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| Latin Names |
English Names |
Sanskrit Name |
Cinnamomum cassia
Blume (Lauraceae) / Cinnamomum
aromaticum Nees
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Cassia, Chinese
Cinnamon |
Sthula tvak,
Taja |
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| History |
 Theophrastus
described it as a precious odoriferous substance. It has been mentioned
in Greek literature also. This refers to the old cinnamon. Ceylon
cinnamon was not known to the ancients. Under the name 'Kwei', it
has its place in Chinese literature. In India, several species of
cinnamon were used. The Arabs got this from the Persians. Dioscorides
mentions the use of different varieties of cinnamon. The Mohammedan
writers differentiate the Chinese, Ceylon and Indian cinnamon. European
Pharmacographica also gives interesting information on cinnamon.
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| Habitat |
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It is reported to
grow wild in isolated places in Mizoram and also cultivated to a limited
extent in Tamil Nadu. It is extensively cultivated in China. The major
source of Cinnamon in world trade is China.
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| Morphology
Description (Habit) |
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It is an evergreen
aromatic tree. The bark is gray, smooth and thick up to 1.5 cm. The
leaves are oblong-elliptic, dark shiny green and with a three prominent
nerves from the base. The flowers are small in lax, spreading, terminal,
with axillary panicles. The fruits are black, pulpy, aromatic, elliptic
drupes with a single seed borne in the cup of the calyx lobe.
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| Principal
Constituents |
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Melilotic acid is
one of the major active constituents of the bark
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| Pharmacology |
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It has shown choleretic
and analgesic effects. It also has diuretic activity. Melilotic acid
has anti-ulcerogenic activity. The essential oil has shown analgesic
and germicidal properties1.
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| Toxicology |
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Skin irritation and
pruritis have been found after repeated contact with the powder.
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| Indications |
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It is used for gastro
intestinal disorders.
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| Product Range |
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Abana (HeartCare),
Diakof (CoughCare Sfree), Himcolin, Koflet (CoughCare).
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| References |
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- The Review of Natural Products, 2001,155.
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