Phytochemistry and nutraceutical potential of Ceylon Cinnamomum species native to Sri Lanka

Cinnamon is a spice that is renowned for its several medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The research study examined the essential oil content, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of seven <i>Cinnamomum</i> species native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon bark and leaf samples were used to extract essential oils, methanol, and hexane. Essential oil extracts underwent GC-MS analysis, while all extracts were subjected to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. The bark of Sri Vijaya and <i>C. rivulorum</i>, along with the leaves of Sri Vijaya and <i>C. sinharajaense</i>, exhibited remarkable antioxidant properties. The cinnamaldehyde percentage of Sri Gemunu was the highest at 61.63%, while the bark of <i>C. sinharajaense</i> contained 59.19%. The leaves of Sri Gemunu had the highest eugenol content, determining at 91.45%. <i>C. zeylanicum</i> and its strains have been found to exhibit the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. <i>C. sinharajaense</i> and <i>C. rivulorum</i> are two wild cinnamon species that show potential for potential medicinal uses. Thus, these species have great potential for further research on their biological properties and their possible applications in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals.