Dalchini (cinnamomum zeylanicum): a versatile spice with significant therapeutic potential

Abstract

Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a widely utilized condiment for its therapeutic uses since ancient times. It is indigenous to Sri Lanka and Southern India. Cinnamon is one of the ancient spice which belongs to the Lauraceae family. In the modern era, it is widely used in industrial products like candies, chewing gums, mouthwash, and toothpaste. It is a well-considered plant remedy used in the treatment of many diseases in a traditional system like Ayurveda and the Folk system of medicine. It is used in many polyherbal formulations for curing various ailments. The plant is enriched with many vital oils and other derivatives such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. Eugenol is the active principle constituent associated with many biological activities. The main therapeutic actions of the plant are antimicrobial, wound healing, antidiabetic, anti-HIV, anti-anxiety, and anti-Parkinson’s. The present review has summarized the therapeutic and pharmacological value of Cinnamomum zeylanicum along with its utilization in the Folklore medicinal system.