COMMERCIALISATION OF CINNAMON GROWN IN INDIA

Abstract

Cinnamon, a spice, more valuable than gold has been used as a folk medicine from the ancient era due to its numerous health benefits, both in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. From chronicles, cinnamon was worn as a symbol of sovereignty and respect and was a prestigious gift to Gods and Monarchs. Ayurveda revealed that cinnamon is a medicine for treating various diseases such as malaria, diabetes, menopausal problems, digestive disorders, impotence, anaemia, sinus congestion, dyspepsia, blood circulation, scabies, intestinal infections and gynaecological problems (used even as a natural birth-control aid) as well as it possesses many beneficial activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which were commonly faced from the Vedic period to modern times. The chief bioactive component responsible for the favourable and therapeutical properties of cinnamon is due to the presence of Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, and Linalool, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, phenols, saponin, tannins and flavonoid. The main focus of the paper is to emphasise the use of cinnamon grown in India to its journey to the global market as a bark or leaf along with its beneficial studies.