Disclosed are (i) a standardized method for the recovery of the polyphenolic contents from the seed coats of Tamarindus indica L. (ii) a standardized polyphenolic extract (10%-90%) from the seed coat of Tamarindus indica L. (standardized Indian date extract) and uses thereof as oral/topical, "skin care" and "hair care" nutra-cosmetic formulations. The standardized Indian Date extract of the present invention exhibits anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-5-alpha-reductase and anti-hyaluronidase activities. The standardized Indian date extract of the present invention is suitable for oral/topical, "skin care" and "hair care" nutra-cosmetic formulations either singly or as "cosmetic blends" with other carefully chosen natural plant actives.