FeelGoodNow.com is currently in early beta. Our site will be growing and changing frequently. We welcome your feedback or ideas .

Foods > Foods List > Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

Overview

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

Tamarind is native to tropical Africa and grows wild throughout the Sudan. It was introduced to India thousands of years ago. In Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries, tamarind juice from the tamarind tree is made into a drink prepared by infusing dried tamarind pulp. It has also been used for the preservation of food products. Tamarind may be used as a paste and sauce and included in recipes. Tamarind is also used in India as part of Ayurvedic herbal medicine.

In animal studies, tamarind has been found to lower serum cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Due to a lack of available human clinical trials, there is insufficient evidence to recommend tamarind for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) or diabetes.

Based on human study, tamarind intake may delay the progression of fluorosis by enhancing excretion of fluoride. However, additional research is needed to confirm these results.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Tamarind may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Although not well studied in humans, tamarind may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and in those taking drugs that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

The fruit pulp may have mild laxative properties, but heat may cause loss of this effect. Caution is advised when combining tamarind with other laxatives due to additive effects.

Concurrent use of tamarind and topical ophthalmic (eye) antibiotics may result in a synergistic effect. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Taking vasoconstrictors and tamarind together may cause a potential additive interaction. Caution is advised.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Tamarind may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Although not well studied in humans, tamarind may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and in those taking herbs or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

The fruit pulp may have mild laxative properties, but heat may cause loss of this effect. Caution is advised when combining tamarind with other laxatives due to additive effects.

Taking vasoconstrictors and tamarind together may cause a potential additive interaction. Caution is advised when taking herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Bibliography

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Araujo CL, Bezerra IW, Oliveira AS, et al. In vivo bioinsecticidal activity toward Ceratitis capitata (fruit fly) and Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil) and in vitro bioinsecticidal activity toward different orders of insect pests of a trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) seeds. J Agric.Food Chem 6-1-2005;53(11):4381-4387. View Abstract

Arimoto-Kobayashi S, Machida M, Okamoto K, et al. Evaluation of photo-mutagenicity and photo-cytotoxicity of food coloring agents. Mutagenesis 2005;20(3):229-233. View Abstract

Chowdhury SR, Sarker DK, Chowdhury SD, et al. Effects of dietary tamarind on cholesterol metabolism in laying hens. Poult.Sci 2005;84(1):56-60. View Abstract

Dini E, De Abreu J, Lopez E. [Osmolality of frequently consumed beverages]. Invest Clin 2004;45(4):323-335. View Abstract

Fook JM, Macedo LL, Moura GE, et al. A serine proteinase inhibitor isolated from Tamarindus indica seeds and its effects on the release of human neutrophil elastase. Life Sci 5-6-2005;76(25):2881-2891. View Abstract

Ghelardi E, Tavanti A, Davini P, et al. A mucoadhesive polymer extracted from tamarind seed improves the intraocular penetration and efficacy of rufloxacin in topical treatment of experimental bacterial keratitis. Antimicrob.Agents Chemother. 2004;48(9):3396-3401. View Abstract

Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Borrelli F, Ernst E. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol 2005;98(1):1-14. View Abstract

Khandare AL, Kumar PU, Shanker RG, et al. Additional beneficial effect of tamarind ingestion over defluoridated water supply to adolescent boys in a fluorotic area. Nutrition 2004;20(5):433-436. View Abstract

Komutarin T, Azadi S, Butterworth L, et al. Extract of the seed coat of Tamarindus indica inhibits nitric oxide production by murine macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Food Chem Toxicol. 2004;42(4):649-658. View Abstract

Maiti R, Jana D, Das UK, et al. Antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;92(1):85-91. View Abstract

Nassereddin RA, Yamani MI. Microbiological quality of sous and tamarind, traditional drinks consumed in Jordan. J Food Prot. 2005;68(4):773-777. View Abstract

Shivshankar P, Devi SC. Screening of stimulatory effects of dietary risk factors on mouse intestinal cell kinetics. World J Gastroenterol. 1-14-2005;11(2):242-248. View Abstract

Shivshankar P, Shyamala Devi CS. Evaluation of co-stimulatory effects of Tamarindus indica L. on MNU-induced colonic cell proliferation. Food Chem Toxicol. 2004;42(8):1237-1244. View Abstract

Strickland FM, Kuchel JM, Halliday GM. Natural products as aids for protecting the skin's immune system against UV damage. Cutis 2004;74(5 Suppl):24-28. View Abstract

Useh NM, Nok AJ, Ambali SF, et al. The inhibition of Clostridium chauvoei (jakari strain) neuraminidase activity by methanolic extracts of the stem barks of Tamarindus indicus and Combretum fragrans. J Enzyme Inhib.Med Chem 2004;19(4):339-342. View Abstract

Related Terms

Ambilis, amli, asam, asam jawa, Caesalpiniaceae (subfamily), chintachettu, chintapandu, da ma lin, daaih mah lahm, demirhindi, glyloid, glyloid sulphate 4324, imlee, imli, Indian date, indijska tamarinda, loh fong ji, loh mohng ji, luo huang zi, luo wang zi, ma-gyi-thi, puli, Pulpa tamarindorum, sampalok, sbar, siyambala, swee boey, tamalen, tamar hindi, tamarin, tamarind brown, tamarind flour, tamarind gum, tamarind kernel powder, tamarind nutshell activated carbon, tamarind seed polysaccharide, tamarind seed powder, tamarind seed xyloglucan (XG), tamarinde, tamarindienal, tamarindipuu, tamarindo, Tamarindus amyloid, Tamarindus indica L., Tamarindus indica Linn, Tamarindus indica seed, tamarynd, tamr al-hindi, tamre hendi, tentuli, teteli, tintiri, tintul, titri, TS-polysaccharide, ukwaju, xyloglucan.

Note: Tamarindus indica should not be confused with the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind.

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Natural Standard's methodology , editorial board , and grading scales.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

A Better Health Solution

Acupuncture

614 Wymore Rd

Winter Park FL 32789

6784372

Map

Search thousands of qualified integrative health professionals.

Loading cities..Please wait... Loading states..Please wait...

Are you a health professional?

Allergies & Immune System	Nervous System & the Brain
Blood & Cancers	Muscles, Joints, Tissues & Bones
Ears, Eyes, Nose & Throat	Reproductive Organs & Pregnancy
Heart & Lungs	Skin
Hormones	Stomach, Intestines & Urinary Tract
Kidneys

Blood Alcohol Content	Member Tools Coming soon
Body Fat	Member Tools Coming soon
Body Mass Index
Cost of Drinking
Cost of Smoking
Target Heart Rate
Hip to Waist Ratio
Health Glossary

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

Background

Evidence Table (Click Here to view Natural Standard evidence-based validated grading rationale™.)

Tradition

Tradition Theory

Dosing

Safety

Interactions

Attribution

Bibliography

Related Terms