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Tannins are secondary metabolites that belong to the family of polyphenolic compounds and have gained a huge interest among researchers due to their versatile therapeutic potential. After lignin, these are the second most abundant polyphenols found in almost every plant part like stem, bark, fruit, seed, leaves, etc. Depending upon their structural composition, these polyphenols can be divided into two distinct groups, namely condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins. Hydrolysable tannins can be further divided into two types: gallotannins and ellagitannins. Gallotannins are formed by the esterification of D-glucose hydroxyl groups with gallic acid. The gallolyl moieties are bound by a depside bond. The current review focuses mainly on the anti-carcinogenic potential of recently discovered gallotannins, ginnalin A, and hamamelitannin (HAM). Both of these gallotannins possess two galloyl moieties linked to a core monosaccharide having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic abilities. Ginnalin A is found in plants of the genus Acer whereas HAM is present in witch hazel plants. The biosynthetic pathway of ginnalin A along with the mechanism of the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of ginnalin A and HAM has been discussed. This review will certainly help researchers to work further on the chemo-therapeutic abilities of these two unique gallotannins.

PurposeThe growth and prosperity of a nation depends upon its ability to innovate technologically and engineering has erupted as a fundamental chauffer of this essence, since last couple of eras. But recent decline in engineering admissions triggers the downfall in skilled labor, which can cause recession in industries or can ultimately lead to economic crisis. This study tries to illustrate the present status of engineering-related education, particularly in India and tends to skim the various parameters that affect the enrollment of students among higher education institutes, directly or indirectly.Design/methodology/approachA unique approach had been unleashed to tackle the nuisance of low admission among Indian engineering colleges or universities. Factors reviewed from the literature were further prioritized quantitatively after distributing suitable questionnaires among a relevant set of engineering aspirants. The “survey form” used was tactically designed on the basis of response surface methodology (RSM), which analyzed the data captured in Minitab statistical software and deducted logical inferences to optimize the “critical-to-admission” (CTA) factors, applicably.FindingsA case study was successfully executed in a North Indian state to prove the efficacy of proposed methodology as far as downtrend in admission was concerned. This study was a rare blend of questionnaire-based work, where design of experiments principles had been utilized exclusively. It provided significant findings on how to earmark different admission-decisive factors along with their required prioritization.Practical implicationsIt can further help the universities and higher education institutes to draft their indispensable professional policies and vision–mission statements, appropriately.Originality/valueQuantitative studies in the service sector (like higher education) are quite rare to see. The present work is not only providing a roadmap for engineering institutions to boost their admissions in upcoming challenging times but it also acts as a light house for new students as it provides necessary guidelines for shortlisting colleges or universities while seeking admission for higher studies.

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