Cinnamon

C

Summary and Pharmaceutical Comment

The reputed antimicrobial, antiseptic, anthelmintic, carminative and antispasmodic properties of cinnamon are probably attributable to the volatile oil. The astringent properties of tannins may account for the claimed antidiarrhoeal action. However, rigorous clinical research assessing the efficacy and safety of cinnamon preparations is required. Cinnamon should not be used in amounts greatly exceeding those used in foods.

Species (Family)

*Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bl. (Lauraceae)

†Cinnamomum loureirii Nees

‡Cinnamomum burmanii (Nees) Bl.

Synonym(s)

*Ceylon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl., True Cinnamon

†Cinnamomum obtusifolium Nees var. loureirii Perr. & Eb., Saigon Cassia, Saigon Cinnamon

‡Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Padang-Cassia, Panang Cinnamon

Part(s) Used

Inner bark

Pharmacopoeial and Other Monographs

BHP 1996(G9)

BP 2007(G84)

Complete German Commission E(G3)

Martindale 35th edition(G85)

Ph Eur 2007(G81)

WHO volume 1 1999(G63)

Legal Category (Licensed Products)

GSL(G37)

Constituents

The following is compiled from several sources, including General References G2, G58, G59 and G62.

Tannins Condensed.

Volatile oils Up to 4%. Cinnamaldehyde (60–75%), benzaldehyde and cuminaldehyde; phenols (4–10%) including eugenol, and methyleugenol, pinene, phellandrene, cymeme and caryophyllene (hydrocarbons), eugenol acetate, cinnamyl acetate and benzyl benzoate (esters), linalool (an alcohol). Of the various types of cinnamon bark the oil of C. zeylanicum is stated to contain the highest amount of eugenol. Cinnamon oil differs from the closely related cassia oil in that the latter is reported to be devoid of eugenol, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids (see Cassia).

Other constituents Calcium oxalate, cinnzeylanin, cinnzeylanol, coumarin, gum, mucilage, resins and sugars.

Other plant parts Cinnamon leaf oil contains much higher concentrations of eugenol, from 80 to 96% depending on the species. A cinnamon leaf oil of Chinese origin, Cinnamomum japonicum Sieb., contains a high concentration of safrole (60%) and only about 3% eugenol.

Food Use

Cinnamon is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N2). This category indicates that cinnamon can be added to foodstuffs in small quantities, with a

possible limitation of an active principle (as yet unspecified) in the final product.(G16) It is commonly used as a spice in cooking,

although at levels much less than the stated therapeutic doses. The acceptable daily intake of cinnamaldehyde has been temporarily

estimated as 700 mg/kg body weight.(G45) Previously, cinnamon has been listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe).(G41)

Herbal Use

Cinnamon is stated to possess antispasmodic, carminative, orexigenic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, refrigerant and anthelmintic properties. It has been used for anorexia, intestinal colic, infantile diarrhoea, common cold, influenza, and specifically for flatulent colic, and dyspepsia with nausea.(G7) Cinnamon bark is also stated to be astringent, and cinnamon oil is reported to possess carminative and antiseptic properties.(G2, G41, G64)

Dosage

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older standard herbal and pharmaceutical reference texts are given below.

Dried bark 0.5–1.0 g as an infusion three times daily.(G7)

Figure 1 Selected constituents of cinnamon.

Liquid extract 0.5–1.0 mL (1 : 1 in 70% alcohol) three times daily.(G7)

Tincture of Cinnamon (BPC 1949) 2–4 mL.

Pharmacological Actions

In vitro and animal studies

Cinnamon oil has antifungal, antiviral, bactericidal and larvicidal properties.(G41) A carbon dioxide extract of cinnamon bark (0.1%) has been documented to suppress completely the growth of numerous microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.(G41) (See Cassia for details of the many pharmacological actions documented for cinnamaldehyde and cinnamomi cortex (cinnamon bark).)

Antiseptic and anaesthetic properties have been documented for eugenol(1) and two insecticidal compounds, cinnzeylanin and cinnzeylanol, have been isolated.(G41) Tannins are known to possess astringent properties.

Figure 2 Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

Figure 3 Cinnamon – dried drug substance (inner bark).

Cinnamon 163

Weak tumour-promoting activity on the mouse skin and weak

cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells has been documented for eugenol.(G41)

Clinical studies

There is a lack of clinical research assessing the effects of C cinnamon and rigorous randomised controlled clinical trials are

required.

Side-effects, Toxicity

None documented for cinnamon bark. However, clinical safety data and toxicity data for cinnamom are limited and further investigation of these aspects is required. Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde, an irritant and sensitising principle.(G58) The dermal LD50 of the oil is reported to be 690 mg/kg body weight

(see Cassia). The accepted daily intake of eugenol is up to 2.5 mg/

kg.(G45)

Contra-indications, Warnings

Contact with cinnamon bark or oil may cause an allergic reaction.(G51) Cinnamon oil is stated to be a dermal and mucous

membrane irritant, and a dermal sensitiser.(G58) It is a hazardous oil and should not be used on the skin.(G58) The oil should not be

taken internally.

Drug interactions None documented.

Pregnancy and lactation There are no known problems with the use of cinnamon during pregnancy and lactation, provided that doses do not greatly exceed the amounts used in foods.

Preparations

Proprietary single-ingredient preparations

USA: Cinnamon Extract.

Proprietary multi-ingredient preparations

Austria: Brady's-Magentropfen; China-Eisenwein; Mariazeller; Montana; Montana N; Passedan. Brazil: Balsamo Branco; Paratonico. Czech Republic: Blahungstee N; Dr Theiss Rheuma Creme; Dr Theiss Schwedenbitter; Magenund Darmtee N. France: Elixir Grez; Quintonine. Germany: Amara-Pascoe; Gastrosecur; Klosterfrau Melisana; Melissengeist; Schwedentrunk Elixier; Sedovent. India: Carmicide. Israel: Davilla. Italy: Biophase Shampoo; Dam. Russia: Doppelherz Melissa (Доппельгерц Мелисса); Himcolin (Химколин). South Africa: Melissengeist; Rooilavental; Spiritus Contra Tussim Drops. Spain: Agua del Carmen; Vigortonic. Switzerland: Odontal; Tisane pour les problemes de prostate. Thailand: Meloids. UK: Melissa Comp.. Venezuela: Aftil.

Reference

1Wagner H, Wolff P (eds). New Natural Products and Plant Drugs with Pharmacological, Biological or Therapeutical Activity. Berlin: Springer Verlag, 1977.

C

Summary and Pharmaceutical Comment

Limited chemical information is available for clivers. No scientific evidence was found to support the herbal uses, although documented tannin constituents may account for the reputed mild astringent action. In view of the paucity of toxicity data, excessive use of clivers should be avoided.

Species (Family)

Galium aparine L. (Rubiaceae)

Synonym(s)

Cleavers, Galium, Goosegrass

Part(s) Used

Herb

Pharmacopoeial and Other Monographs

BHC 1992(G6)

BHP 1996(G9)

Martindale 35th edition(G85)

Legal Category (Licensed Products)

GSL(G37)

Constituents

The following is compiled from several sources, including General Reference G6.

Acids Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxyben- zoic acid, salicylic acid and citric acid.(1)

Coumarins Unspecified. Scopoletin and umbelliferone reported for related species Galium cruciata and Galium tauricum.(2)

Iridoids Asperuloside (rubichloric acid), monotropein.(3, 4)

Tannins Unspecified;(5) gallic acid is usually associated with hydrolysable tannins.

Other constituents Alkanes (C19–C31),(4) flavonoids.

Other plant parts Anthraquinones have been documented for the roots, but not for the aerial parts.(1)

Food Use

Clivers is not used in foods.

Herbal Use

Clivers is stated to possess diuretic and mild astringent properties. It has been used for dysuria, lymphadenitis, psoriasis, and specifically for enlarged lymph nodes.(G6, G7, G8, G64)

Dosage

Dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in standard herbal reference texts are given below.

Dried herb 2–4 g as an infusion three times daily.(G6, G7)

Figure 2 Clivers (Galium aparine).

Liquid extract 2–4 mL (1 : 1 in 25% alcohol) three times

daily.(G6, G7)

Expressed juice 3–15 mL three times daily.(G6, G7)

Pharmacological Actions

In vitro and animal studies

None documented for clivers. Asperuloside and monotropein have been reported to elicit a mild laxative action in mice.(6) The action was stated to be approximately 15 times less potent than that of senna, and of shorter duration.

Clinical studies

None documented. Tannins are known to possess astringent activities.

Side-effects, Toxicity

None documented.

Contra-indications, Warnings

It has been stated that diabetics should only use the expressed juice with caution(G34) although no pharmacological data were located to support this statement.

Drug interactions None documented. However the potential for preparations of clivers to interact with other medicines administered concurrently, particularly those with similar or opposing effects, should be considered.

Pregnancy and lactation In view of the lack of pharmacological and toxicological information, the use of clivers during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.

Australia: Dermaco; Galium Complex; Herbal Cleanse; UvaUrsi Complex. UK: Antitis; Aqua Ban Herbal; Athera; Backache; Cascade; Fenneherb Cystaid; Gerard House Water Relief Tablets; HealthAid Boldo-Plus; Kas-Bah; Modern Herbals Menopause; Modern Herbals Water Retention; Napiers Breathe Easy Tea; Psorasolv; Sciargo; Skin Cleansing; Tabritis; Tabritis Tablets; Water Naturtabs; Watershed.

References

1Hegnauer R. Chemotaxonomie der Pflanzen, vol 6. Basel and Stuttgart: Birhauser Verlag, 1973: 158–159.

2Borisov MI. Coumarins of the genus Asperula and Galium. Khim Prir Soedin 1974; 10: 82.

3 Grimshaw J. Structure of asperuloside. Chem Ind 1961: 403–404.

4 Corrigan D et al. Iridoids and alkanes in twelve species of Galium and

Asperula. Phytochemistry 1978; 17: 1131–1133.

5 Buckova A et al. Contents of tannins in some species of the Asperula and Galium genera. Acta Fac Pharm Univ Comeniana 1970; 19: 7–28.

6Inouye H et al. Purgative activities of iridoid glucosides. Planta Med 1974; 25: 285–288.