Cinnamon: A Composite Medicinal Plant
Cinnamon is one of the most essential spices used in daily life by people all over the world for different uses. Cinnamon especially contains vital oils and other cognates, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate.
Cinnamon is reported to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, Cinnamon has also been believed to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Introduction
The bark of all Cinnamon Species is one of the most essential and popular spices used worldwide not only for traditional and modern medicines but also for cooking.
Overall, approximately 250 species have been identified among the cinnamon genus, with trees being distributed all over the world. Cinnamon is mainly used in the essence and aroma industries because of its fragrance, which can be incorporated into several varieties of perfumes, medicinal products, and foodstuffs. Its vital benefits are as follows: –
1. Cinnamon has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties
Cinnamon is believed to have several soothing and medicinal properties and is very often used in Chinese herbal medicines. Cinnamaldehyde has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. The flavor and distinctive fragrance of cinnamon come from the crucial oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde.
2. Cinnamon has prebiotic properties which may improve gut health
Few spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties that help in the growth of beneficial bacteria and aid in suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Hence, including spices daily in your diet may result in improving gut health. Cinnamon is also a beneficial source of potassium, and magnesium and has small amounts of calcium and fiber.
3. Cinnamon has antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects
Cinnamon also has large amounts of polyphenol antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from several diseases help your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. The antioxidants in cinnamon have been known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants are found in vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 27 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano. In fact, it is so powerful and strong that cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative.
4. Use of Cinnamon Reduces blood pressure
There is evidence to suggest that the use of cinnamon is related to a short-term reduction in blood pressure. Despite the evidence being hopeful, it would be premature to medically recommend cinnamon for blood pressure control until a good randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving a larger number of patients has been carried out. Moreover, recent studies have, to date, shown only some promising findings
5. Cinnamon Lowers blood sugar and risk of type 2 diabetes
It has been advised that cinnamon can have a moderate effect in enhancing glycemic control and supporting the good management of type 2 diabetes. However, results are mixed, and big randomized controlled trials are required in well-defined population groups using standardized interventions to definitively identify the efficacy of using cinnamon in subjects with diabetes.
6. Cinnamon Relieves digestive discomfort
Cinnamon extract has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems in most countries as Ayurvedic medicine for years. It has been defined as a carminative, renowned for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and anti-microbial properties. It is believed that the warmth of cinnamon helps in increasing blood flow and improves blood oxygen levels to help fight off illness. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon bark oil is used for curing flatulence and digestive imbalance. To alleviate digestive symptoms, cinnamon is taken as part of a hot drink (much like with tea). If Cinnamon is used in tea, it is easier to use ground cinnamon rather than trying to grate cinnamon sticks yourself.
7. Other Uses
In addition to being used as a flavoring agent and spice, Cinnamon is also used to flavor chewing gum due to its mouth-refreshing effects and ability to help remove bad breath and is also used in other dental hygiene. The use of Cinnamon also improves eye health and induces weight loss.
Conclusion
Cinnamon has been used for long as a spice in daily life without any side effects. Many reports have dealt with the numerous properties of cinnamon in the forms of bark, essential oils, bark powder, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and isolated components. All these properties play a vital role in the advancement of human health.
