If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve joint pain, tamarind may be worth a try. This tropical fruit has been used in traditional medicine for generations and recent research has shown it to be a potent protector of joints.(1) Read on to learn more about how tamarind can help relieve joint pain and improve joint function.
How Does Tamarind Work?
Tamarind appears to work by inhibiting the activity of several enzymes that degrade bone and cartilage. (1) It also is thought to relieve inflammation and act as an antioxidant.(2)
Tamarind also appears to have strong anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties as evidenced by this study.(4)
Research has shown that tamarind seed extract is a potent protector of joints because it appears to inhibit the activity of several enzymes that degrade bone and cartilage. (1) It also is thought to relieve inflammation and act as an antioxidant. (2)
A 2019 short-term study suggested a supplement formulation of tamarind and turmeric provided substantial relief from post-exercise knee pain not due to arthritis as well as improved joint function.(3)
How to take Tamarind
No official dosage is established for tamarind. However, studies have reported positive results with doses between 240 mg and 400 mg.
Side Effects and Interactions of Tamarind
Tamarind is generally well-tolerated, but side effects may include stomach upset, diarrhea, and flatulence.20 Tamarind may also interact with certain medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with joint pain, tamarind may be worth a try. This tropical fruit has been used in traditional medicine for generations and research suggests it can inhibit the activity of enzymes that degrade bone and cartilage, relieves inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection.
If you’re considering tamarind for joint pain relief, talk to your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.
(1) https://www.nature.com/articles/srep11117
(2) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nadia-Isnaini-2/publication/335923588_FORMULATION_AND_INVESTIGATION_OF_ANTIOXIDANT_POTENTIAL_OF_OW_LOTIONS_CONTAINING_Tamarindus_indica_L_FRUIT_PULP_EXTRACT/links/5ed90c1e45851529453157d4/FORMULATION-AND-INVESTIGATION-OF-ANTIOXIDANT-POTENTIAL-OF-O-W-LOTIONS-CONTAINING-Tamarindus-indica-L-FRUIT-PULP-EXTRACT.pdf
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6643110/
(4) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422019300800