Comparative analysis of cytotoxic and antioxidant potential of edible Cinnamomum verum (bark) and Cinnamomum tamala (Indian bay leaf)

Aim and Background Cinnamomum verum bark (Cinnamon or dalchini in Hindi) and Cinnamomum tamala leaf (Indian bay leaf or tejpatta in Hindi) are commonly used spices in the Asian subcontinent. In the present study, we compared the bioactive potential of these spices. Method The plants were collected and extracted with different solvents. The extracts were analysed for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines by SRB assay. Antioxidant activity was measured in terms of DPPH radical scavenging and chelation power on ferrous ions. Relative phenolic content of extracts was also measured. Results Comparative analysis demonstrated that C. verum (bark) has much greater cytotoxic as well as antioxidant potential than C. tamala (leaves). The bark methanol extract showed potential activity against prostrate (PC-3) and glioblastoma (T98G) cancer cell lines with 90% and 78% growth inhibition at 100 μg/ml concentration respectively. The bark methanol extract also showed good DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC 50 111.5 ± 0.62 μg/ml and moderate chelating power on ferrous ions IC 50 108.7 ± 0.53 μg/ml. The total phenolic content of bark methanol extract was highest with 210 ± 0.81 mg/g GAE. Conclusion This study highlights the relative greater bioactive potential of C. verum (bark) and it can be deduced that it is a highly effective cytotoxic, antioxidant spice than Indian bay leaf.