Tamarindus indica
Tamarindus indica, commonly known as tamarind, is a versatile tropical tree prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its tangy fruit pulp, seeds, and leaves are utilized in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and manage fever. This ancient plant remains a vital staple in holistic healing.
- Scientific name: Tamarindus indica
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is completed within the genus Tamarindus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tamarindus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing in both Egypt and Libya. Its presence extends into the Macaronesia region, specifically within Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is established in West Tropical Africa. Within this tropical zone, it is documented in both Benin and Burkina.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Tamarindus indica has 55 reported phytochemicals identified across 65 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, antioxidants, lupeol, phenol, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 55
- Scientific sources
- 65
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| antioxidants | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-Methyl-2-furoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tamarindus indica has 13 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiapoptotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tamarindus indica has 45 reported medicinal uses identified across 56 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, malaria, wound healing, Staphylococcus aureus, antidiabetic.
- Total uses
- 45
- Scientific sources
- 56
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aeromonas hydrophila | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |