In vitro pharmacological activities and phytochemical investigation of Cinnamomum walaiwarense Kosterm

Abstract

Cinnamon trees are small evergreens with aromatic bark and leaves. The spice, consisting of the dried inner aromatic bark, brown in color and has a delicately fragrant aroma. The present study explores pharmacological properties of Lauraceae Family - Cinnamomum walaiwarense, a lesser-known and critically endangered species, is endemic to the biodiverse South-Western Ghats of India. The spices from the dried inner bark, is brown with a sweet, aromatic fragrance. Bark samples were sequentially extracted in organic solvents ethylacetate into five different concentrations. The resulting extracts were evaluated for presence of secondary metabolites through standard phytochemical assays. Saponins were identified as the most abundant phytoconstituents, along with other known compounds. To assess the therapeutic significance of secondary metabolites, the ethyl acetate extract further examined for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties through established in-vitro assays. The extract demonstrated promising bioactivity across the carried assays, suggesting a broad-spectrum pharmacological potential. These findings reveals valuable preliminary evidence supporting the medicinal significance of C. walaiwarense, while also underpinning the ecological determination of conserving this rare endemic species. This study supports further pure compound isolation and in-vivo validation, spotlighting the untapped therapeutic potential of the underexplored species