Cinnamomum mercadoi: Difference between revisions
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==Distribution== |
==Distribution== |
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[[Image:Philippines map.jpg|right|thumb|Distribution of ''C. mercadoi'' in the Babuyan Islands, Northern Luzonn, and Mindanao]] |
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Cinnamomum is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania and Australasia. The ''C. mercadoi'' is only found in the [[Philippines]], from the [[Babuyan Islands]] and northern [[Luzon]] to [[Mindanao]]. |
Cinnamomum is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania and Australasia. The ''C. mercadoi'' is only found in the [[Philippines]], from the [[Babuyan Islands]] and northern [[Luzon]] to [[Mindanao]]. |
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Revision as of 17:25, 30 April 2012
| Cinnamomum mercadoi | |
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| Cinnamomum mercadoi | |
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| Species: | C. mercadoi
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| Cinnamomum mercadoi | |
The Kaliñgag, Cinnamomum mercadoi, is a small tree, about 6 to 10 metres (20 to 33 ft) high, with a thick, aromatic bark. The plant part of the Lauraceae family, which contains about 45 genera and 2000-2500 species, and is related to culinary cinnamon, sassafras, and the bay tree. The plant is indigenous to the Philippines, where it grows best in forests at low and medium altitudes that sometimes ascend to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). Cinnanomum is one of the oldest herbal medicines known, dating back to as far as 4,000 years ago, as mentioned in Chinese medical texts, and was used medicinally in Egypt around 500 BC. The C. mercadoi is unusual in the cinnamon family in that its essential oil consists large amounts of safrol, whereas other oils of cinnamon contain cinnamaldehyde. It is currently listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as "vulnerable" due to the overharvesting and the continuous loss of the Philippine forests.
Distribution
Cinnamomum is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania and Australasia. The C. mercadoi is only found in the Philippines, from the Babuyan Islands and northern Luzon to Mindanao.
Habitat and ecology
Like other Cinnamomum species, C. mercadoi plants are variable in the height, shape, size, and texture of the leaves. They typically grow in primary and secondary forests with altitudes of about 300 to 700 metres (980 to 2,300 ft)[1] but are able to ascend to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). They grow best in subtropical and mild temperate forest conditions where high humidity and relatively stable, mild temperatures are found. They also grow best in pH levels of about 4 to 5 and their seeds are mainly dispersed via birds such as the fruit-specialized hornbills which account for the scattered distribution and regeneration of the tree species across the island.
Morphology
The leaves of the C. mercadoi are simple, opposite or subopposite, smooth, pale green, ovately-oblong or broadly lanceoloate. The leaves are also sometimes subelliptic, usually 8 to 20 centimeters long and 4 to 6 centimeters wide, and are pointed at both ends, with petioles 5 to 15 millimeters long. The inflorescence is erect and grows from the uppermost leaf axils, about 10 centimeters long. The petals are smooth and rarely exerted. The calyx is canescent and turbinate. Finally, the bark is gray and does not have any fissures or cracks. It is covered irregularly with corky pustules and thus giving the bark a slightly rough appearance. [2]
Flowers and fruit
The flowers of the C. mercadoi are greenish-yellow and include in terminal or subterminal panicles up to 15 centimeters long. The fruits are smooth, shiny, steel blue, elliptic-shaped, seated on a bowl-shaped perianth cup, and are usually 12 x 8 millimeters in dimension. The seeds are smooth and are narrow to elliptic-shaped. [3]
Usage
Food
The sassafras aroma and taste that the leaves and bark of the C. mercadoi may be added to root beers to give them flavor. [4]
Medicinal
There are several medicinal properties of C. mercadoi including its usage as a(n) diaphoretic, parasiticide, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, and diuretic.[5]. The bark of C. mercadoi has traditionally been used in medicine in the Philippines. In 1668, the Jesuit Ignatio Francisco Alzina reported that eating it aided digestion and since then, it has been employed to treat digestive troubles. It was also employed as a treatment for headaches and rheumatism and has been used as a rubefacient. [6] Furthermore, the bark is used as a(n) carminative, stimulant, astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral property. Finally, the decocotion of the leaves is a remedy for flatulence and menstrual problems in women.
Studies
As a diaphoretic, Cinnamomum plants contain methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), which is a type of water-soluble polyphenol found to make more cells sensitive to insulin in a test tube. The New Scientist reported that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics. In test tube experiments, MHCP mimics insulin, activates its receptor, and works synergistically with insulin in cells. The study revealed that volunteers with Type 2 diabetes in Pakistan were given one, three, or six grams of cinnamon powder a day, in capsules, after meals. The results were positive, as all the volunteers had an average 20 percent drop in blood sugar levels than the control group, within weeks, and some even achieved normal blood sugar levels. Consequently, blood sugar levels started to ascend again after the diabetics stopped taking their cinnamon. [7] A similar study was conducted in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2006, where 79 volunteers with Type 2 diabetes in Germany were given three grams of cinnamon per day for four months in the absence of insulin medication and therapy. The results were also positive, as the volunteers in the experimental group had an average 10 percent drop in blood sugar levels when compared to the volunteers in the control group, who had an average 3 percent drop in blood sugar levels. [8]
Other Usage
In a study by Bacon (1909), one of the earliest chemical studies on the C. mercadoi reported the presence of essential oil, oleoresin, and resin. It was discovered that the oil primarily contained safrole and a further study conducted by Concha (1966), showed that the volatile oil and safrole were found in the leaves, bark, and roots of the plant. Sapogenin was also found to be present in the leaves and seeds of the C. mercadoi, as was reported by Anzaldo (1958). Phytochemical screening of the crude methanol extract of the plant indicated the presence of saponins, condensed tannins, an unsaturated lactone ring, and leucoanthocyanins.
References
- ^ Melvin Lippe. "Habitat requirements and population structure of selected multipurpose-tree species of primary rainforests..." (PDF). Center for Agriculture in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ^ Lating, M.V. "Forest Tree Species With Medicinal Uses" (PDF). Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources College. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Cinnamomum mercadoi vidal". ASEAN Tropical Plant Database. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ "Kalingag". Stuartxchange. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ "Kalingag". Stuartxchange. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ Torres, Rosalinda C.; Sison, Fe M.; Ysrael, Mafel C. (2003). "Phytochemical Screening and Biological Studies on the Crude Methanol Extract of Cinnamomum mercadoi, Vidal" (PDF). Philippine Journal of Science. 132 (1): 27–32.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ MacKenzie, Deborah. "Cinnamon Spice Produces Healthier Blood". New Scientist. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Mang, B. (2006). "Effects of a Cinnamon Extract on Plasma Glucose, HbA, and Serum Lipids in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2". European Journal of Clinical Investigation. 36 (5): 340–344.
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