Abstract
For centuries, plant-based materials have served as traditional remedies for promoting health and treating various ailments. Tamarindus indica is one such well-known medicinal plant. Belonging to the family Leguminosae (subfamily Caesalpiniaceae), tamarind is an evergreen tree originally native to Africa but now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Ayurvedic texts describe its pharmacological properties as the basis for its therapeutic value. Besides its medicinal importance, tamarind is also commonly used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. the fruit of tamarind is a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, essential amino acids, vitamins, and other phytochemicals, contributing to its moderate antioxidant potential. Due to its affordability and availability, tamarind is considered beneficial in managing several diseases. The seeds exhibit antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and antisnake venom activities, while other parts of the plant—including fruit pulp, leaves, and stem bark—possess antioxidant, analgesic, antiemetic, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, and liver-regenerative properties. Along with the fruit, the leaves and seeds also hold nutritional and commercial value.This review aims to highlight the phytochemical profile, traditional applications, pharmacological properties, and medicinal importance of tamarind, as well as its use in household preparations.
Keywords
Tamarindus indica, tamarind, antioxidant activity, flavonoids
Introduction
Inflammation is a key biological response that helps protect the body following infection or tissue injury by preventing further damage at the affected site. While acute inflammation is vital for immune defense, persistent or chronic inflammation has been strongly associated with numerous non-infectious disorders, such as arthritis. Although synthetic drugs are commonly used to manage inflammation, some of these agents inhibit kinase enzyme activity, which may in turn weaken the body’s immune protection against infections.1 Consequently, the reliance on medicinal plants for the treatment and management of inflammation and pain—an age-old practice—continues to gain worldwide recognition. The role of these plants in preventing and managing inflammatory diseases is therefore highly significant.2 Humans and plants have shared a close bond since ancient times. The use of plants as medicine can be traced back to the early stages of human civilization. India, in particular, possesses a long-standing heritage of traditional medicine and extensive knowledge of plant-based healthcare. Across the world, especially in countries like China and India, plants have served as the foundation of advanced traditional medical systems practiced for thousands of years.3 Historical evidence of plant use in healing is also documented in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, dating from around 3500 B.C. to 1800
B.C.4
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Prachi Lokhande
Corresponding author
Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216
Aman Paigambar Mujawar
Co-author
Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216
Ayeshabano Fahim Hawaldar
Co-author
Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216
Afrin Abdul Shaikh
Co-author
Delight College of Pharmacy, Koregaon Bhima, Pune, Maharashtra, India-412216
Aman Paigambar Mujawar, Prachi Lokhande*, Ayeshabano Fahim Hawaldar, Afrin Abdul Shaikh, Nutritional and Functional Properties of Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) Leaves: A Comprehensive Review, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (11), 720-725. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17739504
10.5281/zenodo.17739504
