Cinnamon - Amazing bark

 

 

                            Dalchini / Twak / Cinnamon / Cinnamomum zeylanicum

              Cinnamon are also called Ceylon Cinnamon ,are evergreen tree and spice derived from its bark . Cinnamon is  generally native to Sri Lanka , the neighboring Malabar coast of India and Burma . The Cinnamon tree grow in moist well drained soil and height of tree up to 12-14 meter . The spice , consisting of the dried inner bark , is brown in color and has delicately fragrant aroma . The bark is peeled off after the sixth years old which is called cinnamon sticks .Leaves are dark green in color below and flowers small and yellowish to white colored with unpleasant odor with grow in bunches . The fruit oval shaped and dark purple color holding seed inside it . Cinnamaldehyde and Cinnamic alcohol are compound present in Cinnamon , which are responsible for its fragrance . Generally  Cinnamon are two varieties in the trade , which are ;

1-     Ceylonese Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum ) also called ceyloni Cinnamon  

2-      Chinese Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum cassia ) .

 

Others Name of Cinnamon – ( Family- Lauraceae )-

          English ( Cinnamon ) , Hindi ( Dalchini ) , Telgu ( Lavanga patta ) , Tamil ( Ilayangam ) ,    Bengali ( Daruchini ) , Gujarat ( Taja ) , French ( Cammelle ) , Oriya ( Dalechini ) , Malyalam ( Karuvapatta ) , Siddha name ( Elavangappattai ) , Snaskrit ( Tvak , Svadvi , Tanutvak , Darusita ), Botanical name (  Cinnamomum zeylanicum ).

Type and difference of Cinnamon – (Two type – Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon )

1.     There are mainly two type of Cinnamon , Ceylon Cinnamon is mainly grown in Sri Lanka and other Cinnamon cassia are widely produced in China and Indonesia .

2.     Cassia cinnamon is very rich source of coumarin . Cassia Cinnamon  contain approximately 1 % coumarin , while Ceylon cinnamon contain trace amount only 0.004% or 250 times less . Consuming too much coumarin ( rich amount in Cassia cinnamon ) may increase the risk of liver toxicity and damage .

3.     Cassia cinnamon taste are stronger ,  hotter , while Ceylon is full of lighter . Ceylon cinnamon , using only the thin inner bark has  lighter  brown whereas Cassia takes some reddish brown color . Cassia cinnamon  stick are hard , woody structure , and always sold as broken piece . Ceylon cinnamon , only the thin inner bark and sold generally in rolled shaped .

4.     Very low quantity of Coumarin  in  Ceylon cinnamon may be beneficial to the liver , and no negative effects to any other organs system . Ceylon cinnamon also contain antioxidant compound Proanthocyanidins , which may strengthen capillaries , and antioxidant protection against heart disease . It include also   antimicrobial and anti-parasitic activities .

5.     Identification  Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon – The rolled inner bark of Ceylon cinnamon will be thinner and multilayered compared to the thicker bark of Cassia cinnamon. Therefore , if regularly eat a Cinnamon  then it should be Ceylon cinnamon , not Cassia cinnamon . Generally , it is better always consume Cinnamon Ceylon Variety in very low quantity . If there is no alternative  for availability of Ceylon variety , then use Cinnamon cassia variety in very -very low quantity .

6.     The inner bark is peeled off and dried , which cause it to curl up into Cinnamon sticks . After harvesting Cinnamon requires tree to be cut down , but these grows back super quickly after cut down within two years .

Properties of Cinnamon –

1-     Ayurvedic properties of Cinnamon  are ; Rasa / Taste – Katu / Pungent /Tikta / Sweet  ; Guna / Qualities – Laghu / Light to digestion / Teekshna  ; Veerya / Potency – Ushna / hot  ;  Vipaka / Meta - Kati / Pungent   ; Effect on Tridosha – Balance Vata and Kapha , Increase Pitta. Cinnamon is loaded with protective anti-oxidant that reduce free radical damage and slow down the ageing process .It may be helps the body to fight infections and repair tissue damaging agents

2-     Others properties -  Cinnamon  have therapeutic properties like that of anti-bacterial , anti-fungal , anti-oxidant, anti-microbial , anti-clotting ,  diuretic , anti-spasmodic ,lowering cholesterol level , maintaining sugar level , control vomiting and if used regularly , in limited quantity ,  it may be reduces the breathlessness and contribute strength to heart muscles, vascular system .Cinnamon have significant benefit for human health , particularly as ant-inflammatory , anti-tumor , anti-diabetic , and anti-hyper-triglyceridemic agent , mainly due to its phytochemical constituents such as phenolic and volatile compound . Cinnamon rich with antioxidants , including polyphenols , that helps to fight oxidative stress in the body . These antioxidants can help protect our cells from damages caused by free radicals , which are linked to aging and various disease .Cinnamon may promote to warmth throughout the body , it may also enhance circulation in the joints and extremities .

3-     Preventing Diabetes and its complication - Regular intake of Cinnamon , improving in maintaining our glycemic level . It regulate the production of insulin, and control sugar level of type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon forces the muscle cells to remove sugar from the blood stream where it is converted in to energy .  The non-toxic Cinnamon repair the receptors so that they become responsive to insulin and the level of sugar become normal . Cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamon also prevents the conversion of glucose to sorbitol and reduce diabetic complication . It helps to correct impaired digestion due to its hot potency , this reduce Ama ( Toxic remain in body ) and improve the function of insulin .

4-     Preventing allergy - Allergy occurs may be a result of an accumulation of Ama ( Toxic remain in body )  in the body , due to an imbalance of kapha dosha  . Cinnamon prevent the formation of Ama , due to its Ushna / hot potency and also help in balancing kapha , thus manage the symptoms of allergy . Cinnamon may be help to control symptom of allergy when taken with honey . Cinnamon is a powerful immune system booster due to presence  and combination of antioxidants and antibacterial properties .

5-     Reducing High blood pressure and maintaining health Heart - Cinnamon has an anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory property which lower the risk of narrowing of arteries and  regulates  high blood pressure by relaxing narrowed blood vessels . It may repair tissue , which may be helpful in regenerating heart tissues to fight heart attacks , heart

disease and stroke . It helps to balance kapha which prevents blood clotting and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease . In coronary artery disease is due to the deposition of plaque inside the arteries. Cinnamon has an anti-oxidant property which lower the risk of narrowing of arteries . It has also anti-inflammatory property and regulate high blood pressure by relaxing narrowed blood vessels .

Cinnamon contain Coumarin , which is natural blood thinner and an anticoagulant . Consumption of cinnamon may help to increase in blood circulation in our body along with a reduced risk of blood clot formation .Cinnamon is a excellent cholesterol-lowering agent ,which are useful in reducing LDL or bad cholesterol in the body .

6-     Improving Digestion - Hot potency spice with sweet , pungent , and bitter flavors, Cinnamon improving digestion . Because of its hot properties , its pacifying for Kapha and good for balancing Vata as well . Cinnamon stimulate digestion and promote the secretion of digestive enzymes , which can help minimize bloating ,Flatulence  ,  indigestion and stomach cramp . Regular consumption of Cinnamon may be beneficial in various gastrointestinal problem. Gastrointestinal problem is aggravated  kapha that cause weak digestive fire . Cinnamon may be helps to improve digestive fire and digest food easily and give strengthen the intestine . . This is due to its appetizer and digestive properties of it .

7-     Improving nervine system - Cinnamon may be beneficial for neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease . Both of these effects are caused by a harmful protein Tau , which is formed in the brain .It affect the level of a proteins that protects the cells of the brain from oxidative damage . The combination of Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin compound in Cinnamon , has the capability to inhibit the formation of this protein ( Tau ) .This helps to improve the brain cells from further damage .

8-     Preventing Acne and Skin infections .- Cinnamon has antibacterial activity make it an excellent for treating acne and other skin conditions .It can kill the bacteria responsible for acne breakout , reduce inflammation and promote faster healing . Cinnamon has the ability to stop acne-causing germs in their tracks .

9-     Cinnamon oil , when applied externally heals wounds quickly . 2-5 drop of the oil applied over the site insect bites to detoxify local area and to relieve stinging pain . Cinnamon oil will enhance our scalps blood circulation , it will also promote hair growth and strengthen the hair roots .

 Chemical properties of Cinnamon –

1-    Cinnamon bark consist of a number of resinous compound , including  Cinnamaldehyde  ( 60- 80 %) , Cinnamate , Cinnamic acid , Cinnamyl acetate ,Benzaldehyde , Methyl amyl ketone , Phellandrene ,Caryophyllene ,  Eugenol ( 5 -9 % )  , and numerous essential oil.  Coumarin is a natural flavoring and fragrant substance found in Cinnamon bark . A total of near about 41 different protective compound found in Cinnamon .

2-     Cinnamaldehyde is natural occurring organic compound Aldehyde , which have anti-microbial activities  against pathogenic yeast , thereby minimize the risk of fungal infection . This is also due to Tikshna and hot properties of Cinnamon . It has anti-bacterial property which may be help control acne by inhibiting the growth and activity of acne-causing bacteria .

3-    Cinnamaldehyde , which acts as a natural anti-clotting agents  .It may be help to stops unwanted clumping of blood platelets . Spicy taste and fragrance of Cinnamon are may be due to the presence of Cinnamaldehyde .

4-    Cinnamon is loaded with powerful anti-oxidant such as Poly-phenols , which protect our body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals . Phenolic compound such as Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol acts as the main bioactive anti-oxidant compound .

5-    Eugenol is a natural occurring phenolic molecule , which are the member of Allylbenzene class of chemical compound  . Eugenol is considered to be a non-mutagenic with anti-cancer properties . The potent inhibitor can also be used to treat oral disease with Its anti-biotic properties .

6-    Cinnamyl acetate is a chemical compound of the Cinnamyl eater family ,it  may be  help to chronic inflammation . They also excellent anti-coagulant , anti-bacterial and anti-microbial activities .

7-    Caryophyllene has potent anti-inflammatory , anti-microbial , anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties . It may be help to relieve anxiety  , pain , reduce cholesterol , prevent osteoporosis  etc. .

8-     Coumarin  - Cassia cinnamon has the highest level of Coumarin ( approximately 1 % ) , while Ceylon cinnamon had the lowest levels ( Coumarin 0.004 % )  . Coumarin also acts as a powerful anti-coagulant  activities . Coumarin are natural bio-active Phenolic substances ( chemical) 1,2-Benzopyrone .

9-    Coumarin are phenolic substance composed of fused benzene and alpha-pyrone rings . Coumarins are natural bioactive compound  recognized for their anti-inflammatory , anti- bacterial , anti-viral , anti-cancer , anti-hypertensive , anti-fungal , and other pharmacological activities as well as its anti-oxidant  and neuro-protective action .

Many phytochemical have been found , of which the main ones are Pinene , Limonene , where as the main Phenolic compound are Trans-2-hydroxycinnamic , Chlorogenic , Rosmarinic , Vanillic , Gallic acid  , Cinnamic acid and also Amentoflavones , Luteolin , Apigenin , Quercetin and Rutin .natural bioactive compound  recognized for their anti-inflammatory , anti- bacterial , anti-viral , anti-cancer , anti-hypertensive , anti-fungal , and other pharmacological activities as well as its anti-oxidant  and neuro-protective action . Many phytochemical have been found , of which the main ones are Pinene , Limonene , where as the main Phenolic compound are Trans-2-hydroxycinnamic , Chlorogenic , Rosmarinic , Vanillic , Gallic acid  , Cinnamic acid and also Amentoflavones , Luteolin , Apigenin , Quercetin and Rutin .

10-     The Cinnamon bark contain Procyanidins and Catechins , both of which are powerful anti-oxidant . Procyanidins belong to the flavan-3-ols group and are polymeric compound formed of Catechin and epicatechin monomers . It may help the prevention and treatment of a number of chronic disease , including cardiovascular disease .

11-    Volatile oil - Cinnamon bark contains polycyclic Diterpenes and Pranthocyanidinoid oligomers . It contains Volatile oil  ( 0.5 -1.00 % active constituents , light yellow in fresh – change to red on storage  ) , Tannins 1.2 %  , Mucilage , Calcium oxalate , Starch and Mannitol ( a sweet substance ) .

12-     Wide range of chemical in Cinnamon essential oils are , such as Trans-cinnamaldehyde , Cinnamyl acetate , Eugenol , L-borneol , Caryophyllene , b-Caryophyllene , α-Terpineol , Terpinolene , Alpha-thujene, α-Pinene , Camphene , Sabinene , 1,8-Cineole ,  etc.

13-       Essential oil of Cinnamon contain mainly three element , which make it a powerful spice. These are (i)- Cinnamyl alcohol is typically used in fragrances and cosmetic product , while (ii)- Cinnamyl acetate is used in product like hair conditioner and shampoos and  (iii)-- Cinnamaldehyde . All are acts as anti-fungal and anti-microbial agents .

14-       Alpha Terpineol has a wide range of biological application as an anti-oxidant , anti-convulsant , anti-ulcer , anti-hypertensive compound . It also use to enhance skin penetration and also has insecticidal  properties .

15-      Nutritional composition of Cinnamon , as per 100 gram near about are ; Carbohydrates  ( Sugar 2 gram +Dietary fiber 50 gram ) , Fat 1.2 gram , Proteins 1 – 3 gram , Vitamins -    ( Vitamin A , Vitamin B1 , B2 , B3 , B6 , B9 , Vitamin C ,E, K ) , Minerals (Calcium 950 mg  , Potassium 425 mg ,  Iron 8.00 mg , Magnesium 60 mg , Phosphorus 61 mg  , Sodium 10 mg  and zinc 1.7 mg ) .

Side effect of Dalchini –

1-     Dalchini has hot potency which are not suitable for people with burning sensation and gastritis . It is also not suitable for people with pitta body type and bleeding disorder such as nasal bleeding etc. .

2-     Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon both contain coumarin . When coumarin is consumed in extremely high doses, it may cause some dangerous side effect . It is safe to use it in very low quantity  Cassia cinnamon other than Ceylon cinnamon .

3-     Mostly in Indian market generally Cassia cinnamon available  , which contain rich amount of coumarin . While eating very small amount to moderate is safe , eating too much may cause side effect like liver damage etc. .

4-     Eating lots of Cassia cinnamon could be toxic , especially if have liver problems . Coumarin can cause liver problem , but the amount is so small that it probably could not create problem .

Disclaimer –

 This article is only  for  educational  purpose , general information and is not for medicinal purpose . Medicinal purpose always consume   after consulting  doctor .