Therapeutic Potentials of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Twak), Bridging Ayurveda and Contemporary Science

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. (Twak), is widely used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. A systematic screening of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2014-2024) was conducted alongside an analysis of Ayurvedic texts, including Nighantus and the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Volumes I-III. A total of 31 pharmacological studies and 118 Ayurvedic formulations containing Twak were reviewed. Twak exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, anti-helminthic, cardioprotective, gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, spermatogenesis-enhancing, antitumor, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic effects. These properties are linked to bioactive compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, tannins, and polyphenols. Ayurvedic Pharmacological properties (Rasapanchaka) analysis classifies Twak as bitter (Tikta), pungent (Katu), and sweet (Madhura) in taste, with hot potency (Ushna), lightness (Laghu), and sharpness (Tikshna), balancing Kapha and Vata doshas. The review of AFI confirmed its presence in 118 formulations across various dosage forms. Concluding, Ayurvedic and pharmacological evidence support Twak’s Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. role in treating infectious, metabolic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular disorders. Its bioactive compounds enhance therapeutic efficacy, justifying its continued use in Ayurvedic medicine and integrative healthcare.