The genus Cinnamomum

208 Akhil Baruah and Subhan C. Nath
effect in the absence of auxin. Joshi and Tandon (1991) also reported that both
normal and gall tissues showed indolepyruvic acid pathway of auxin biosynthesis.
A direct correlation between tryptophan and auxin contents was recorded suggesting
a substrate dependent regulation of IAA. Joshi and Tandon (1989) also observed
a gradient of auxin protection activity in leaf galls (from young to the brown
stage). Three auxin protectors with molecular weights of about 200, 8 and 2 Kda
respectively, were isolated from gall tissue using Sephadex gel filtration. These protectors
appeared to be oligomers or polymers of lower molecular weight phenolic
substances.
The essential oil of the leaves of C. tamala exhibited fungal toxicity against A. flavus
and A. parasiticus at 3000 ppm and 1000 ppm, respectively. The fungi-toxic property
was not affected by temperature, autoclaving or storage. The active constituent in the
oil was identified as eugenol. Alcohol extract of C. tamala was also shown to have
above 50% schizomatocidal activity against Malarial parasites (Praomys natalensis and
Plasmodium berghei) both in vivo and in vitro when tested at a dose of 1 g/kg four days
and 100mg/ml respectively (Misra et al., 1991).
The oil of C. tamala exhibited absolute antidermatophytic activity against two
ringworm fungi, Microsporum audouini and Trichophyton metagrophytes at 500 ppm. The
ointment containing essential oil, prepared in polyethylene glycol (0.5 ml of oil in
50 ml base), showed promising efficacy as a herbal antifungal agent in treating
dermatomycosis of guinea pigs, with zero positive culture recovery after 21 days
following twice daily application of 2 ml of the ointment. C. tamala oil was assessed
for its oral toxicity in mice and its LD 50 was recorded as 5.36 ml/kg (Dubey et al.,
1998; Yadav et al., 1999).
Chughtai et al. (1998) reported that the aqueous extract of C. tamala significantly
increased the rate of gene conversion and reverse mutation in diploid yeast
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain D 7) and also caused cell death and the inhibition of cell
division.
C. tamala has also been found to have hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects.
Oral administration of a 50% ethanolic extract of leaves (single dose of 250 mg/kg)
significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in normoglycemic and streptozotocininduced
hyperglycemic rats. The extract also exhibited antihypercholesterolaemic and
antihypertriglyceridaemic effects in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats
(Sharma et al., 1996).
End Uses
Besides flavouring, tejpat is used as a clarifier along with the products of Emblica
officinalis fruits, and for tanning and dyeing leather (Anon, 1950). It is reported to have
hypoglycemic, stimulant and carminative effects, and is used in Indian systems of traditional
medicines to treat colic, coughs, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, irritation,
boils, conjunctivitis and itching (Chopra et al., 1956; Chatterjee and Prakashi, 1991;
Hussain et al., 1992). In Kashmir, the leaves are used as a substitute for pan or betel
leaves. The strong flavour of tejpat is due to an alcohol – soluble essential oil – Indian
Cassia Lignea oil – (Anon, 1950), which is rich in eugenol, widely used in pharmaceutical
preparations, perfumes for soap, cosmetics and as a flavouring agent in many kinds
of foods, meats and sauces (Zutshi, 1982).