A review of pharmacological properties and functional of Cinnamon

Background & Aim: Considering the inevitable side effects of chemical drugs, nowadays, herbal medicine has gained a special importance. Cinnamon of Lauraceae Family, is commonly used as a food spice and medicine. It is famous to be, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, and antispastic. It also prevents abdominal bloating, increases sweating and uterus muscle constrictions. Cinnamon’s essence is known to have anti-fungal and antibacterial effects, which most presumably reflects the presence of ortho methoxy cinnamic aldehyde components in it (OR which is due to the presence of ortho methoxy cinnamic aldehyde components). Cinnamon extracts contain eugenol compounds which characterizes the fibrinolytic effects of it.Furthermore, Cinemon and its derivatives can also influence the central nervous system and alleviate the pain. Additionally, cinnamon compounds can influence insulin effects and reduce the insulin resistance and consequently result in positive effects on blood sugar level. One of its most important effects is the effect on increased sexual drive. Direct or indirect effect of cinemon compounds in increasing hormonal production and release could well be due to increase of nitric acid synthesis. It also contains volatile and non-volatile non-phenolic ingredients that most probably bring about its anti-oxidant effects.  Recommended applications/industries: Considering the mentioned effects of cinnamon and its extracts and additional ease of extraction and its cost effectiveness, it can be easily used in pharmaceutical and food industries. In food industry, it's anti-microbial and anti-oxidants effects and even for packaging strategies as a natural conservator cinnamon can be an effective candidate.