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Comparison and Quality Assessment of Cassia Bark (Cortex Cinnamomi) by Thin Layer Chromatography

HE Zhen-dan, QIAO Chun-feng, HAN Quan-bin, SONG Jing-zheng, CHENG Chuen-lung, XU Hong-xi, JIANG Ren-wang, WONG Ka-lok, BUT Paul Pui-hay, SHAW Pang-chui*   

  1. 1. Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong, China;
    2. Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong;
    3. Department of Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong;
    4. Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
  • Received:2006-06-23 Revised:2006-11-10 Online:2006-12-15 Published:2006-12-15
  • Contact: SHAW Pang-chui

Abstract: Aim To differentiate the genuine cassia bark from its substitutes and adulterants. Methods Six components, phenylpropyl acetate, cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, coumarin, and cinnamic acid were used as characteristic markers, and an optimized TLC method was developed. Results The TLC profile of cassia bark is similar to its closely related variety Cinnamomum cassia Presl var. macrophyllum Chu but significantly different from other six Cinnamomum species. High content of phenylpropyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, and coumarin was found in superior commercial grade debarked cortex. Conclusion The developed TLC method can be used to differentiate the genuine cassia bark from its substitutes and adulterants.

Key words: Cortex Cinnamomi, Cortex Cinnamomi, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum cassia, TLC, TLC, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, chemical profile, chemical profile

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