International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021122020042022352235ENHypertension Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanStudent Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanIsfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20200420<p><strong>Background</strong>: Animal studies have shown the anti‑obesity effects of Tamarindus indica L. (tamarind)<br />fruit pulp. This study aimed to evaluate the weight‑reducing effects of T. indica L. fruit as well as<br />its blood pressure‑ and lipid‑lowering effects in a clinical trial.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In a randomized controlled<br />clinical trial, obese and overweight patients were randomly and equally assigned to tamarind and<br />control groups. Both groups were instructed proper diet and maintaining physical activity for<br />6 weeks. Furthermore, the participants of tamarind group were instructed to consume 10 grams<br />of tamarind fruit pulp twice daily with meals for the same period. Body mass index (BMI), waist<br />circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting serum<br />levels of glucose (fasting plasma glucose, FPG), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low‑density<br />lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C), and high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C) were determined<br />and recorded for all patients pre‑ and post‑intervention.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Twenty patients in each group<br />completed the study. Tamarind significantly reduced BMI, WC, LDL‑C, SBP, and DBP compared<br />to baseline. However, none of these effects were statistically significant compared to control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Consumption of tamarind fruit pulp with daily dose of 20 g has no significant effects<br />on body weight, waist circumference, serum lipid profile, blood glucose, and blood pressure.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Clinical trial, obesity, overweight, serum lipid profile, Tamarindus indica L</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2235http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2235/717718029