Tamarind also known as “Indian date” is a sweet and sour fruit that is an integral part of the Indian cuisine and has many health benefits.
Tamarind is considered good for constipation due to its laxative property. It helps to boost immunity as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it useful in managing common cold.
Tamarind powder might also help to manage blood sugar as well as insulin levels and is thus considered good for diabetic patients. It might also be beneficial for people trying to manage weight as it helps decrease food cravings thereby preventing overeating.
Also, eating Tamarind pulp helps to eliminate worms from the stomach due to its anthelmintic property.
Applying a paste of Tamarind seed powder along with honey on the skin helps in faster wound healing and also prevents skin infections due to its antimicrobial activity.
Tamarind paste should always be used in combination with rose water, milk or honey as it may cause hypersensitivity in some people if used alone[1][2].

What are the synonyms of Tamarind?

Tamarindus indica, Ambli, Imlii, Amlam, Cinca, Sinja, Puli, Amalaphalam, Sincha, Chincha, Beeta, Tintrini, Chandra

What is the source of Tamarind?

Plant Based

Benefits of Tamarind

What are the benefits of Tamarind for Dry eyes?

Modern Science View

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) might be beneficial in improving the dry eye signs and symptoms. Tamarind seed polysaccharide has mucoadhesive and pseudoplastic properties which helps protect and wet the corneal surface. Studies suggest that it is well tolerated with no reported side effects like blurred vision, ocular redness, ocular burning and ocular itching and can improve the tear film stability over a period of time[3][6].

Ayurvedic View

Tamarind seed helps reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes and brings a soothing effect if you use tamarind seed extract based eye drops due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.

How effective is Tamarind?

Insufficient evidence

Dry eyes

Precautions when using Tamarind

Allergy

Ayurvedic View

Use Tamarind leaves paste or seed powder with milk or rose water if your skin is hypersensitive.

Recommended Dosage of Tamarind

Tamarind Powder - 2-5 gm or as per your requirement.

How to use Tamarind

1. Tamarind Seeds with Rose water
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Tamarind seed powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a smooth paste.
c. Apply on the skin and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 4-5 times a week to get rid of eczema and itching[4].

2. Tamarind Leaves Kwath (Decoction)
a. Take Tamarind (Imli) 8-10 leaves.
b. Boil them in ½ cup of water till the quantity of water reduces to half.
c. Use this Tamarind decoction to wash your wounds for better hygeine[4].

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the chemical composition of Tamarind?

Modern Science View

Tamarind is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamin B, C, potassium, phosphorous, volatile oils and carbohydrates[4].

Q. Is Tamarind acidic or basic in nature?

Modern Science View

Tamarind contains citric and tartaric acid which contributes to its acidic nature.

References

1
Zohrameena S, Mujahid M, Bagga P,et al.Medicinal uses & pharmacological activity of Tamarindus indica.World J Pharm Sci.2017; 5(2):121-133.
2
Menezes APP, Trevisan SCC, Barbalho SM.Tamarindus indica L. A plant with multiple medicinal purposes.J Pharmacogn Phytochem.2016;5(3):50-54.
3
WebMD.Tamarind: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
4
Balkrishnan A.Reetha.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
5
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
6
Rolando M, Valente C. Establishing the tolerability and performance of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in treating dry eye syndrome: results of a clinical study. BMC Ophthalmology.2007;7(5).
7
Okello J, Okullo JBL, Eilu G, et al. Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) Fruits in the agro-ecological zones of Uganda. Food Sci Nutr.2018;6:1179–1189.
8
Waqas MK, Khan BA, Akhtar N, et al. Fabrication of Tamarindus indica seeds extract loaded-cream for photo-aged skin: Visioscan ® studies. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology.2017;XXXIV(4):339–345.
9
Bhadoriya SS, Ganeshpurkar A, Narwaria J, et al. Tamarindus indica: Extent of explored potential. Pharmacogn Rev.2011;5(9):73–81.
10
Pimple BP, Kadam PV, Badgujar NS, et al. Protective effect of Tamarindus indica linn against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Indian J Pharm Sci.2007;69(6):827-831.
11
Das SS, Dey M, Ghosh AK. Determination of anthelmintic activity of the leaf and bark extract of Tamarindus indica Linn. Indian J Pharm Sci.2011;73(1):104–107.
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Devarajan A, Mohanmarugaraja MK. A comprehensive review on rasam: A south indian traditional functional food. Pharmacogn Rev.2017;11(22):73–82.
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Aprilia CA, Ninditasari G, Walujo D. Hypolipidemic Effect and antioxidant activity of Tamarind leaves extract in hypercholesterol-fed rats. Indonesian J Cardiol.2017;38:72-80.
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Sundaram MS, Hemshekhar M, Santhosh MS. Tamarind seed (Tamarindus indica) extract ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis via regulating the mediators of cartilage/bone degeneration, inflammation and oxidative stress. SREP.2015;5(11117).
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Sole SS, Srinivasan BP, Akarte AS. Anti-inflammatory action of Tamarind seeds reduces hyperglycemic excursion by repressing pancreatic β-cell damage and normalizing SREBP-1c concentration. Pharmaceutical Biology.2013;51(3):350–360.
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Placek C. A test of four evolutionary hypotheses of pregnancy food cravings: evidence for the social bargaining model.R Soc Open Sci. 2017 Oct; 4(10): 170243.
17
Barabino S, Rolando M, Nardi M, Bonini S, et al. The effect of an artificial tear combining hyaluronic acid and Tamarind seeds polysaccharide in patients with moderate dry eye syndrome: A new treatment for dry eye.Eur J Ophthalmol.2014 Mar-Apr;24(2):173-8.
18
Waqas MK, Khan BA, Akhtar N, Chowdhry F, et al.Fabrication of Tamarindus indica seeds extract loaded-cream for photo-aged skin: Visioscan(®) studiesPostepy Dermatol Alergol.2017 Aug;34(4):339-345.
19
Sundaram MS, Hemshekhar M, Santhosh MS, et al.Tamarind seed (Tamarindus indica) extract ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis via regulating the mediators of cartilage/bone degeneration, inflammation and oxidative stress.Sci Rep.2015;5:11117.
20
Ribeiro JA, Serquiz AC, Silva PF, et al.Trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds reduces weight gain and food consumption and increases plasmatic cholecystokinin levels.Clinics.2015;70(2):136-43.
21
USDA.Agricultural Research Service .National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release.Basic Report: 09322, Tamarinds, raw.USA.2018.
22
Martinello F, Soares SM, Franco JJ, et al. Hypolipemic and antioxidant activities from Tamarindus indica L. pulp fruit extract in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.Food Chem Toxicol.2006;44(6):810-8.
23
Rao YS, Mathew M, Potty SN.Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) research - A review. Indian Journal of Arecanut, Spices and Medicinal Plants.1999;1:127-145.
24
Khandare AL, Rao GS, Lakshmaiah N.Effect of Tamarind ingestion on fluoride excretion in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr.2002;56(1):82-5.
25
Saraf S, Chhabra SK, Kaur CD.Development of photochemoprotective herbs containing cosmetic formulations for improving skin properties.J Cosmet Sci.2012;63(2):119-31.
26
Nwodo UU, Obiiyeke GE, Chigor VN, et al.Assessment of Tamarindus indica extracts for antibacterial activity.Int J Mol Sci.2011;12(10):6385-96.
27
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Ameeramja J, Raghunath A, Perumal E. Tamarind seed coat extract restores fluoride-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in rats. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018;25(26):26157-26166.
29
Escalona-Arranz JC, Garcia-Diaz J, Perez-Rosés R, et al. Effect of Tamarindus indica L. leaves' fluid extract on human blood cells.Nat Prod Res.2014;28(18):1485-8.
30
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Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.