Cinnamon Bark Oil Dark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum),Origin : Sri Lanka

Cinnamon Bark Oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Profile, Chemical Composition, and Therapeutic Applications

Overview & Historical Context

Cinnamon has been a cornerstone of culinary and medicinal practices for millennia. Revered since ancient times, it possesses one of the most recognizable olfactory profiles on the planet. While the tree yields oils from both leaves and bark, Cinnamon Bark Oil is the premium extract, distinguished by its high aldehyde content—specifically cinnamaldehyde—which imparts its characteristic potency.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery

• Aroma: Potent, warm, and spicy with distinct peppery, earthy, and woody undertones.

• Role in Perfumery: It functions as a moderate fixative, utilized to lend vigor, warmth, and diffusive power to fragrance compositions. It is often classified as a "hot" spice note that provides lift to oriental and woody blends.

Chemical Composition

The efficacy and aroma of Cinnamon Bark Oil are driven by its volatile organic compounds.

• Primary Active Constituent: Cinnamaldehyde (also known as cinnamic aldehyde). This aromatic aldehyde is responsible for the oil's distinct flavor and biological activity.

• Aldehyde Content: Typically ranges from 41–51% (and often higher in premium distillations).

• Other Notes: Contains minor constituents that contribute to its complex aromatic profile.

Therapeutic Properties & Physiological Effects

Cinnamon Bark Oil is a powerhouse of pharmacological activity, widely recognized for the following properties:

1. Antimicrobial & Antiseptic Due to its high aldehyde content, the oil is a formidable broad-spectrum agent.

• Action: It acts as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agent.

• Applications: Used to combat infections, purify environments, and inhibit the growth of parasitic organisms and harmful bacteria.

2. Digestive Health

• Carminative & Stomachic: Traditionally employed to alleviate gastrointestinal distress, including flatulence, diarrhea, and digestive spasms.

• Appetite Stimulation: Functions as a digestive tonic to stimulate appetite.

3. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Support

• Blood Glucose Regulation: Studies suggest efficacy in modulating blood sugar levels.

• Cardiovascular Health: Promotes circulation and supports heart health; known to reduce inflammation markers.

4. Neuro-Emotional & Systemic Support

• Immune System: Acts as an immunomodulator, boosting innate immunity.

• Nervous System: Known as a stimulant and antidepressant; it is traditionally used as a restorative tonic and sedative for nervous exhaustion.

• Aphrodisiac: Often cited as a sexual stimulant.

Commercial & Industrial Applications

• Flavoring Agents: Extensively used in the food and beverage industry to flavor colas, confectionery (mints, gums), and baked goods.

• Cosmetics & Oral Care: A common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash (for its antiseptic taste) and incorporated into soaps, detergents, and lotions.

• Therapeutic Blending: In aromatherapy, it is used to enhance the efficacy of other oils in a blend.

Safety Note: "Hot Oil" Classification

Cinnamon Bark Oil is technically classified as a "Hot Oil" (dermal irritant).

• Implication: It is highly sensitizing to the skin and mucous membranes. It must never be applied undiluted. High dilution ratios are required for topical application to avoid chemical burns or irritation.

Summary of Functional Attributes

Core Properties: Astringent · Antioxidant · Antiparasitic · Antifungal · Purifier · Circulatory Stimulant · Immunostimulant.