The name of this species is often spelled Cinnamomum malabatrum.

Common Name:

General Information

Cinnamomum malabatrum is an evergreen tree growing up to 15 metres tall.
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, and is sold in local markets for this purpose. The leaves are frequently sold as an adulterant in markets under the name of the widely used Indian herbal plant Cinnamomum tamala, to which they bear a strong resemblance[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India (Western Ghats)

Habitat

Common understorey tree in low and medium wet evergreen forests; at elevations up to 1,000 metres.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer an acidic soil with ample moisture in the growing season and a position with some shade[].
Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from basal wood if the top is damaged, and will soon recover from any damage[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) has been traditionally used as an astringent, carminative, deobstruent, diaphoretic, galactogogue, haemostatic and stimulant[]. It is used for treating wounds, fevers, intestinal worms, headaches and menstrual problems[]. The plant is also used for treatment of some tumours[].

The bark is used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal complaints such as dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhoea and vomiting[].

The leaves are carminative. They are used in the treatment of colic and rheumatism. They are sweetish and heating, making them useful in vata, scabies, disease of the anus and rectum, tridosha, piles and heart troubles[].

The dried buds are used with various combinations in the treatment of cough and urinary disease[].

An essential oil in the leaves contains cinnamic aldehyde, euganol, beta-caryophyllene, benzaldehyde, camphor, cadinene, alpha-terpinol, limonene, geraniol, euganol acetate, ocimene, gamma-terpinene, benzyl cinnamate, beta-phellandrene and benzyl acetate[].
The essential oil obtained from the leaves has been shown to be antibacterial and antifungal[].
The bark yields around 1.65% essential oil[], with cinnamaldehyde (70 - 85%) as the major constituent[]. This oil has been shown to be an effective antifungal against several fungus species, with total inhibition of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans[].
Cinnamomum malabatrum stem bark extract has been shown to posses a protective effect against tumours[].
An ethanol extraction of the leaves has shown significant antiinflammatory activity and can be used in the treatment of acute inflammation[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - the seed of species in this genus generally has a short viability and is best sown as soon in containers as it is ripe[]. Remove the fruit pulp since this can inhibit germination[]. Soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water hastens germination[], which can take 1 - 6 months at 20°c[]. The germination rate of fresh seed is about 50%, falling to 25% for seed 6 months old, and zero for those 1 year old[]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in containers[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions when 10cm or more tall.
Cuttings of semi-ripe side shoots, 7cm with a heel, in a frame with bottom heat[].

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