Chapter 49

Phytochemical and Therapeutic Properties of Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum Tamala) Plant: A Review

Sumit Bhattacharjee, Aeimy Mary Jose, Anuja Ajit More, Farhan Alam and Manoj Kumar Jena*

Abstract

The Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum Tamala) plant is found in high altitudes along the tropical and subtropical regions of India. This plant is very useful to be used as a food ingredient and as a medicine for centuries to treat several ailments. The leaves are traditionally used in the Indian household as a spice in food and even as a mouth freshener and deodorant. This is because the leaves have a pepper-like aroma which is caused due to the essential oils present in the leaves and the bark. It is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, etc. These phytochemicals are responsible for their aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. The plant has therapeutic properties against various types of diseases. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it has been used as a preservative in the food industry. The present review discusses in detail the phytochemical and therapeutic properties of C. Tamala, along with its tremendous potential to be used as a medicine.

Total Pages: 435-442 (8)

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