Open AccessThe traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Cinnamomi ramulus : a review
Author(s) -
Liu Jia,
Zhang Qing,
Li RuoLan,
Wei ShuJun,
Huang ChunYan,
Gao YongXiang,
Pu XuFeng
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1111/jphp.13189
Subject(s) - phytochemistry , pharmacology , traditional medicine , medicine , biology
Objectives Cinnamomi ramulus (called Guizhi in Chinese) is a traditional medicine used to treat gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, spleen deficiency, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. This review aimed to provide a systematic summary on the geographical distribution, botany, traditional application, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and other aspects of Cinnamomi ramulus . Key finding So far, more than 121 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cinnamomi ramulus , including volatile oil, organic acids, triterpenoid saponins, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, steroids and polysaccharides. This paper reviews the pharmacological effects of Cinnamomi ramulus on antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antitumour, antipyretic and analgesic, antidiabetic and antiplatelet aggregation effects. Furthermore, the present review also indicates that Cinnamomi ramulus has the potential to develop into drugs for treating various diseases with high efficacy and low toxicity. Summary The convictive evidence from modern pharmacology research supports the traditional application of Cinnamomi ramulus . However, further studies on the structure–activity relationship of some of the isolated compounds may improve their biological potency. More toxicological studies will also contribute to the progress of clinical trial studies.