Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica): The Tangy Spice With Medicinal Properties

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Tamarindus Indica
Tamarindus Indica, or as it is commonly called, Tamarind, is a medicinal spice famous for its medicinal values and rich nutrients. This medicinal spice is native to Africa however, the plant has been grown across Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America thanks to its versatility. It comes from the Fabaceae family and grows in warm climate regions.


Tamarindus Indica tree thrives in subtropical and tropical regions due to its deep and extensive root system that helps anchor the tree and access water from deeper soil layers. Tamarindus Indica is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach a height of 30 metres. The tree has a short, thick trunk with rough, dark brown bark that becomes deeply furrowed as it ages.


The canopy is broad and dense with pinnate leaves, which can provide shade. The leaves are compound, pinnately arranged and alternately located along the stem. Each leaf contains 10-12 pairs of oblong leaflets that measure 2-3 cm in length. The leaves are light green in colour but turn yellow before shredding. The flower is pale yellow to cream in colour and is usually small; it is generally not noticed around the tree.


Tamarind fruit is a pod-like legume similar to a long brown bean. It is distinguished by a hard brown outer shell covering a sour, sweet and sticky pulp. Each pulp includes a hard, shiny brown seed. The seeds are surrounded by a soft, edible part which is the most nutritious section of the plant and widely used in culinary. 
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How the Tangy Spice is Used in Traditional Medicine
In the past, medicinal spices were not only used in food to enrich flavours but also used to treat injuries and ailments. Let’s explore how Tamarindus Indica was utilized in treating illnesses and injuries.


Tamarind was used to cure indigestion, bloating and constipation. Moreover, this spice also aids in flushing out toxins from the body, keeping the liver and kidneys healthy. Furthermore, tamarind was used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.


Apart from that, Tamarindus Indica was popular to relieve thirst and aid in healthy blood circulation. In addition to that, tamarind was applied to wounds to promote healing and prevent infection due to its antimicrobial properties. Besides that, it was also used to neutralise snake bites and relieve joint pain. 

​6 Tamarindus Indica Evidence-Backed Health Benefits
Tamarindus Indica is a powerful medicinal spice that is rich in dietary fibre, Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3, Folate and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium. Now, let's explore the medicinal advantages of this tangy spice. 
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1. Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the human body to attacks in the immune system. Nonetheless, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation resulting in autoimmune disease, cancer, metabolic disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Studies suggest that not only does Tamarindus Indica reduce inflammation, but it also manages inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and gout. 



2. Antioxidant properties
Free radicals can be formed in your body through food, exercise, smoking, air pollution and sunlight. These free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages your healthy cells. Therefore, you need to nourish your body through food containing antioxidant properties. Research states that Tamarind contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that neutralize harmful radicals.



3. Regulates blood sugar level
Diabetes mellitus is one of the main metabolic disorders affecting the human population around the world. Through scientific advancements, there are plenty of medical interventions to treat diabetes. However, medicinal spices like Tamarind, which contains a low glycaemic index, can be used to prevent diabetes or help regulate sugar levels if you have diabetes.



4. Aid in digestion
The dietary fibre and pectin in Tamarindus Indica promote healthy digestion by reducing indigestion, bloating, gas and constipation. Several studies also suggest that Tamarind may reduce the development of peptic ulcer disease.



5. Protect your heart
Globally, heart disease is one of the major illnesses that affects the human population and increases the mortality risk. Thanks to the abundance of antioxidant benefits inside Tamarindus Indica, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease declines. Aside from that, the potassium in tamarind helps regulate blood pressure, thus further supporting the heart. 



6. Prevents cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Many people develop this chronic disease due to poor nutrition choices and unhealthy lifestyles. According to research studies done on Tamarindus Indica, this medicinal spice may tend to protect against ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and colon cancer. 







All in All
Tamarindus Indica, the tangy spice with an abundance of medicinal advantages, has been used in the past to treat ailments and injuries. Many people aren’t aware of the health benefits of certain medicinal spices in the present times.


Nutrition Takes explores the 6 evidence-backed health advantages of Tamarind. After reading this illuminating article, you may wonder how to eat it or add it to your food. So, how can you consume Tamarind? The tamarind pods contain the tangy edible pulp, which can be made into paste, sauce or added into curries for flavour.


I would highly recommend soaking the tamarind before cooking to reduce anti-nutritional elements like tannins, phytate and oxalate, which can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. You can also make juices or teas out of the edible pulps, but do bear in mind that most fruits can be sour.


Share or ask questions if you would like to know more about the topic or if you have different insights that you would like to share. I am always happy to know about your journey in holistic approaches. 










References
1. Vikram et al. (2023); Tamarind Cultivation, Value-Added Products and their Health Benefits: A Review; International Journal of Plant 
   and Soil Science; 35(21): 903-911.

2. Taksene K et al. (2024); Physicochemical, antioxidant, antinutritional and sensory properties of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica);
    Journal of Material and Process Technologies; 1(1): 9.
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3. Barsha D et al. (2020); Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica); Antioxidant in fruits: Properties and Health Benefits; 10.1007.