Pharmacognostic and physicochemical evaluation of leaves of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl

Abstract BACKGROUND: Lots of varieties of Cinnamon leaves are available in the market. Hence, it is not easy to identify genuine drug. Numerous substituent and exhausted drugs which are of fewer efficacies are also available in market. The leaves of Cinnamomum tamala , also known as Indian bay leaf or Tejpatta, are widely used as a spice in South Asian cuisine. Cinnamomum tamala leaves are also adulterated with Cinnamomum verum . Cinnamomum verum leaves are adulterated with Cinnamomum cassia , and Cinnamomum loureirii etc. METHODS: Anatomical, powder microscopical studies and physicochemical evaluation were carried out according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Histochemical test and physicochemical evaluation were performed as per standard protocol. RESULTS: Microscopic studies of leaves characterized by the presence of meristele type vascular bundle, sclerenchyma patches in lamina region, mucilage cells below to upper epidermis, oil cells in mesophyll cells, lignified patch in midrib region, and sclerenchymatous pericycle. Physicochemical studies showed total ash (5.264%), acid-insoluble ash (0.122%), alcohol-soluble extractive values (6.421%), and water-soluble extractive values (12.836%). CONCLUSION: Pharmacognostic character and phytochemical parameter can be used as a quality standard for authentication of the leaves of C. verum and detection of adulteration.