Tamal Patra / Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala)

Tamal Patra / Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala) is a medicinal aromatic leaf commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani. The leaf is known for its spicy aroma, carminative, and antimicrobial properties. Apart from culinary use, it is valued for its ability to manage digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, and diabetes.

Tejpatta Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Cinnamomum
Species: Cinnamomum tamala

Cinnamomum tamala Common Names

English: Indian Bay Leaf, Malabar Leaf
Sanskrit: Tamalapatra, Tejpatra
Hindi: Tejpatta
Tamil: Karuva Ela
Telugu: Bagara Aku
Bengali: Tejpata
Marathi: Tamalpatra
Kannada: Bhale Yele

Tejpatta Uses

Digestive Health - Used as a carminative and stimulant, it helps in relieving flatulence, bloating, and indigestion.

Antidiabetic Activity - Leaf extracts are traditionally used to manage blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Respiratory Support - Beneficial in cough, asthma, and bronchitis due to its expectorant and antimicrobial properties.

Cardiovascular Benefits - Contains compounds that reduce LDL cholesterol and support heart health.

Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Uses - Paste or decoction applied on wounds, infections, and skin ailments for faster healing.

Phytochemical Constituents

Cinnamomum tamala is rich in phytoconstituents responsible for its biological effects:

Essential Oils: Cinnamaldehyde, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Eugenol
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
Phenolic Acids: Gallic acid, Caffeic acid
Tannins: Condensed and hydrolyzable types
Terpenoids: α-Pinene, Camphene
Glycosides and Alkaloids: Small amounts present in bark and leaves

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Vol. I, Part I, Govt. of India.

Bhatt, A., et al. (2018). "Pharmacognostic and phytochemical profile of Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eberm: A review." Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 1962-1967.

Kaur, N., & Chaudhury, A. (2013). "Cinnamomum tamala: A valuable tree from Himalaya." International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 5(4), 234-237.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Sharma, P.C., Yelne, M.B., & Dennis, T.J. (2005). Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 2, CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Ahmad, M., et al. (2011). "A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Cinnamomum tamala." Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 1(2), 1-5.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. (2002). Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) and RRL, Jammu.