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.

Background

• 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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Anthelminthic (expels worms), antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, asthma, astringent, bacterial skin infections (erysipelas), boils, chest pain, cholesterol metabolism disorders, colds, colic, conjunctivitis (pink eye), constipation (chronic or acute), diabetes, diarrhea (chronic), dry eyes, dysentery (severe diarrhea), eye inflammation, fever, food preservative, food uses (coloring), gallbladder disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insecticide, jaundice, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), leprosy, liver disorders, nausea and vomiting (pregnancy-related), paralysis, poisoning (Datura plant), rash, rheumatism, saliva production, skin disinfectant/sterilization, sore throat, sores, sprains, sunscreen, sunstroke, swelling (joints), urinary stones, wound healing (corneal epithelium).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of tamarind. However, 10 grams daily for up to three weeks has been used to delay the progression of fluorosis by enhancing excretion of fluoride. As a laxative, 10-50 grams of tamarind paste as fermented fruit cubes has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of tamarind in children. However, 10 grams daily for up to three weeks has been used to delay the progression of fluorosis by enhancing excretion of fluoride.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tamarind or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Based on the available research, it appears that tamarind is well tolerated in recommended doses. Tamarind is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in the United States when used orally and appropriately in food amounts, at a maximum use of 0.81% of dietary intake.

• There is one reported outbreak of weaver's cough associated with tamarind seed powder. Dust exposure to tamarind flours may also induce chronic changes in lung function. Additionally, tamarind seed preparations have been linked to acute respiratory reactions. Be aware tamarind candy has been associated with lead poisoning and death. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes due to its possible glucose lowering effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Tamarind is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Avoid using in amounts greater than those found in foods.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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