The genus Cinnamomum

324 B. Krishnamoorthy and J. Rema
disorders like hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and infertility (Sakamoto et al., 1988). It
is also administered for gonorrhea and the leaves are used in rheumatism as a stimulant.
The bark was prescribed by the Hakims for the enlargement of spleen, disorders of
nerves and for the retention of urine. Cassia was held in considerable repute by the
ancients for its stomachic and soporific properties. It is also given as a decoction or
powder for the suppression of lochia after childbirth. The bark is also a minor constituent
of Unani medicine jawarish jalinoos, a drug prescribed for gastro-enterological
complaints (Asolkar et al., 1994).
Trans-cinnamaldehyde isolated from the cortex showed antimutagenic activity in
Escherichia coli (Kakinuma et al., 1984). A number of diterpenes were isolated from
cassia bark and a few of them were reported to exibit antiallergic activity. 3-(2-hydroxy
phenyl)-propanoic acid and its o-glucoside isolated from the stem bark is reported as
having potent antiulcerogenic constituents (Tanaka et al., 1989). Cassia oleoresin is
stomachic, carminative, mildly astringent, emmenagogue and capable of decreasing
the secretion of milk. It is used mainly to assist and flavour other drugs used against
diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, uterine haemorrhage and menorrhagia, and to relieve
flalutence. It is a strong local stimulant and a powerful germicide. Accidental intake of
considerable proportions or overdoses of cassia may result in acute poisoning and
inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane.
Cassia – in industry
Cassia oil obtained by the distillation of leaves, stalks and twigs is used for purposes
similar to that of cinnamon bark oil, in perfumery and flavouring. The oil finds
extensive use in flavouring soft drinks and other beverages. As in the case of cinnamon
bark oil, the use of cassia oil in the perfume industry is limited due to its skin
sensitising property. Cassia buds once formed a part of the “spicy wedding gift box”.
In China, including cassia bud twins in the gift box symbolises two joining as one
spiritually.
(Refer to Chapter 6 for more details on the uses of Chinese cassia.)
References
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Active Principles Part – I (A–K), Publication and Information Directorate (CSIR), New Delhi.
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Bullerman, L.B. (1974) J. Food Sci., 39, 1163 (cited from Hirasa and Takemasa 1998).
Chaurasia, S.C. and Jain, P.C. (1978) Antibacterial activity of essential oils of four medicinal
plants. Indian J. Hosp. Pharm., 15(6), 166–168.
Chipault, J.R., Mizuno, G.R., Hawkins, J.W. and Lundberg, W.O. (1952) Food Res., 17, 46
(cited from Hirasa and Takemasa 1948).
Dey, A.C. (1980). Indian Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurvedic Preparations, Bishen Singh Mahendra
Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India.
Farrell, K.T. (1985) Spices, Condiments and Seasonings, Avi Pub. Co., USA.
Hasan, H.A.H. (1995) Alternaria mycotoxins in black rot lesion of tomato fruit: conditions and
regulations of their production. Mycopathologia, 130(3), 171–177.
Heath H.B. (1978) Flavour Technology, Avi Pub. Co., USA.