Qualitative, quantitative, and antioxidant analysis of phytochemicals present in Cinnamomum zeylanicum species

BACKGROUND: Many species of cinnamon are grown throughout the world. The bark of cinnamon has been used as a traditional medicine from ancient times. Scientific proof regarding the presence of active compounds responsible for its medicinal property in Cinnamomum zeylanicum is much needed. AIM: The present study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical properties and anti-oxidant properties of C. zeylanicum bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After preliminary qualitative screening, the aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum was quantitatively assessed for total phenol, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and coumarin. The antioxidant property was evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: C. zeylanicum species was found to possess different amounts of phytochemicals. Among the five components, total polyphenol content was highest in the extract. The total phenol content was around 436 mg/g, followed by saponin which was found to be around 71.25 mg, the tannin content was 43.80 mg, and the amount of flavonoid was 41.92 mg. The coumarin content was 57.70 mg. Estimation of the antioxidant potential by FRAP method indicated the maximum ferric reducing antioxidant power to be 1.377 at 1000 μg. CONCLUSION: Thus, the investigation proved the presence of several active constituents and the antioxidant potential of C. zeylanicum so that it can be used as regular food for preventing and curing diseases.