Comparative Morpho-anatomical Studies to Authenticate and Differentiate the Stem Barks of Cinnamomum verum J.Presl and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl and its Market Scenario

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stem bark of Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Syn. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Family Lauraceae) is commonly known as Cinnamon or Ceylon Cinnamon in English, Lavangapattai in Tamil and Tvak in Sanskrit. The stem bark is extensively used as spice & condiment. As per Ayurvedic classical literatures, true cinnamon is equated with dried stem barks of C. verum and used to treat various ailments. It shows astringent, stimulant, expectorant, carminative and lipolytic activities, useful in diarrhea, dysentery and topically for neuralgia, rheumatism and toothache. Majority of market samples sold as Cinnamon are C. cassia and commonly mistaken for C. verum . Thicker bark of C. cassia devoid of active constituent eugenol is preferred for cooking. Ambiguity regarding identity and use of C. verum or C. cassia barks needs to be resolved. Present study aimed to authenticate and differentiate the Stem Barks of C. verum and C. cassia using Morpho-anatomical studies. METHODS: Morpho-anatomical studies were carried out by following standard methods of official books. RESULTS: Stem Barks of C. verum and C. cassia are morphologically different in thickness, surface and organoleptic characteristics. Microscopically cork, cortex, fibres, sclereids, oil cells, secretary canals, calcium oxalate crystals and starch grains characters are distinguishable features. CONCLUSION: The findings will be helpful in identification and differentiation of raw drugs and also in standardization of classical formulations containing stem bark of C. verum as an ingredient.