Tamarindus indica L. is a multifunctional plant native to Madagascar that
may now be found in most tropical and subtropical climates from Africa through South
Asia, northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and China. Almost every part of the tree is
used in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or textile industries, as well as for fodder,
wood, and fuel. It has been connected to a variety of therapeutic uses, including
inflammation, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, and more. The purpose of
this chapter is to review research subjects on phytochemical elements in tamarind and
their relationship to health that have recently been published in peer-reviewed journals.
We gathered data from original peer-reviewed studies that focused on Tamarindus
indica L., its phytochemicals, and health/medicinal-related issues. We used four NIH
Library-registered databases to perform our literature search. We included open access
research and review publications in English (2010 to 2021). A total of 124 articles were
used to form the basis of the discussion. Among the phytochemical components found
in tamarind stem bark aqueous extract were saponin, catechin, iristectorin A,
proanthocyanidin B1, procyanidin tetramer, and procyanidin trimer (bergenin, catechin,
iristectorin A, proanthocyanidin B1, procyanidin tetramer, and procyanidin trimer). The
essential oil (limonene, linalool anthranilate, p-cymene), 3-eicosyne, cryptopinone, free
and conjugated fatty acids (malic, tartaric, phthalic, palmitic, 10-octadecenoic, and nnonadecanoic), flavones (luteolin 7-o-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin, isorientin (caffeic
acid) were most identified in tamarind leaf. Diphenyl-ether, longifolene, caryophyllene,
and 6, 10, 14-trimethylpentadeca-5, 9, 13-trien-2-one were among the new chemicals
discovered in the leaf extract. 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 2, 3-butanediol, and 2-
furancarboxaldehyde, 5-methyl were the most common phytochemicals found in pulp
extracts. These chemicals are known for their antioxidant properties, treatment of
allergic rhinitis, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, antidiabetic and
antibacterial activity, etc. Because this versatile plant has been widely utilised as herbal
medicine, the findings of this review could be used as a database for future
phytochemicals and clinical studies of this plant. Considering the plant's uses and
benefits, it can be recommended as a valuable multifunctional medicinal plant for both
animals and humans.
Keywords: Health Benefits, Medicinal Effects, Phytochemicals, Tamarindus indica L.