Abstract

“FROM KITCHEN SPICE TO THERAPEUTIC AGENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CINNAMOMUM TAMALA”

Vinothini A.*, Praveen Kumar M., Vignesh S., Aravinth M., Ranish G., Vaitheeswari V.

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Abstract

Bay leaf, also referred to as laurel leaf, is derived from Laurus nobilis, an evergreen tree belonging to the Lauraceae family and native to the Mediterranean region. Research has indicated that bay leaves can enhance insulin function, making them beneficial in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Bay leaves are rich in compounds such as tannins, flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin, nitrogen-containing organic compounds with medicinal properties (e.g., caffeine, morphine, and nicotine), and essential oils like eugenol, linalool, and estragole. They also contain anthocyanins-watersoluble pigments responsible for vibrant plant colors. Bay leaves exhibit a wide range of biological activities. They aid in wound healing, possess antioxidant capabilities, and exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties, antifungal agents, insect repellents, and show anticonvulsant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The leaves also contain essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc and demonstrate strong antioxidant properties. The variety found in India, known by names such as malabathrum, tej patta, and Indian cassia, resembles the bay laurel in appearance but has a different flavor and fragrance.

Keywords: Cinnamomum tamala, anticancer activity, antimicrobial activity, immunostimulant activity, anticonvulsant activity, antidiabetic activity.