Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review on Tamarindus indica L.

Abstract

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) commonly known as the Tentul tree indigenous to tropical Central Africa, grows up to a height of 20-30 m with a spreading crown. It is used in the treatment of several ailments as a home-based remedy either singly or in combination with other herbs. It has been traditionally used in the treatment of heart ailments, pain relief, diabetes, constipation, fever, jaundice, parasitic infestation, respiratory problems, laxative, aphrodisiac properties etc. The various phytoconstituents present in it include glycosides, saponin, tannin, fatty acids etc. Tamarind pulp shows the presence of arginine, histidine, methionine etc. The essential oil present in it includes limonene, geraniol, safrole, cinnamic acid etc. The through literature review has revealed the antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, anti-diabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective activity of Tamarindus indica L.The present review article will instigate researchers to isolate important bioactive compounds which in turn will help in drug discovery from natural sources.