Tamarind: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Updated on 19 March 2025

The tamarind tree is 10 to 20 meters tall, and its name comes from the Arabic "tamr hindiyy": Indian date. Originally from India, it is now found in many warm regions, especially tropical ones. Its fruits are in pods, about ten centimeters long, a few centimeters wide, with a light brown color inside which a dark reddish-brown pulp appears, covered by a dense network of veins surrounding large, very hard rectangular seeds. The pulp of its fruits is used in dietary supplements. This pulp mainly contains sugars, but it is especially rich in pectin and organic acids, particularly citric and tartaric, hence its high content of vitamin C, but also B1, B2, B11, and PP. Among the minerals most present in tamarind, we can mention calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, and potassium. Tamarind is notably part of the traditional medicines of India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and in most tropical countries. Tamarind is used to treat constipation and stomach, liver, and gallbladder problems. It is also used for treating colds and fever. The tamarind tree is sometimes used to treat pregnancy-related nausea. It is also given to children to treat intestinal worms.

Other name(s)

Imlee, Imli, Tamarindo, Indian date, Indian tamarind, Tintiri

Scientific name(s)

Tamarindus indica

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Flavonoids

Pectin

Vitamin C

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Citric acid

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Constipation
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The fruit pulp may have mild laxative properties, but heat can lead to a loss of this effect. In France, tamarind is listed on the A list of traditionally used medicinal plants, according to the ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products), which means this plant is recognized for its therapeutic virtues based on traditional use. Tamarind fruit pulp is a stimulant laxative that increases secretions and intestinal motility. Tamarind, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, facilitates transit and improves digestion.

Posologie

Oral: fruit

10 - 50 g

Irvine FR. London: Oxford University Press; 1961. Woody Plants of Ghana.
Kerharo J, Bouquet A. Paris: Vigot Freres; 1950. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of Ivory Coast and Upper Volta.
Dalziel JM. The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa.London: Crown Agents for Overseas Governments and Administrations. 1937:612
Tamarindus indica: Extent of explored potential

Metabolic syndrome
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Tamarind, with seeds rich in proteinase inhibitors, proves to be a beneficial natural source for weight management and increased satiety sensation. Furthermore, Tamarindus indica has shown effectiveness against hepatic steatosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in a high-fat diet context. Sasidharan et al. in 2014 found that tamarind helps combat obesity and improve insulin resistance, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Posologie

Oral: fruit

10 - 50 g

Phytotherapy Advice, Guide for Prescribers. Paul Goetz Francis, Hadji-Minaglou, Lavoisier, ISBN: 978-2-7430-2414-7.

Properties

Digestive Effect

Tamarind fruit is used in cases of digestive disorders. It stimulates bile excretion and exerts laxative effects, thanks to its richness in fibers, tartaric acid, and potassium. It is thus an effective remedy for constipation.

Usages associés

Constipation

Antioxidant

A polyphenolic flavonoid from the seed coat extract of Tamarindus indica has been found to have antioxidant properties. In animal studies, tamarind, at concentrations up to 500 mg/kg, modulated nitric oxide production in mice.

Antibacterial

Lectins have been identified in the extract of Tamarindus indica. Lectins may have antibacterial properties. However, tamarind has not prevented the adhesion of Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelial cells.

Safety dosage

Adult from 18 years old: 10 g - 50 g

No typical dosage but doses ranging from 40 g to 60 g have been used. For children, the dose should be adapted (1 to 2 g).

Interactions

Médicaments

Aspirin: moderate interaction

Taking tamarind fruit extract along with aspirin seems to increase the absorption of aspirin and blood levels.

Ibuprofen: moderate interaction

Taking tamarind fruit extract along with ibuprofen seems to increase the absorption of ibuprofen and blood concentrations.

Precautions

Pregnant woman: use with caution

Due to insufficient information, avoid consuming tamarind doses higher than those found in food.

Breastfeeding woman: use with caution

Due to insufficient information, avoid consuming tamarind doses higher than those found in food.

Intestinal obstruction: avoid

Contraindicated in case of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, or ulcerative colitis.

Type 2 diabetes: use with caution

Tamarind may lower blood sugar levels. Dosage adjustments for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may be necessary.

Conseil scientifique