Abstract

Background:
Tamarindus indica L. is widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, yet comprehensive profiling of its phytochemical constituents remains limited. Understanding its bioactive composition is essential for supporting its therapeutic applications.

Aim:
This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of Tamarindus indica pulp extract using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and to identify major bioactive compounds with potential biological significance.

Methods:
The ethanolic extract of tamarind pulp was analyzed using GC–MS to determine its volatile and semi-volatile constituents. Identified compounds were quantified based on their relative percentage abundance, and their known biological activities were evaluated through literature comparison.

Results:
GC–MS analysis identified eight major compounds accounting for 68.64% of the total phytochemical composition. Myo-inositol derivatives, particularly 4-C-methyl-myo-inositol, were the dominant class (56.18%), suggesting potential roles in metabolic regulation and insulin sensitivity. Other notable constituents included guanosine (6.33%), linked to RNA synthesis and immune responses; ethyl iso-allocholate (2.69%); and 2-hydroxy-3-[(9E)-9-octadecenoyloxy]propyl (9E)-9-octadecenoate (1.57%), both involved in lipid metabolism. Additional compounds detected were melezitose (0.91%), oleic acid (0.70%), linoleic acid (0.61%), and E-8-methyl-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate (0.67%), known for its antimicrobial activity.

Conclusion:
The detailed phytochemical profile—comprising nucleosides, fatty acids, cyclitol derivatives, trisaccharides, and lipid esters—supports the traditional medicinal use of tamarind and provides a scientific foundation for future development of tamarind-based therapeutic products.

Key words: Tamarind extract; Phytochemical compounds; Antimicrobial activity; Cyclitol derivatives; Trisaccharides.