Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

The seed testa contains 23% tannin, which when suitably blended is used for
tanning leather and imparting colour-fast shades to wool. In leather tanning
tests, tamarind tannin gives a harsh and highly coloured leather which is not
suitable for shoe uppers, but could be used for heavy soles, suitcases etc.
The seed husk has also been found to be an effective fish poison (Roy et al.,
1987). Jena (1991) reported that powdered seed husks added to water, even
at low dosages of 5-10 mg/litre, killed several fish species, Labeo rohita,
Calta calta, Cirrhinus mrigala, Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis mossabicus
and Channa marlius, within two hours of its application.
Tamarind extract has also been reported to have an inhibitory effect on plant
virus diseases. In India, extracts obtained from tamarind plant parts have
completely inhibited the activity of both cowpea mosaic and the mung bean
mosaic viruses (Singh et al., 1989). The unfolded leaves of tamarind,
containing lupeol, are said to be effective in inhibiting viral and fungal
diseases in plants. Extracts of tamarind are being looked at for their use in
controlling pests and diseases eg, control of citrus canker in Thailand
(Leksomboon et al., 2001), of root knot nematode (Ranjana and Rajendra,
2001) and of a range of fungi (John et al., 2004, Neetu and Bohra, 2003).
Triterpenoids, phenols and alkaloids are all involved.
3.9 Tamarind Patents
Several tamarind related patents have been developed since 1974. Eight were
issued in India and these relate to the preparation of TKP as a sizing agent,
tannin material, preparation of gum, preparation of juice and health care
applications. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted thirty
patents between 1978 and 1997. Eight of those thirty patents are owned by
Merck & Co, and relate mainly to the utilisation of TKP as a gum and
binding agent. This is an indication of the untapped potential of tamarind
and its scope for industrial exploitation.
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