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Cinnamic acid

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Pharmacology of Cinnamic acid found in Daarusitaa-Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum ) Dr. Hemant Vinze M. S.  Introduction Daarusitaa in Ayurveda is Cinnamon in English.  In the West Cinnamon or cassia is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum . In the Orient however Daarusita has more medicinal value than a mere spice. In the taxonomic terminology it is known by various names. However Cinnamomum verum is considered as true cinnamon by plant taxonomists. [1] Daarusitaa-Cinnamon contains many pharmacologically active phytochemicals.  Cinnamic acid is one of them. Cinnamic acid is a white crystalline organic compound, slightly soluble in water, and freely soluble in many organic solvents. It is classified as an unsaturated carboxylic acid. It occurs naturally in a number of plants. Cinnamic acid is obtained from oil of cinnamon or from balsams such as storax. Cinnamic acid has a honey like odor. In pharmaceuticals it i

Pharmacology of Embelin found in Widanga (Embelia ribes)

Pharmacology of Embelin found in Widanga ( Embelia ribes ) Introduction Widanga ( Embelia ribes ) was an important medicine in the chest of grandmothers. It shows pleotropic pharmacological activities. Almost all of its pharmacological actions are due to a phytochemical “Embelin” found in it. I take an opportunity to describe the pharmacology of “Embelin”. Embelin is also known as emberine, embelic acid, potassium embelate benzoquinone etc. Embelin is found to be located on the outer coat of seed beneath a thin membranous film, below the pericarp of the fruit.   Embelin occurs as golden yellow needles sparingly soluble in water but soluble in alcohol, chloroform and benzene. It is used to color silk and wool.      Sublimation and volatility are major characteristics of Embelin. It does not decompose   under normal pressure after being heated. It can be distilled with water vapor which makes   it easy to be extracted and purified. Due to poor water solubili