Macro-microscopic examination of leaves of Cinnamomum malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume sold as Tamalapatra

Abstract

Leaves of Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eberm. (Lauraceae) commonly known as ‘Tamalapatra’ is a highly reputed commodity in drug and spice trade. Its adulteration with other leaf species belonging to genus Cinnamomum is found to be a common practice in India and other parts of the world. Thorough macroscopic and microscopic investigations are essential to differentiate them. Survey of South Indian crude drug markets revealed that in place of C. tamala some other leaves of Cinnamomum species are sold. Fresh leaves of various Cinnamomum species, including C. tamala, growing in south India were collected and studied to establish their correct identity. Leaves sold in markets of S. India under the name of Tamalapatra were subjected for detailed macro-microscopic evaluation including maceration and powder microscopy. Leaves of Cinnamomum malabatrum showed many distinguishing macro-microscopic characters, which will serve as markers to differentiate them from C. tamala the official source of Tamalapatra. Though macroscopy will serve the purpose of identification of the entire drug, microscopy had revealed the identity of the commercial substitute even in fragmented and powdered form. Macro-microscopic identity of C. malabatrum is established in comparison with the official drug, further chemical and biological studies may be confirmative in deciding the leaves as a substitute or adulterant.

Macro-micro-morphological diagnosis of leaves of two species of Cinnamomum (C. sulphuratum and C. verum) used as resource of bay leaf

“…Anatomical descriptions of leaf of Cinnamomum species have been provided earlier,[ 16 17 ] but detailed anatomical studies of leaf have been published for only a restricted number of Cinnamomum species. [ 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ]…”

“…The variation in the number of layers of spongy parenchyma has been encountered before in C. malabatrum (5–6) and C. tamala (10–12). [ 20 25 ]…”

Differentiating True and False Cinnamon: Exploring Multiple Approaches for Discrimination

“…Kumar [87] examined leaves of Cinnamomum malabatrum sold as Cinnamomum tamala by macro and microscopic analysis in order to authenticate the samples. The powder was evaluated microscopically, while some dried leaves were preserved whole for histological study.…”

Microscopical Evaluation, Phytochemical Analysis and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Tuber of Actinoscirpus grossus (L.f.) Goetgh. & D.A.Simpson

“…Microscopical analysis of plants is invaluable for assuring the identity of the material and as initial screening test for impurities. 15 Authentication and quality assessment of herbal materials deals with the pharmacognosy that is based on macroscopic and microscopic features. A big quantum of research works in the area of authentication of the correct plant source has been undertaken to provide means Powder microscopy A pinch of powder was warmed with drops of chloral hydrate on a microscopic slide and mounted in glycerin.…”