Tamarind: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 7 November 2025

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

Other name(s)

Imlee, Imli, Tamarind, Tamarind tree, Indian tamarind tree, Tintiri

Scientific name(s)

Tamarindus indica

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Flavonoids

Pectin

Vitamin C

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Citric acid

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

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

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

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

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

No 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.nnIn France, tamarind is listed on List A of medicinal plants used traditionally, according to the ANSM (French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products), which means that this plant is recognized for its therapeutic virtues based on traditional use. nnTamarind fruit pulp is a stimulant laxative that increases intestinal secretions and motility. Tamarind, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, facilitates intestinal transit and improves digestion.nn

Posologie

By mouth: 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 the Ivory Coast and Upper Volta.nn
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 its seeds rich in proteinase inhibitors, proves to be a beneficial natural source for weight management and increasing the feeling of satiety. In addition, Tamarindus indica has demonstrated effectiveness against hepatic steatosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in the context of a high-fat diet. Sasidharan et al. in 2014 found that tamarind helps combat obesity and improve insulin resistance due to its antioxidant properties.

Posologie

Oral: fruit

10 - 50 g

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

Properties

Digestive effect

The fruit of the tamarind is used in cases of digestive disorders. It stimulates bile secretion and exerts laxative effects, thanks to its richness in fiber, tartaric acid and potassium. It thus constitutes 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.nn

Antibacterial

Lectins have been identified in Tamarindus indica extract. Lectins may have antibacterial properties. However, tamarind did not prevent Escherichia coli adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells.nn

Safe dosage

Adults (18 years and older): 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 adjusted (1 to 2 g).

Interactions

Médicaments

Aspirin: moderate interaction

Taking tamarind fruit extract at the same time as aspirin appears to increase aspirin absorption and blood levels.

Ibuprofen: moderate interaction

Taking tamarind fruit extract at the same time as ibuprofen appears to increase ibuprofen absorption and blood concentrations.

Precautions

Pregnant women: use with caution

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

Breastfeeding women: use with caution

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

Intestinal obstruction: avoid

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

Type 2 diabetes: use with caution

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

Conseil scientifique