92 TAMARINDUS INDICA 



Besides the two kinds of commercial tamarinds as above 

 described, there is a third kind of tamarinds sometimes to be 

 found in the south of Europe, and known as Egyptian Tamarinds. 

 This kind is in the form of flattened rounded cakes, 1 or 2 inches 

 thick and from 4 to 8 inches in diameter, of a firm consistence, 

 and black colour. The cakes are prepared by kneading together 

 the softer part of tamarinds ; and are much used in Egypt and 

 some other parts of Africa. 



The principal constituents of unpreserved tamarind pulp are 

 sugar and pectin with citric, acetic, and tartaric acids, either in a 

 free state or combined with potash, the latter more especially in 

 the form of the bitartrate. There is no known constituent in 

 tamarinds to account for their laxative properties. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Tamarinds have slightly laxative 

 properties, and are also refrigerant from the acids they contain. 

 An infusion of tamarind pulp forms a very grateful and useful 

 drink in febrile affections. Tamarind whey, which may be pre- 

 pared by boiling about two ounces of the pulp with two pints of 

 milk, may be similarly used. Tamarind pulp is occasionally pre- 

 scribed in combination with other mild cathartics, as in the con- 

 fection of senna. It is also sometimes useful, and forms a 

 pleasant addition to the diet of convalescents, to maintain a slight 

 action on the bowels. 



In very hot countries, as in the interior of Africa, tamarinds 

 are highly valued for the preparation of refreshing beverages. 



The seeds contain tannic acid, and are therefore used in India 

 as an astringent in bowel affections ; and when deprived of their 

 testa by long boiling, the soft kernels which are left, are eaten by 

 the natives of India as food, in times of scarcity. 



Per. Mat. Med., vol. ii, pt. 2, p. 348 ; Pliarmacograpliia, p. 198 ; 

 D". S. Disp., by W. & B., p. 856; Pharmacopoeia of India, 

 p. 445. 



DESCRIPTION Of PLATE. 



Drawn from a specimen in the E-oyal Botanic Society's Garden, Regent's 

 Park, in flower in July ; the fruit added. 1. A flowering branch. 2. Yertical 

 section of flower. 3. The andrcecium. 4. A fruit. 5. Yertical section of part 

 of the same. 6. Seed. 7 and 8. Sections of the same. (2, 3 enlarged.) 



