Ameliorative effect of Tamarindus indica L. on biochemical parameters of serum and urine in cattle from fluoride endemic area.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative effect of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in endemic fl uorosis in cattle. Eighteen cows (3-6 years) were divided into three groups (Group I, II and III) of six animals in each. Groups I and II served as healthy and disease controls, respectively. Dried powder of tamarind fruit pulp was given for 90 days to Group III (treatment group) at the dose rate of 100 grams per animal. Calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and fl uoride concentration in serum and collagen degradation marker i.e. hydroxyproline in urine were considered for evaluating the effi cacy of tamarind fruit pulp. A signifi cant increase in calcium level was observed in cows treated with tamarind (6.49 ± 0.17 mg/dL) as compared to the disease control (5.80 ± 0.41 mg/dL). Increased activity of serum alkaline phosphatase (118.38 ± 2.93 units/L) and the higher concentration of hydroxyproline (27.88 ± 1.01 μg/mL) in cows of fl uoride endemic area were decreased signifi cantly (P<0.05) after supplementation of tamarind (95.24 ± 2.76 units/L and 20.17 ± 1.56 μg/mL, respectively). In conclusion the present study found that dried powder of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp has ameliorative potential on management of fl uorosis in cattle.