Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a tree found in tropical Africa and southern Asia. The fruit pulp is widely used in Asian culture.
Tamarind contains ingredients that might have laxative effects and fight against certain fungi and bacteria. It also contains a chemical that is similar to mucin found in the eye. Mucin helps protect and wet the surface of the cornea.
People use tamarind for dry eye, constipation, parasite infections, early orgasm (premature ejaculation), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Dry eye. Using eye drops containing tamarind seed extract, alone or with other ingredients, seems to help relieve dry eye.
- A condition caused by ingestion of too much fluoride (fluorosis). Taking tamarind by mouth increases the amount of fluoride removed from the body in the urine. But it's not clear if this reduces symptoms of fluorosis.
- Early orgasm (premature ejaculation). Taking tamarind seed powder by mouth does not seem to improve early orgasm or satisfaction during intercourse.
There is interest in using tamarind for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Tamarind is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tamarind is safe when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When placed into the eyes: Tamarind seed extract is possibly safe when used in eye drops.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tamarind is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Surgery: Tamarind seed might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using tamarind at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Aspirin
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking tamarind with aspirin might increase how much aspirin the body absorbs. This could increase the amount of aspirin in the body and might increase the chance of side effects.
Ibuprofen (Advil, others)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking tamarind with ibuprofen might increase how much ibuprofen the body absorbs. This could increase the amount of ibuprofen in the body and might increase the chance of side effects.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Tamarind might lower blood sugar levels. Taking tamarind along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Tamarind might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of tamarind might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Imlee, Imli, Tamarin, Tamarindo, Tamarindus indica, Tamarindus occidentalis, Tamarindus officinalis, Tamarinier, Tamarinier d'Inde, Tintiri.
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