Six-Month Chronic Toxicity Study of Tamarind Pulp (Tamarindus indica L.) Water Extract

Tamarind water extract has been shown to demonstrate an anti-obesity effect. In this research, long-term use of tamarind pulp water extract safety was evaluated. Tamarind pulp was extracted by reflux method, followed by freeze-drying to obtain dry extract. Wistar rats were divided into six groups, with 20 animals of each sex per group. The control group and satellite control group received carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) 0.5% 1 mL/100 g bw (body weight) per day. Treatment groups received tamarind pulp extract at doses of 75, 200, 1000, satellite 1000 mg/kg bw per day for six months. After six months, control groups and the treatment group were sacrificed. Satellite groups were sacrificed one month later. Relative organ weights, hematology and clinical biochemistry profiles were determined. After six months, there were no significant change in body weight, hematologic, and clinical biochemistry profiles of the tested group. Body weight of male rats in the satellite 1000 mg/kg bw group was significantly increased in week 30 compared to the satellite control group (p < 0.05). The relative spleen weight of female rats of the 200 mg/kg bw group was reduced (p < 0.05). The relative kidney weight of male rats in the 1000 mg/kg bw group was increased (p < 0.05). This study showed that tamarind pulp extract was generally safe and well tolerated at the tested dose.