Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • 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.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • 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.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Aspirin interacts with TAMARIND

    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) interacts with TAMARIND

    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) interacts with TAMARIND

    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.

Dosing

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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.