Tamarind Seed and Its Role in Cancer Prevention and Control

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L., Family, Leguminosae) is a widely used and explored traditional medicine in India for the management of various diseases. Extracts from the pulp, leaves, bark, and seeds of tamarind plant are all known to exhibit bioactivity against several diseases and conditions. The seeds and pulp of tamarind fruits contain variety of bioactive phytochemicals including fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids. The phenolic antioxidants from the seeds and pericarp of tamarind fruit have been elucidated. The ability of tamarind seed extract to modulate nitric oxide production in vitro and in vivo and its antitumor and immune-potentiating activity have also been reported in recent times. The phenolics from pericarp and seeds of tamarind also could inhibit angiogenesis via inhibiting kinase proteins. Thus, this chapter reports bioactive compounds reported from tamarind seeds and their role in cancer prevention and control. In addition, a brief outline on other bioactivities of tamarind seeds will also be reported.