Acorns are the seeds of the oak tree (Quercus species). Humans may occasionally eat acorns during a famine or as a small child.
Toxic compound: tannins (flavolans)
In humans ingested tannin is hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to gallic acid, which is less toxic. Intact tannin is not normally absorbed across the bowel mucosa.
Acute ingestion can result in:
(1) nausea and vomiting
(2) abdominal pain
(3) constipation
(4) bloody diarrhea
If the tannins are absorbed (inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative bowel disease) then acute hepatic and/or renal toxicity may occur.
Chronic ingestion over many years:
(1) esophageal cancer or other neoplasia
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