Tamarind Benefits Sexually: Can Tamarind Increase Libido?

Superfoods come and go like Netflix series — many don’t last more than a few years, and some are majorly overhyped. So why has tamarind continued to make lists year after year for sexual health?

Is there any validity to tamarind benefits, sexually speaking? Or has the internet gotten it all wrong?

From tamarind seed extracts to tamarind juice, this sweet and tangy food source has everybody talking big about its many health benefits, like improved fertility. However, there are some bigger caveats to the idea that a dose of tamarind seed powder is a natural remedy for reproductive health issues.

These quirky legumes of the tamarind tree won’t cause magic weight loss or make cardiovascular disease simply disappear. But as we’ll explain shortly, they can be part of a well-balanced diet in service of many health goals.

Oh yeah, and they might boost your libido too.

Below, we’ll explain what’s so special about tamarind and whether there’s any truth behind this tropical fruit’s purported health benefits.

Known for its distinctive sweet and sour flavor, the tamarind fruit is native to Africa and East Asia. It grows in bean-like pods that resemble peas or peanuts from the Tamarindus indica L tree.

These pods contain edible tamarind seeds surrounded by nutrient-dense pulp rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. The fruit also has small but notable quantities of vitamin A.

Tamarind seeds and pulp have a long history in traditional medicine in India, Pakistan, Africa, Bangladesh, and other surrounding areas. The fruit pulp is also a mainstay in many recipes (chutney, for one).

In recent decades, several studies have looked at extracts from the fruit’s pulp, seeds, and other plant elements to see if there’s any validity to their alleged health benefits.

As you may suspect, there are a few promising leads we’re about to dive into, starting with some notable sexual health benefits of tamarind.

The purported benefits of tamarind for sexual health include increased sperm quality, improved libido, and increased testosterone. While some research shows promise in these areas, no large-scale, long-term human studies have been conducted so far to support these claims.

We’ll explore some of the research that does exist below — because some of it is pretty impressive! But we want to be clear that you shouldn’t use tamarind as a primary treatment for any form of sexual dysfunction or sexual health issue.

If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), or issues with sexual stamina, there are better treatments available with science to back them up.

Research on Tamarind Benefits Sexually

As of now, more research is needed to confirm any tamarind health benefits and determine the appropriate dosage and best way to consume it. For instance, does drinking tamarind juice benefit your health better than munching on tamarind seeds?

That said, a number of studies have looked at the benefits of tamarind seeds and pulp for problems like low sex drive in men, ED, and PE.

Generally, there’s been modest research suggesting tamarind could help:

• Improve libido

• Increase testosterone levels

• Improve sexual function

• Boost fertility

Let’s look at how.

Improved Libido

Can eating tamarind seeds boost libido? It’s too early to tell.

Some research shows that tamarind has natural aphrodisiac properties that may increase sexual desire, but the data is limited.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the fruit’s extracts can increase libido in rats due to tamarind’s high content of polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant properties. However, human trials have not yet yielded substantial results.

Increased Testosterone Levels

One recent study from 2020 looked at tamarind’s effects on the endocrine system, which controls hormones. It found that tamarind could be beneficial for rats on a high-fat diet, ultimately increasing testosterone production.

But like the study mentioned above, it’s too early to tell if the fruit would have the same effect on humans.

Improved Sexual Function

Can tamarind improve your sex life? Other alleged tamarind benefits for males are enhanced erectile function and better ejaculatory control. But again, research is promising but limited.

According to that same 2018 study on tamarind’s aphrodisiac qualities, the fruit has also been shown to increase the frequency of erections and erectile quality in male rats. Researchers concluded that tamarind extract has potential as a natural treatment for ED.

Studies have also looked at the benefits of tamarind for fighting premature ejaculation. Though this 2018 study on human subjects found that tamarind seed powder prolonged sex better than a placebo, it didn’t outperform existing medications like paroxetine.

Fertility Benefits

Turning again to that 2018 study from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, tamarind pulp has also been linked to improved sperm production.

This suggests that tamarind may improve libido, erectile function, and sperm quality all at the same time — but currently, there’s just too little research to know for sure.

Tamarind offers other non-sexual benefits too. While these perks may not directly impact your performance in bed, we’ll readily point out that the benefits below can reduce your risk of things like ED in the long run.

The benefits of eating tamarind or consuming its extracts include:

• Increased antioxidant intake

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved digestive health

• Lowered cholesterol

Want to know more? Check out the details below.

Antioxidant Properties

Plenty of foods and naturally occurring medicinal plants have antioxidant properties — and tamarind is no different.

Studies show tamarind seed extract can protect the body from free radical damage, oxidative stress, and even degradation of bones by blocking the overproduction of pro-inflammatory proteins.

Antimicrobial Properties

Besides antioxidant properties, some studies have found that tamarind has antimicrobial properties (meaning it can prevent bacterial and viral growth). Certain compounds in the fruit offer protection against pathogens that can make you sick.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Let’s discuss tamarind’s anti-inflammatory properties more. Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injury and fight infections. But chronic inflammation is associated with a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

A 2013 study found that tamarind’s anti-inflammatory qualities might have antidiabetic effects and support pancreatic health.

Improves Digestive Health

Tamarind has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea. Its high quantities of malic acid, tartaric acid, and potassium bitartrate — not to mention dietary fiber — make it a natural laxative that helps regulate bowel movements.

As mentioned earlier, tamarind also contains compounds called polyphenols. These compounds positively affect gut bacteria by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria.

Studies have even linked the polyphenols in tamarind to a lower incidence of ulcers.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Tamarind has cholesterol-lowering properties, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

A 2006 study found that dried tamarind pulp lowered lipid levels and — bonus — did the same for diastolic blood pressure. (Diastolic blood pressure is pressure in the arteries between heartbeats — the bottom number on a blood pressure reading.)

While tamarind is generally considered safe for consumption, there are some potential side effects and considerations to be aware of.

This includes:

• Interference with medications

• Allergic reactions

• High sugar content

Here’s what to know.

Interference with Medications

Tamarind contains compounds called coumarins that can interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications like warfarin and reduce their ability to prevent blood clots.

Tamarind may also increase the absorption of certain medications, such as aspirin, which can lead to higher concentrations of the drug in your system. 

People taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before eating or drinking tamarind or any other new supplement.

Allergic Reactions

Some folks might be allergic to tamarind. If you experience any allergic symptoms, like hives, upset stomach, or difficulty breathing after consuming tamarind, seek medical attention immediately.

High Sugar Content

Tamarind is naturally high in sugar, which can be problematic for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels. Consuming too much tamarind could cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Tamarind is a delicious fruit with a range of potential health benefits supported by scientific research. Still, this oddball fruit has a long way to go before it can replace tested, proven, FDA-approved methods for treating sexual dysfunction.

Here’s the takeaway about tamarind benefits sexually for those looking to make dietary changes to solve sexual problems:

• Incorporating tamarind into your diet can be a tasty and easy way to improve overall health. The fruit is rich in essential nutrients, has anti-inflammatory properties, improves digestive health, and helps lower cholesterol levels.

• But there’s not enough evidence to say tamarind improves sexual health. Most studies on tamarind’s sexual benefits have been small or were performed on animal subjects. More research on humans would help us understand how tamarind benefits sexual health.

• There are far more effective and proven treatments for sexual dysfunction. FDA-approved erectile dysfunction treatments include Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), and Stendra® (avanafil). And while they may not be as tangy as tamarind, Hims chewable hard mint ED meds are one option you can eat (and freshen your breath while you’re at it). The same goes for premature ejaculation treatments like paroxetine.

Ready to make some changes? Do a virtual sexual health consultation today to get support for ED, PE, testosterone deficiency, and many other problems that may be keeping you from bringing your A-game in the bedroom.