Tamarind Benefits and Side Effects

Many people suffer from problems like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disorders because of poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Research suggests that tamarind can aid in proper digestion and help relieve some of these digestion problems. Tamarind leaves are traditionally used to prevent indigestion. In Thai medicine, tamarind fruit is used to aid digestion, reduce stomach gas and prevent constipation. In some countries, the extract prepared from the root, bark, and twigs of the tamarind tree are used for relieving abdominal pain.

Peptic ulcers are painful sores which occur on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers could be caused by many factors including heavy medication, bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) or alcohol consumption. However, excessive acidity can also damage the stomach wall. A preclinical study was conducted to examine if tamarind seed extract possesses anti-ulcer properties. The result from the study revealed that the methanolic extract from tamarind seeds helps slows down the release of gastric juices in the stomach thus alleviating ulcers. Traditionally, a tonic made from tamarind bark is used to treat ulcers.  The powder made from the seed is externally applied to treat certain types of ulcers. Tamarind flowers are also used as a remedy for skin ulcers.

(Read more: Peptic ulcer treatment)

Cholesterol is essential for building healthy living cells. However, high levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries (atherosclerosis) which in turn is responsible for problems like high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Various studies suggest the hypolipidemic properties of tamarind. According to a preclinical study, extract from the tamarind pulp show a reduction in the total cholesterol level (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) level. It also led to an increase in the high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) level. The study also indicated that tamarind could potentially be used to treat atherosclerosis.

(Read more: High cholesterol treatment)

A low sodium to potassium ratio is essential for maintaining blood pressure levels in the body. Potassium helps in relaxing the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. Tamarind is rich in potassium and could potentially help in relieving hypertension. According to a clinical study, consumption of 15mg /Kg of tamarind per day can lead to a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

(Read more: High blood pressure treatment)

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body is unable to metabolize glucose. This glucose stays in the bloodstream leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Several studies show the potential of tamarind in treating diabetes. A preclinical study revealed an association between the anti-inflammatory properties of tamarind seed extract and diabetes. The study suggests that tamarind seed extract exhibit an anti-inflammatory action on the beta cells of pancreatic islets and decreases the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Together, these properties help in improving insulin levels and reducing diabetic complications. Another animal-based study showed the presence of certain phytochemicals such as flavonoids that has the potential to reduce the blood glucose level. 

Inflammation is a physical condition which is caused as a reaction to an infection or injury. It is characterized by swelling, redness, pain, and discomfort in the affected area. Animal-based studies suggest the anti-inflammatory potential of tamarind leaf extract. It was further reported that catechins, mucilage, pectin, and uronic acid are the major anti-inflammatory compounds present in tamarind. A research on various extracts made from tamarind seeds also indicated the presence of essential alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and steroids that exhibited anti-inflammatory properties.

(Read more: Inflammatory disease types)

Oxidative stress happens when the body is unable to fight the harmful effects caused by free radicals (reactive oxygen species). This could be a risk factor in conditions like cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. According to a study, tamarind seed coat extract possesses antioxidant properties. The study revealed that the presence of phenolic compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 was responsible for scavenging off the free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Another research was done to access if tamarind seed powder can be added as a natural antioxidant to food products such as juices and cookies. The research reported that adding tamarind seed powder to these food products activate certain bioactive phytochemicals and increases their antioxidant properties.

(Read more: Antioxidant food sources)

Obesity is a condition marked by an excessive fat deposition in the body tissues. Some common causes of obesity include over-eating, less physical activities, and certain medical conditions. Research shows that tamarind seed can help prevent weight gain. A preclinical study revealed that tamarind seed contains a trypsin inhibitor which prevents weight gain. This trypsin inhibitor promotes satiety, thereby curbing the feeling of hunger and preventing too much intake of food. This hints towards the potential use of tamarind as a natural alternative to anti-obesity drugs.

(Read more: Diet chart for weight loss)

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The fruits and leaves of tamarind are known to possess antimicrobial properties. Research demonstrates the antifungal properties of the tamarind fruits against Aspergillus niger, which is the most common cause of fungal ear infection and Candida albicans, which is commonly associated with oral and vaginal infections. Tamarind fruit extract also possesses antimicrobial properties against some common disease-causing bacterial species such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi. Owing to the antimicrobial action of tamarind, the plant extract of tamarind is used to purify drinking water in some countries.

Tamarind plant extracts are also commonly used to treat plant infections caused cowpea mosaic virus. Certain compounds such as triterpenoids and other phenols and alkaloids present in tamarind extract can help prevent pests and diseases in plants.