticides, and in plant growth regulation.[1] The astringency from the tannins is what causes the dry and puckery feeling in the mouth following the consumption of unripened fruit or red wine.[2] Likewise, the destruction or modification of tannins with time plays an important role in the ripening of fruit and the aging of wine.