Introduction
Tamarindus indica Linn. is a versatile plant known for its various medicinal properties. It is commonly known as the Tamarind tree and belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae family. Originally indigenous to tropical Africa, it is now widely distributed throughout the plains and sub-Himalayan tracts of India. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Amli, Amlikaa, Suktaa, Chukraa, Chukrikaa, Chinchaa, Chandikaa, and Tintidika, while in Unani medicine it is known as Tamar Hindi. In Siddha and Tamil traditions, it is called Puli and Aanvilam, respectively.
Medicinal Properties
The fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica is known for its cooling, digestive, carminative, laxative, and antiscorbutic properties. It is often used in the treatment of febrile diseases and bilious disorders. Additionally, it can be applied as a gargle to soothe sore throats and used as a poultice on inflammatory swellings. According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, the fruit pulp is recommended for relieving tiredness without exertion.
Not only the fruit pulp, but other parts of the Tamarindus indica tree also possess medicinal properties. The leaves, when made into a juice, are used to treat bleeding piles, bilious fever, and dysuria. The stembark of the tree is known for its antipyretic and astringent properties and is used to treat diarrhea. It is also prescribed in the treatment of asthma and amenorrhea. The seed-kernel of Tamarindus indica acts as a stimulant and is utilized in Unani medicine as a supporting tonic in cases of sexual debility. Additionally, water stored in a tumbler made from the wood of the tree is given for treating splenic enlargement.
Chemical Composition
Various studies have been conducted to explore the chemical composition and potential health benefits of Tamarindus indica. The seed coat extract has shown antioxidant activity, while the kernel contains polysaccharides composed of glucose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose. These polysaccharides have been found to exhibit immunomodulatory activities such as enhancing phagocytic activity and inhibiting leukocyte migration and lymphocyte proliferation. The leaves of the Tamarindus indica tree contain flavone C-glycosides, such as orientin, vitexin, iso-orientin, and iso-vitexin. The leaves and fruits of the tree also contain tartaric acid and malic acid. The fruit pulp is rich in amino acids, including serine, beta-alanine, proline, pipecolinic acid, phenylalanine, and leucine. Additionally, a bitter principle called tamarindienal has been isolated from the fruit pulp, which exhibits fungicidal and bactericidal activity against various microorganisms.
Dosage
In traditional medicine, the ash of the Tamarindus indica bark is given for colic and indigestion. It is also used in gargles and mouthwashes for apthous sores. The recommended dosage of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp without seeds is 4-10 grams.
Conclusion
In summary, Tamarindus indica, or the Tamarind tree, is a valuable plant that offers a wide range of medicinal benefits. Its fruit pulp, leaves, stembark, and seed-kernel all possess therapeutic properties. From cooling and digestive effects to antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, Tamarindus indica has long been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. With its rich chemical composition and potential health benefits, this versatile plant continues to be studied and appreciated for its medicinal value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tamarindus indica originally indigenous to?
Tamarindus indica is originally indigenous to tropical Africa.
Where is Tamarindus indica widely distributed now?
Tamarindus indica is widely distributed throughout the plains and sub-Himalayan tracts of India.
What are the different names used for Tamarindus indica in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Tamarindus indica is referred to as Amli, Amlikaa, Suktaa, Chukraa, Chukrikaa, Chinchaa, Chandikaa, and Tintidika.
What is Tamarindus indica called in Unani medicine?
In Unani medicine, Tamarindus indica is known as Tamar Hindi.
What are the common names of Tamarindus indica in Siddha and Tamil traditions?
In Siddha and Tamil traditions, Tamarindus indica is called Puli and Aanvilam, respectively.
What are the medicinal properties of the fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica?
The fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica is known for its cooling, digestive, carminative, laxative, and antiscorbutic properties.
In what conditions is the fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica commonly used?
The fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica is often used in the treatment of febrile diseases, bilious disorders, and as a gargle for sore throats. It can also be used as a poultice on inflammatory swellings.
What is the recommended use of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp for relieving tiredness without exertion?
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, the fruit pulp of Tamarindus indica is recommended for relieving tiredness without exertion.
What are the medicinal uses of the leaves of Tamarindus indica?
The leaves of Tamarindus indica, when made into a juice, are used to treat bleeding piles, bilious fever, and dysuria.
What are the medicinal properties of the stembark of Tamarindus indica?
The stembark of Tamarindus indica is known for its antipyretic and astringent properties. It is used to treat diarrhea, asthma, and amenorrhea.
What is the medicinal use of the seed-kernel of Tamarindus indica in Unani medicine?
The seed-kernel of Tamarindus indica acts as a stimulant and is used in Unani medicine as a supporting tonic in cases of sexual debility.
How can water stored in a tumbler made from the wood of Tamarindus indica be used medicinally?
Water stored in a tumbler made from the wood of Tamarindus indica is given for treating splenic enlargement.
What potential health benefits have studies shown from Tamarindus indica?
Studies have shown that Tamarindus indica contains antioxidant activity in its seed coat extract. Its leaves and fruits contain flavone C-glycosides, and the fruit pulp is rich in amino acids. The plant also exhibits immunomodulatory activity.
Which polysaccharides can be found in the kernel of Tamarindus indica, and what are their potential health benefits?
The kernel of Tamarindus indica contains polysaccharides composed of glucose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose. These polysaccharides have been found to exhibit immunomodulatory activities such as enhancing phagocytic activity and inhibiting leukocyte migration and lymphocyte proliferation.
What are the flavone C-glycosides found in the leaves of Tamarindus indica, and what are their potential health benefits?
The leaves of Tamarindus indica contain flavone C-glycosides such as orientin, vitexin, iso-orientin, and iso-vitexin.
