Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Sampalok fruit (Tamarindus indica) contains phenolic compounds including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (31.06% peak area) that neutralize free radicals and inhibit enzymes like α-amylase for antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects. The fruit's high potassium content supports cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Sampalok (Tamarindus indica), also known as Tamarind, is a leguminous tree native to tropical Africa. It is now widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions globally, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Its fruit is valued in functional nutrition for its unique flavor and dense nutritional profile.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Contemporary research confirms Sampalok's cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits, attributed to its rich content of phenolic compounds and potassium. Studies also support its traditional uses for digestive health and anti-inflammatory effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Dietary fiber: Improves digestion, supports bowel regularity, and aids in weight management. - Natural sugars (Glucose, Fructose): Provide a readily available source of energy. - Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C): Support energy metabolism, nerve function, and immune health. - Minerals (Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus): Essential for cardiovascular function, bone health, and cellular energy production.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Sampalok's phenolic compounds, particularly 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde, scavenge free radicals through hydrogen donation and electron transfer mechanisms while inhibiting α-amylase enzyme activity via hydrogen bonding interactions. The fruit's fatty acids (including n-hexadecanoic acid at 1.38%) disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit key enzymes. Potassium content directly supports cardiovascular function by maintaining proper electrolyte balance and cardiac rhythm regulation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical evidence remains limited to animal studies and in vitro research, with no large-scale human randomized controlled trials reported. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, fruit extract significantly altered serum glucose and lipid profiles (p<0.05), though exact quantitative values were not specified. Laboratory studies demonstrate phospholipase A2 and proteinase inhibition by seed extracts, while leaf extracts suppressed reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cell lines. The evidence strength is considered preliminary and requires validation through properly designed human clinical trials.
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