This time, we will discuss another Indonesian kitchen spice which is very nutritious and has a sour taste other than lime, namely tamarind. Although not from the island of Java, the name tamarind comes from its use as a spice for Javanese cuisine. Tamarind trees have also been planted along the Anyer–Panarukan road since the Dutch occupation because all parts of the tree can be used for health.
Besides being used as a spice that serves to add delicious food, Prof. Dr. apt. Mangestuti Agil, MS. explained that tamarind can function as a lowering of blood sugar levels as well as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory. Here's a full presentation from him.
A study published in 2020 by Indian researchers studied the efficacy of tamarind juice extract in lowering blood sugar levels in vitro. Analysis of the main content of the extract found compounds belonging to the group of glycosides, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. The collaboration of these ingredients has been proven to show its prospective efficacy as a lowering of glucose levels in the blood. The trick, among others, is through the inhibition of enzymes that break down flour and other carbohydrates in the body into glucose. For example, the enzymes -glucosidase and -amylase. Research has also revealed that -amylase inhibition has been shown to be effective in reducing excess postprandial (after eating) sugar levels. Inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes is useful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Another study conducted by African and South Korean researchers proved that tamarind can be a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Scientific studies show the pain-relieving potential of various parts of the tamarind tree to occur through opiodergic mechanisms (body mechanisms involved in the response to pain) and inhibition of the prostaglandin pathway. Prostaglandins are substances that cause sensitization of nerve endings to inflammatory mediators. It causes pain when there is inflammation.
In addition to the flesh of the fruit, it turns out that the leaves and bark of the tamarind tree also show the same properties. Tamarind seed extract has been shown to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-arthritis (joint pain) activity. In fact, the substance that is suspected of causing efficacy has been isolated, complete with its mechanism of action. Indeed, experiments are still being carried out on experimental animals. However, the results could spur further research to find potential natural remedies for pain and inflammation.
Source:
https://www.jawapos.com/kesehatan/12/03/2022/asam-jawa-bumbu-masakan-yang-juga-for-pengtangan/
