Waste to Wealth: Tamarind Seed Dietary Fiber as a Potent Prebiotic Feed Additive

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seeds, often discarded as agro-industrial waste, are a rich source of bioactive compounds and dietary fibers. In this study, tamarind seed powder (TSP) was enzymatically treated for 4 h (e₄TSP), 6 h (e₆TSP), and 8 h (e₈TSP) to decipher its nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties. The e₆TSP contained protein (13.99 g/100 g) and carbohydrate content (64.77 g/100 g), with low moisture (3.12 g/100 g) and water activity (0.37), ensuring storage stability. Antioxidant evaluation revealed exceptionally high total phenolics (3506.78 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (5877.6 mg QE/100 g), along with significant radical scavenging capacity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-associated functional groups. Enzymatic hydrolysis revealed substantial potential of prebiotic oligosaccharides (XOS, FOS, GOS, MOS), with maximum yields at 6 h. In vitro assays demonstrated that e₆TSP supported the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. and significantly enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These dual effects probiotic stimulation and SCFA generation highlight e₆TSP as a potential stimbiotic ingredient. The findings position tamarind seed powder as a sustainable bioresource for food, nutraceutical, and poultry feed applications, while contributing to effective waste valorization.