Cinnamomum cassia Presl: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Abstract

Cinnamomum cassia Presl is a tropical aromatic evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also a traditional spice, widely used around the world. This paper summarizes the achievements of modern research on C. cassia, including the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. In addition, this review also discusses some significant issues and the potential direction of future C. cassia research. More than 160 chemicals have been separated and identified from C. cassia. The main constituents of C. cassia are terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, glycosides, etc. Modern studies have confirmed that C. cassia has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antitumour, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, antibacterial and antiviral, cardiovascular protective, cytoprotective, neuroprotective, immunoregulatory effects, anti-tyrosinase activity and other effects. However, the modern studies of C. cassia are still not complete and more in-depth investigations need to be conducted in alimentotherapy, health product, toxicity and side effects, and more bioactive components and potential pharmacological effects need to be explored in the future.

Phytochemical Characterization and Chemotherapeutic Potential of Cinnamomum verum Extracts on the Multiplication of Protozoan Parasites In Vitro and In Vivo

“…C. verum extracts have strong anti-inflammatory [15] and antioxidant effects and improve reduced glutathione synthesis in the liver [35,36]. Such medicinal effects are useful because piroplasmosis infection is related to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species overproduction, which leads to oxidative stress [37].…”

“…Several reports have documented antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, hypocholesteremic, carminative, astringent, and blood purifier activities [13,14]. Recently, Zhang et al [15] reported that C. cassia possesses many pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-obesity, analgesic, antidiabetic, antiviral, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, cytoprotective and immunoregulatory properties. The effective role of cinnamon in the inhibition of different diseases is attributed to the presence of various chemical constituents in high concentrations.…”

Nephrotoxicity of Herbal Medicine and Its Prevention

“…Although the names of the two drugs are similar, the drugs themselves are different. A. obliqua S. M. Hwang has a high content of aristolochic acid, which can cause a series of diseases, such as the apoptosis or necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and renal ischemia (Zhang et al, 2019).…”

The Effect of Plant Additives on the Stability of Polyphenols in Cloudy and Clarified Juices from Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

“…Furthermore, the addition of plant extracts could increase the biological potential of the obtained drinks. Cinnamon has antitumor, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial, antiviral, cardiovascular protective, cytoprotective, neuroprotective and immunoregulation activity [15].…”