Pharmaceutical Industry

The natural polymers like tamarind seed powder always have exceptional properties which make them distinct from the synthetic polymers and tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) is one such example which shows more valuable properties making it a useful recipient for a wide range of applications.
Tamarind seed powder is a natural polysaccharide obtained from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, gaining a wide potential in the field of pharmaceutical. Its isolation and characterisation involve simple techniques resulting in cost-effective yield in its production. Tamarind seed powder shows uniqueness in its high drug holding capacity, high swelling index and high thermal stability, especially necessary for various novel drug delivery systems. It also plays the role of stabiliser, thickener, binder, release retardant, modifier, suspending agent, viscosity enhancer, emulsifying agent, as a carrier for novel drug delivery systems in oral, buccal, colon, ocular systems, nanofabrication, wound dressing.
Further various studies and experiments have been carried out to prove its multi-functional potentiality, from which it can be concluded that Tamarind seed powder can be a promising natural polysaccharide having enormous applications.
This review focuses on the diversity of applications of TSP. Natural products always take over synthetic ones due to their easy availability, non toxicity, capability of chemical modifications, potential biodegradability and biocompatibility property, as compared to the expensive synthetic polymers with environment-related issues, long development time for synthesis and toxicity which makes them undesirable. Nowadays, natural gums which obtained mainly from seeds have become a thrust area in majority of investigations in drug delivery systems, switching from the synthetic excipients available in the market. Natural tamarind Gum is a polysaccharide complex with sugar and uronic acid units. It is a metabolic by product of plant cell wall produced in higher plants as a protection after injury. These tamarind gums can be classified as anionic and non-ionic polysaccharides or salts of polysaccharides or as hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Natural tamarind Gum have been widely used as tablet binders, stabilisers, thickeners, gelling agents, film-forming agents, release retardants, etc.

The tamarind kernels are used as an ingredient in various medicines. These prove very effective in curing fever. Tamarind seed polysaccharide is also an adhesive, enabling it to stick to the surface of the eye longer than other eye preparations.

Below are some of the benefits by using Tamarind seed powder or tamarind seeds:

Stomach Disorders-Outer shell effectively cures diarrhea and dysentery

Teeth and Gums-Rubbing tamarind seed powder helps in removing stains on teeth caused by coffee, tea and soda drinks. It is also beneficial to heavy smokers by removing nicotine and tartar deposits on teeth and also strengthens weak gums.

Arthritis-Tamarind seed contains anti-inflammatory properties People suffering from arthritis can consume ½ teaspoon of roasted tamarind seed powder twice daily with water to ease out joint pain and facilitate joint lubrication.

Boosts Immunity-Tamarind seeds are capable of boosting immunity that protects you from a number of diseases and disorders.

Cancer Prevention-The sticky tangy tamarind seed juice can treat as well as protect you from colon cancer.

Antibacterial-Tamarind seed also contains antibacterial benefits that protect you from bacteria that cause pneumonia, Typhus and Staphylococcus aureus. It also prevents you from a bacterium that causes skin, intestinal, and urinary tract infections.

Throat Infections-Tamarind seed juice will work as a good mouth wash. You can gargle with this to get relief from a sore throat. When mixed with cinnamon and ginger, it can treat cough, tonsils, pharyngitis, cold, and many other throat infections.

Heart Health-Tamarind seed is high in potassium which is very useful for hypertensive and heart patients.

DYEING INDUSTRY

Dyeing industry uses it for textile sizing because of the penetration and film forming characteristics of tamarind kernel powder makes it an exceptional element for the purpose of sizing in dyeing and also textile paste is used as emulsions.

Paint and Varnish Industry

Tamarind seed (kernel) powder is combined with gum tragacanth which is economically used with most of colour printings pastes and also for wool sizing. Modified tamarind kernel powder (Tamarind seed gum) could be used as thickening agent for printing of polyester Fabrics, printing cotton, and artificial silks. Tamarind gum is used in printing of Disperse dyes on for Rotary, Flat-Bed and Roller type Machines.

ANIMAL FEED INDUSTRY

Tamarind seed powder is used in animal and pet industry due to the properties it exhibits; Tamarind seed powder retains moisture content when used along feed food which further increases the stability of the feed. TKP is used for its thickening properties and preferred as a suspending agent for animal feeds preparation. It is also used for a range of applications in the production of pet feeds especially in feeds for cattle, horse, sheep, etc. Its thickening capacity stays the main reason for several applications mainly as an addictive. In addition, it has good level of anti-bacterial function which will provide good resistance for animals.

Tamarind Seed meal

Tamarind seeds used as good substitute for source of protein in cattle feeds and rich tannin content of tamarind pod husk is useful to depress gas production in crossbred dairy cows and also tamarind seeds are fed to draught animals.

Pigs

Watered or cooked tamarind seeds have been used in rations of finisher pigs and reproductive sows without negative effect on live weight gain.

Poultry

Tamarind seeds of 2% in the diet are fed to laying lens had positive effects and led to lower yolk cholesterol and higher results in feed conversion, egg production and egg weight.

Pod husk

When 7.5% diet containing tamarind Pod husks fed to dairy cows showed a higher live weight gain and milk yield.