Objective
Cinnamomum cassia Presl is a tropical aromatic evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also a traditional spice, widely used around the world. This paper summarizes the achievements of modern research on C. cassia, including the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the traditional usages, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicity of C. cassia have been summarized in the present review. Modern studies have confirmed that C. cassia has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects, antibacterial and antiviral effects, for which it has been used in the clinic in many countries. Moreover, C. cassia has the same origin as a medicine and food which is often used as a condiment in our daily life. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of sufficient research about the alimentotherapy, health products, toxicity and side effects of C. cassia. Therefore, more investigations need to be done in C. cassia in the future.
