“ Chinese herbal medicine is a general term for traditional medicines in China, which differs from Western medicine and traditional Chinese patent medicines in that it does not have standardized usage instructions. Our application of Chinese herbal medicine mainly refers to two national classics:“Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China” and “Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China”.
This article will introduce Rougui (肉桂, Cinnamon), making it convenient for reference and collection.”01—”Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2020 Edition)”
【Chinese Name】肉桂【Pinyin】Rougui【English Name】CINNAMOMUM CASSIA【Introduction】This product is the dried bark of the plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl of the Lauraceae family, harvested mainly in autumn and dried in the shade.【Characteristics】This product is in a trough or rolled shape, 30-40 cm long, 3-10 cm wide or in diameter, and 0.2-0.8 cm thick. The outer surface is gray-brown, slightly rough, with irregular fine wrinkles and transverse raised pores, and some may show gray-white spots; the inner surface is reddish-brown, slightly flat, with fine longitudinal lines, and shows oily marks when scratched. It is hard and brittle, easily broken, with an uneven fracture surface, the outer layer is brown and rough, while the inner layer is reddish-brown and oily, with a yellow-brown line pattern between the two layers. It has a strong aroma, with a sweet and spicy taste.【Identification】(1) The cross-section of this product shows a series of cork cells, with the innermost cell walls thickened and lignified. The cortex contains scattered stone cells and secretory cells. In the middle column sheath area, there are groups of stone cells arranged intermittently in a ring, accompanied by fiber bundles, with stone cells usually having thinner outer walls. The phloem rays consist of 1-2 rows of cells containing small calcium oxalate needle crystals; fibers are often in bundles of 2-3; oil cells are found everywhere. Parenchyma cells contain starch granules. The powder is reddish-brown. Most fibers are scattered singly, elongated spindle-shaped, 195-920 μm long, about 50 μm in diameter, with thick walls and indistinct pores. Stone cells are square or round, 32-88 μm in diameter, with thick walls, some sides being thin. Oil cells are round or elongated, 45-108 μm in diameter. Calcium oxalate needle crystals are small and scattered among the ray cells. Cork cells are polygonal and contain reddish-brown substances.(2) Take 0.5 g of this product powder, add 10 ml of ethanol, and soak in cold for 20 minutes, shaking occasionally, filter, and take the filtrate as the test solution. Take a standard solution of cinnamaldehyde, prepared with ethanol to contain 1 μl per 1 ml, as the control solution. Perform thin-layer chromatography (TLC) test (General Rule 0502), applying 2-5 μl of the test solution and 2 μl of the control solution on the same silica gel G plate, using petroleum ether (60-90℃)-ethyl acetate (17:3) as the developing agent, develop, remove, dry, and spray with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine ethanol solution. In the test solution chromatogram, at the corresponding position of the control solution chromatogram, spots of the same color appear.【Examination】Moisture must not exceed 15.0% (General Rule 0832, Method 4).Total Ash must not exceed 5.0% (General Rule 2302).【Content Determination】Volatile Oil is determined according to the volatile oil determination method (General Rule 2204, Method B).This product must contain no less than 1.2% (ml/g) of volatile oil.Cinnamaldehyde is determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (General Rule 0512).Chromatographic Conditions and System Suitability Test Use octadecylsilyl-bonded silica as the stationary phase; acetonitrile-water (35:75) as the mobile phase; detection wavelength at 290 nm. Theoretical plate number calculated based on the cinnamaldehyde peak should not be less than 3000.Preparation of Control Solution Take an appropriate amount of cinnamaldehyde standard, accurately weigh, and dissolve in methanol to prepare a solution containing 10 μg per 1 ml.Preparation of Test Solution Take about 0.5 g of this product powder (sieved through a No. 3 sieve), accurately weigh, place in a stoppered conical flask, accurately add 25 ml of methanol, weigh, sonicate (power 350 W, frequency 35 kHz) for 10 minutes, let sit overnight, sonicate again using the same method, then weigh again, use methanol to make up for the weight loss, shake well, and filter. Accurately take 1 ml of the filtrate, place it in a 25 ml volumetric flask, and add methanol to the mark, shake well, and it is ready for use.Determination Method Accurately take 10 μl of both the control solution and the test solution, inject into the liquid chromatography system for determination.This product, calculated on a dry basis, must contain no less than 1.5% of cinnamaldehyde (C9H8O).Herbal Pieces【Processing】Remove impurities and coarse bark. Crush before use.【Characteristics】【Identification】【Examination】 are the same as the medicinal material.【Nature and Taste】Spicy, sweet, very warm. Enters the Kidney, Spleen, Heart, and Liver meridians.【Functions and Indications】Tonifies fire and assists Yang, directs fire back to the source, disperses cold and alleviates pain, warms and unblocks the meridians. Used for impotence due to cold in the womb, cold pain in the lower back and knees, cough due to Kidney deficiency, floating Yang, dizziness, red eyes, cold pain in the heart and abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea due to deficiency cold, cold hernia abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea.【Dosage and Administration】1-5 g.【Precautions】Use with caution in those with bleeding tendencies and pregnant women; not suitable for use with red stone fat.【Storage】Store in a cool, dry place.02—”Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2015 Edition)”
【Chinese Name】肉桂【Pinyin】Rougui 【Introduction】This product is the dried bark of the plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl of the Lauraceae family, mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong. Harvested mainly in autumn and dried in the shade. Crush before use. The best quality has thick bark, high oil content, and strong aroma.【Nature and Taste】Spicy, sweet, very warm. Enters the Kidney, Spleen, Heart, and Liver meridians.【Functions and Indications】Tonifies fire and assists Yang, directs fire back to the source, disperses cold and alleviates pain, warms and unblocks the meridians. Used for impotence due to cold in the womb, cold pain in the lower back and knees, cough due to Kidney deficiency, floating Yang, dizziness, red eyes, cold pain in the heart and abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea due to deficiency cold, cold hernia abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea.【Effect Analysis】Rougui is spicy, sweet, and very warm, “greatly tonifying the fire of the Mingmen and benefiting Yang” (“Bencao Qiuzhen”), making it a key herb for tonifying fire and assisting Yang. It is suitable for Kidney Yang deficiency, declining fire of the Mingmen, impotence, cold in the womb, cold pain in the lower back and knees, frequent urination at night, nocturnal emission, cough due to Kidney deficiency, etc.Rougui tonifies fire and assists Yang, allowing the floating Yang caused by deficiency in the lower source to return home, known as directing fire back to the source. It is used to treat symptoms of deficiency Yang floating, such as dizziness, red face, shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, insomnia, and weak pulse.Rougui sweetly warms and assists Yang to tonify deficiency, while its spicy warmth disperses cold to alleviate pain, effectively removing stubborn cold and deep-seated cold. It is used to treat cold evil invading internally or cold deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach causing cold pain in the abdomen, deficiency cold vomiting and diarrhea, and cold hernia abdominal pain.Rougui disperses cold and warms, promoting Qi and blood circulation, unblocking meridians, and alleviating pain, making it a key herb for treating pain due to cold stagnation. It is suitable for menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or amenorrhea due to cold stagnation and blood stasis, chest Yang not thriving, and chest pain due to internal cold invasion. Additionally, for those with chronic illness and deficiency of Qi and blood, adding a small amount of Rougui to Qi and blood tonifying formulas can invigorate the growth of Qi and blood.【Compatibility Applications】1. Rougui with FuziBoth Rougui and Fuzi are warming herbs. Rougui can both move and guard, warming the lower Jiao and tonifying Kidney Yang, while also directing the fire back to the source to stabilize the rootless fire; Fuzi is spicy, hot, and dry, moving but not guarding, being a pure Yang substance that penetrates both internally and externally, able to ascend and descend, reviving Yang and rescuing the reverse. The combination of these two herbs can warm the Kidney and assist Yang, directing fire back to the source. It is used to treat impotence due to Kidney Yang deficiency, declining fire of the Mingmen, cold pain in the lower back and knees, and frequent urination at night.2. Rougui with HuanglianRougui is spicy and warm, steaming the Kidney water and directing fire back to the source; Huanglian is bitter and cold, clearing the heart and descending fire. The combination of these two herbs can allow the Kidney water to ascend to the heart, while the heart fire descends to the Kidney, achieving harmony between water and fire, preventing fire from disturbing the spirit, thus allowing for peaceful sleep. It is suitable for heart and Kidney disharmony causing irritability and insomnia.3. Rougui with DahuangRougui is spicy, sweet, and very warm, pure Yang in nature, tonifying fire and assisting Yang, dispersing cold and alleviating pain, warming the meridians and unblocking the channels, and guiding other herbs; Dahuang is very bitter and cold, with a heavy and turbid flavor, descending and not moving, attacking accumulation and guiding stagnation, clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and promoting circulation. The combination of these two herbs, one hot and one cold, mutually restraining, allows Rougui to invigorate Spleen Yang to control the bitter cold nature of Dahuang, while Dahuang’s coldness can restrain Rougui’s dryness and heat, achieving a balance of cold and heat, harmonizing Yin and Yang, and promoting Spleen Yang and unblocking the bowels. It is suitable for Spleen Yang deficiency and constipation.4. Rougui with DingxiangRougui excels at strengthening Kidney Yang and warming the womb; Dingxiang can benefit the Mingmen and strengthen Kidney Yang. Both have spicy and warming properties. When combined, their effect of warming the Kidney and assisting Yang is enhanced, suitable for cold pain in the lower back and knees and impotence due to Kidney Yang deficiency.5. Rougui with DangguiRougui disperses cold and warms, promoting Qi and blood circulation; Danggui tonifies blood, invigorates blood circulation, and regulates menstruation, being a key herb for tonifying blood. The combination of these two herbs can warm and nourish the Chong and Ren channels, invigorate blood circulation and regulate menstruation, tonifying Yang and invigorating blood simultaneously. It is suitable for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to cold stagnation and blood stasis.【Identification Applications】Rougui, Fuzi, and GanjiangAll three herbs are spicy and hot, capable of warming the middle and dispersing cold to alleviate pain, used to treat cold pain in the abdomen and diarrhea due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency. However, Ganjiang primarily enters the Spleen and Stomach, excelling at warming the middle, dispersing cold, and strengthening Spleen Yang to stop vomiting. Rougui and Fuzi are sweet and very hot, with strong pain-relieving properties, effective for severe cold pain in the abdomen and cold damp pain, and can tonify fire and assist Yang, treating Kidney Yang deficiency and Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency. Rougui can also direct fire back to the source, warming and unblocking the meridians, treating floating Yang and chest obstruction, yin abscess, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. Fuzi and Ganjiang can revive Yang and rescue the reverse, treating Yang collapse; Fuzi is stronger in this regard, while Ganjiang is weaker, often used together. Ganjiang can also warm the lungs and transform phlegm, treating cough and asthma due to lung cold phlegm.【Formula Examples】1. Dihuang Yinzi (“Shengji Zonglu”)Ingredients: Shudi (熟地黄), Shanzhuyu (山茱萸), Rougui (肉桂), Fuzi (附子), Rencongrong (肉苁蓉), Baji Tian (巴戟天), Shihu (石斛), Maidong (麦冬), Wuweizi (五味子), Changpu (菖蒲), Yuanzhi (远志), Fuling (茯苓), Shengjiang (生姜), Dazao (大枣).Functions and Indications: Nourishes Kidney Yang, tonifies Kidney Yin, opens orifices, and transforms phlegm. Suitable for deficiency in the lower source, phlegm turbidity rising causing muteness, tongue stiff and unable to speak, feet unable to move, dry mouth with no desire to drink, cold feet and red face, weak pulse.2. Yougui Wan (“Jingyue Quanshu”)Ingredients: Shudi (熟地黄), Shanzhuyu (山茱萸), Rougui (肉桂), Fuzi (附子), Shanyao (山药), Gouqizi (枸杞子), Tusizi (菟丝子), Lujiagao (鹿角胶), Danggui (当归), Duzhong (杜仲).Functions and Indications: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, fills essence and benefits marrow. Suitable for Kidney Yang deficiency, declining fire of the Mingmen, symptoms include fear of cold, cold limbs, weakness in the lower back and knees, impotence, nocturnal emission, or Yang decline with no offspring, or reduced appetite, loose stools, or incontinence, pale tongue with white coating, weak and slow pulse.3. Yougui Yin (“Jingyue Quanshu”)Ingredients: Shudi (熟地黄), Shanzhuyu (山茱萸), Rougui (肉桂), Shanyao (山药), Gouqizi (枸杞子), Fuzi (附子), Duzhong (杜仲), Gancao (甘草).Functions and Indications: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, fills essence and tonifies blood. Suitable for Kidney Yang deficiency, symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, soreness in the lower back, cold hands and feet, impotence, nocturnal emission, loose stools, frequent urination, pale tongue with thin coating, weak and thin pulse; or Yin excess obstructing Yang, true cold and false heat symptoms.4. Shaofu Zhuyu Tang (“Yilin Gai Cuo”)Ingredients: Xiao Hui Xiang (小茴香), Ganjiang (干姜), Rougui (肉桂), Yanhusuo (延胡索), Moyao (没药), Danggui (当归), Chuanxiong (川芎), Chishaoyao (赤芍), Puhuang (蒲黄), Wulingzhi (五灵脂).Functions and Indications: Invigorates blood and dispels stasis, warms the meridians and alleviates pain. Suitable for blood stasis due to cold, symptoms include lower abdominal stasis with or without pain, or pain without stasis, or lower abdominal distension, or lower back soreness, or menstruation occurring three to five times a month, continuous and intermittent, with dark or black color, or stasis, or bleeding with lower abdominal pain.5. Baoyuan Tang (“Boai Xinjian”)Ingredients: Huangqi (黄芪), Renshen (人参), Rougui (肉桂), Gancao (甘草), Shengjiang (生姜).Functions and Indications: Benefits Qi and warms Yang. Suitable for deficiency and fatigue, insufficient vital energy, symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, fear of cold; also for children with smallpox, Yang deficiency causing inability to develop and produce.【Patent Medicine Examples】1. Compound Zao Fan Wan (“Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Medicine Compound Preparation Volume, 2015 Edition”)Ingredients: Seahorse (海马), Xiyangshen (西洋参), Zao Fan (皂矾), Rougui (肉桂), Walnut (核桃仁), Dazao (大枣, pitted).Functions and Indications: Warms the Kidney, strengthens the marrow, benefits Qi, nourishes Yin, stops bleeding. Used for aplastic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and bone marrow damage caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, belonging to Kidney Yang deficiency and deficiency of both Qi and blood.2. Xinbao Wan (“Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Medicine Compound Preparation Volume, 2015 Edition”)Ingredients: Fuzi (附子), Lu Rong (鹿茸), Renshen (人参), Rougui (肉桂), Yangjinhua (洋金花), Sanqi (三七), Shexiang (麝香), Chan Su (蟾酥), Bing Pian (冰片).Functions and Indications: Warms and tonifies the heart and Kidney, invigorates blood and unblocks the meridians. Used for heart and Kidney Yang deficiency, blood stasis causing palpitations, symptoms include fear of cold, cold limbs, shortness of breath upon movement, palpitations, shortness of breath, lower limb swelling, and irregular pulse; coronary heart disease, heart failure, and sick sinus syndrome with the above symptoms.3. Gui Fu Dihuang Wan (Capsules, Concentrated Pills) (“Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Medicine Compound Preparation Volume, 2015 Edition”)Ingredients: Rougui (肉桂), Fuzi (附子, processed), Shudi (熟地黄), Jiu Yumei (酒萸肉), Shanyao (山药), Fuling (茯苓), Zexie (泽泻), Mudanpi (牡丹皮).Functions and Indications: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang. Used for Kidney Yang deficiency, cold and soreness in the lower back and knees, limb edema, difficulty in urination or excessive urination, phlegm and cough, and thirst.4. Tongjing Bao Granules (“Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Medicine Compound Preparation Volume, 2015 Edition”)Ingredients: Rougui (肉桂), Sanleng (三棱), Wulingzhi (五灵脂), Honghua (红花), Danggui (当归), Danshen (丹参), E Zhu (莪术), Yanhusuo (醋制), Muxiang (木香).Functions and Indications: Warms the meridians, transforms stasis, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain. Used for cold stagnation and Qi stagnation with blood stasis, women’s dysmenorrhea, cold pain in the lower abdomen, irregular menstruation, and dark menstrual blood.5. Gui Fu Lizhong Wan (“Clinical Use of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Medicine Compound Preparation Volume, 2015 Edition”)Ingredients: Rougui (肉桂), Fu Pian (附片), Dangshen (党参), Pao Jiang (炮姜), Chao Baizhu (炒白术), Zhi Gancao (炙甘草).Functions and Indications: Tonifies the Kidney, assists Yang, warms the middle, and strengthens the Spleen. Used for Kidney Yang weakness, Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold, cold pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold limbs.【Dosage and Administration】1-5 g.【Precautions】1. This product benefits fire and strengthens Yang, spicy and hot, thus contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and excess fire, and should be used with caution in those with bleeding tendencies.2. Not suitable for use with red stone fat.3. Use with caution in pregnant women.【Summary of Materia Medica】1. “Shennong Bencao Jing” states: “It is used for cough due to Qi stagnation, throat obstruction, benefits joints, and tonifies the middle and benefits Qi.”2. “Tangye Bencao” states: “Tonifies the deficiency of the Mingmen, benefits fire and eliminates Yin.”3. “Bencao Qiuzhen” states: “Greatly tonifies the fire of the Mingmen, benefits Yang and treats Yin. For all cases of deep-seated cold, wind-cold, Yang deficiency with spontaneous sweating, cold pain in the abdomen, cough due to Qi stagnation, Spleen deficiency with aversion to food, excess dampness causing diarrhea, blood vessels not being unblocked, placenta not being expelled, red eyes and swelling, all due to cold or stagnation, this is effective.”【Chemical Components】Mainly contains volatile oils: cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid acetate, ethyl cinnamate, cinnamic acid, etc.; also contains methyl hydroxyl chalcone, etc. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that this product must contain no less than 1.2% (ml/g) of volatile oil; and no less than 1.5% of cinnamaldehyde (C9H8O).【Pharmacology and Toxicology】This product has anti-ulcer, anti-diarrheal, and choleretic effects; analgesic effects, etc.1. Effects on the Digestive SystemRougui has anti-ulcer effects, regulates gastrointestinal motility, anti-diarrheal, and choleretic effects. The water-soluble or fat-soluble components of Rougui have alleviating effects on various ulcer models. Rougui water extract at doses of 0.5 and 2.5 g/kg given to mice for 3 days, once daily, has an inhibitory effect on water immersion stress-induced ulcer formation. Rougui petroleum ether extract followed by water extract at doses of 10 and 20 g/kg and petroleum ether extract at 0.8 and 1.6 ml/kg can inhibit water immersion stress-induced gastric ulcers in mice and HCl-induced gastric ulcers in rats; it can also inhibit the propulsion of charcoal in normal mice and increase bile flow in bile duct cannulated mice.2. Blood Sugar and Lipid Lowering EffectsRougui water decoction at a dose of 295 mg/kg given to streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet for 2 weeks, once daily, can improve glucose tolerance in diabetic rats, increase liver glycogen and muscle glycogen content, lower insulin levels, and reduce insulin resistance index. Rougui water extract at doses of 500, 250, and 100 mg/kg given for 7 days, twice daily, can lower blood sugar levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, with blood sugar levels decreasing by 59.16%, 56.79%, and 49.76%, respectively, and plasma insulin levels also decreasing. Rougui total polyphenols at doses of 50 and 10 mg/kg given for 3 weeks have a significant lowering effect on fasting blood sugar in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. This indicates that Rougui total polyphenols have a significant effect on lowering fasting blood sugar in diabetic mice.Rougui polyphenols at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/L for 24 hours can significantly reduce the expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) mRNA; Rougui polyphenols can significantly reduce the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) mRNA. Moreover, as the concentration increases, the inhibitory effect of Rougui polyphenols on PEPCK and G-6-Pase mRNA expression becomes more pronounced. This indicates that Rougui polyphenols have a significant improvement effect on insulin resistance in HepG2 cells, possibly related to the reduction of intracellular GLUT2, PEPCK, and G-6-Pase mRNA expression.Rougui polyphenols at doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg given for 14 days can treat diabetic mice induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg streptozotocin and high-sugar, high-fat diet. All can significantly lower serum blood sugar and insulin levels, and oxidative stress markers are also significantly reduced. It can improve the pathological damage of pancreatic β-cells in diabetic model mice to varying degrees, and the therapeutic effect of Rougui polyphenols can also significantly reduce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NF-κB. This indicates that Rougui polyphenols have blood sugar and lipid lowering effects in diabetic mice, possibly related to the ability of Rougui polyphenols to repair pancreatic β-cells in diabetic model mice and enhance their antioxidant capacity, as well as reduce cytotoxicity by inhibiting iNOS and NF-κB activation.Rougui volatile oil at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg given for 2 weeks can significantly lower fasting blood sugar in obese hyperglycemic model rats induced by a high-fat diet for 15 days, and can inhibit weight gain in male model rats caused by high-fat diet. Microscopic examination shows a significant reduction in fat cell infiltration in the liver of rats. This indicates that Rougui volatile oil has a certain blood sugar lowering effect and can reduce fat deposition in liver cells.Rougui oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg given to mice for 35 days can significantly lower fasting blood sugar, serum C-peptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen levels, while significantly increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. At the same time, it improves glucose tolerance in mice and enhances the immune reactivity of pancreatic islet cells, suggesting that Rougui oil has the effect of regulating blood sugar and lipid levels and improving pancreatic cell function.Rougui water extract at a concentration of 100 μg/ml can significantly enhance the expression level of glucose transporter (GLUT) genes. Rougui water extract acting on adipocytes for 2.4 and 16 hours can increase GLUT1 mRNA expression levels to 1.91±0.15 times, 4.39±0.78 times, and 6.98±2.18 times compared to the control group. Rougui water extract can also further inhibit the expression of genes related to insulin signaling pathway proteins, including GSK3B, IGF1R, IGF2R, and PIK3R1. This indicates that Rougui water extract can regulate the expression of various genes in adipocytes, which is beneficial to human health.The misfolding of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is considered a cause of type 2 diabetes. Rougui water extract can inhibit the formation of amyloid proteins in hIAPP, with proanthocyanidins being the main active substance against amyloid proteins. Proanthocyanidins can affect the secondary structure of hIAPP, delaying its transition from a non-structured coil to a β-folded structure, inhibiting the formation of hIAPP oligomers, and significantly reducing cell membrane damage and cytotoxicity caused by hIAPP aggregation. This indicates that Rougui may have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes through the above pathways.Studies have found that extracts from Rougui (CC-E) and Chai Gui (CT-E) are rich in B-type and A-type proanthocyanidin oligomers, respectively. Daily administration of 200 mg/kg CC-E or 200 mg/kg CT-E for 4 weeks to diabetic gene db/db mice shows anti-diabetic effects. Histopathological studies of the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue show that CC-E mainly promotes the accumulation of fat in adipose tissue and liver, while CT-E mainly increases insulin concentration in blood and pancreas.Rougui at doses of 0.9 and 0.3 g/kg can significantly lower systolic blood pressure, body weight, Lee index, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, fat coefficients, and fat mass in various parts and overall in high-fat diet-induced hypertensive rat models. The levels of Toll-like receptor proteins in fat are significantly reduced, and the improvement effect in the high-dose Rougui group is significantly better than in the low-dose group, suggesting that Rougui can improve hypertension and obesity symptoms in high-fat diet-induced hypertensive rats, possibly by downregulating the levels of Toll-like receptor proteins in fat.At a ratio of 20 g of Rougui per kg of food, Rougui is added to a high-fat/high-sugar diet for rats, creating an insulin-resistant rat model. In the liver, Rougui can significantly increase the synthesis of liver glycogen in rats fed a high-fat/high-sugar diet, with no significant effect on liver glycogen synthesis in normal food rats; Rougui can also reverse the reduction of some protein gene expressions in the liver caused by high-fat/high-sugar diets, including insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2, glucose transporters 1 and 2, and glycogen synthase 1. In muscle, Rougui can also reverse the reduction of the above protein gene expressions caused by high-fat/high-sugar diets and glucose transporters. Rougui can significantly reduce the overexpression of glycogen synthase 3β mRNA and protein levels in muscles of rats fed high-fat/high-sugar diets. This indicates that Rougui can enhance the sensitivity of insulin-resistant rats to insulin and increase liver glycogen synthesis through regulating insulin signaling pathways and glycogen synthesis, with no significant effect on normally insulin-sensitive rats.A water-soluble polyphenol obtained from Rougui water extract (CE) can stabilize protein-rich matrices, thus improving food stability. Rougui water extract and defatted soybean powder (CDSF) rich in Rougui polyphenols at doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, respectively, can rapidly and effectively lower fasting blood sugar levels in diet-induced hyperglycemic obese mice. At a concentration of 25 μg/ml, CE and CDSF washout solutions significantly inhibit glucose production in rat liver cells. CE can also downregulate the gene expression of two major regulatory proteins during gluconeogenesis in the liver, namely phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. The blood sugar lowering and insulin-like effects of CE and CDSF may help improve the pathological symptoms of type 2 diabetes patients.In a study of 58 type 2 diabetes patients who only received blood sugar-lowering drug treatment but had HbA1c levels exceeding 7%, daily administration of 2 g of Rougui or placebo for 12 weeks showed that the Rougui group had significantly reduced average HbA1c values, significantly reduced average systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, and body mass index. This suggests that for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients, daily intake of 2 g of Rougui can significantly lower their HbA1c, SBP, and DBP levels after 12 weeks. Supplementing Rougui in addition to traditional drug treatment for type 2 diabetes can be considered a dietary supplement that can regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels.3. Effects on MetabolismRougui oil at a dose of 400 mg/kg and Rougui water extract at 30 g/kg given once daily for 7 days have similar effects on metabolic energy metabolism, endocrine, and immune system indicators in rats induced by intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg hydrocortisone sodium succinate for 21 days, correcting abnormalities in GLU, TC, TAG, TP, ALB, IgM, E2, CS, VC, and 17-OHCS, and exacerbating abnormalities in UA and C3. The effects of Rougui oil and Rougui water extract on lgG, C4, T3T4, and ATPase show opposite trends. The effects of Rougui water extract on TSH, LAC, SDH, and other indicators are not significant, while Rougui oil has a greater impact. For indicators such as ATPase, LDH, and lgG, Rougui water extract has a greater effect. This indicates that Rougui oil and Rougui water extract have a complex correlation in their effects on biochemical indicators in rats with deficiency cold states.Rougui has significant effects on improving endocrine function. Rougui water decoction can significantly inhibit the shrinkage of the thymus in Yang deficiency mice caused by glucocorticoids, and can reduce the vitamin C content in the adrenal glands of Yang deficiency model mice, as well as lower cholesterol levels in the adrenal glands, indicating that Rougui has a significant promoting effect on adrenal cortex function. Rougui water decoction has effects on improving sexual function, as it can increase plasma testosterone levels and lower plasma triiodothyronine (T3) levels in male rats. The effect of Rougui on improving endocrine function is also the pharmacological basis for its clinical efficacy in “tonifying fire and assisting Yang” to invigorate the organs and boost the vital energy.4. Antioxidant EffectsRougui water extract at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·d) given three times a week for 50 days can improve serum urea and creatinine levels, as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidneys, brain, and testes, and the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) before administering the chemical substances bisphenol A (BPA) and octylphenol (OP) to rats. Rougui water extract pre-administration can protect against pathological changes caused by BPA and OP in the kidneys, brain, and testes. This indicates that Rougui water extract can improve oxidative toxicity caused by BPA and OP, exhibiting protective antioxidant effects. Rougui extract administered before and after radiation exposure can significantly improve the immune system abnormalities in the liver of rats caused by radiation, enhancing the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the liver, while reducing glutathione levels. Treatment with Rougui extract significantly reduces lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation indices in the liver of rats, and significantly diminishes the abnormal changes in the xanthine oxidase system caused by radiation, with significant increases in NO levels in the liver and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein. This indicates that Rougui extract has protective effects against oxidative and inflammatory damage induced by radiation. Rougui essential oil shows good antioxidant effects in food experiments within a certain concentration range. The ability of Rougui essential oil to scavenge hydroxyl radicals increases with concentration, reaching a scavenging rate of 94.50% at a concentration of 5.0×10-5 mg/ml, stronger than synthetic antioxidants BHT solution and PG solution. Rougui essential oil has a weak ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, with a suppression rate of 23.81% against linoleic acid peroxidation at a concentration of 1.0 g/ml. Rougui essential oil has a weak scavenging ability against DPPH radicals, with the effect increasing with concentration, reaching a scavenging rate of 30.70% at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml, weaker than BHT solution and PG solution.5. Neuroprotective EffectsRougui water extract at a dose of 4.2 g/kg given for 4 weeks can significantly increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain tissue of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation, significantly reducing MDA levels. This indicates that Rougui water extract can exert its neuroprotective effects by promoting nerve growth factors and reducing oxidative stress damage.Rougui water extract at doses of 10, 20, and 40 g/kg given for 7 days before modeling can significantly reduce the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the heart, liver, brain, and kidney tissues of rats established by the four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method, with the 10 g/kg dose showing the best effect. The 40 g/kg dose can significantly increase CAT activity in the heart, liver, brain, and kidney tissues. The 10 g/kg and 20 g/kg doses can significantly increase CAT activity in heart and brain tissues, but there is no significant difference in liver and kidney tissues. This indicates that Rougui water extract has protective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, possibly related to its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and monoamine oxidase activity.Rougui water extract contains a proanthocyanidin trimer (Trimer 1) that significantly inhibits calcium ion influx and cell swelling induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation in C6 glial cells. Trimer 1 can also significantly inhibit the reduction of glutamate uptake induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore blocker cyclosporin A can alleviate this effect. This suggests that Trimer 1’s ability to alleviate glutamate uptake impairment induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation is related to mitochondria.Rougui polyphenols at doses of 10 and 20 μg/ml can significantly increase the secretion of calcium-binding protein S100β in cultured C6 rat glioma cells and enhance the expression of S100β within the cells. Rougui polyphenols can also increase the expression levels of deacetylases, tumor suppressor proteins, and p53, while inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α, and phosphorylated p65 proteins. Rougui polyphenols can also upregulate phosphorylated-p38 levels, extracellular signal-regulated proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and protein kinases that promote cell survival. This indicates that Rougui polyphenols have the ability to upregulate the secretion of pro-survival proteins, activate mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, and reduce the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially exhibiting neuroprotective effects.6. Antimicrobial EffectsRougui essential oil has inhibitory effects on bacteria and naturally occurring molds (yeasts), inhibiting the mycelial growth and spore formation of Aspergillus niger. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of cinnamaldehyde against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger are 0.10 and 0.05 μg/ml, respectively.Rougui essential oil exhibits strong antibacterial activity. The inhibition zones of Rougui essential oil against tested Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Penicillium are between 19.6 and 43.5 mm, showing strong inhibition against bacteria, molds, and yeasts, with stronger inhibition against molds than yeasts and bacteria. Heating Rougui essential oil at 120℃ for 20 minutes does not significantly affect its antibacterial effect, and the antibacterial effect of Rougui essential oil is enhanced in slightly acidic or slightly alkaline conditions.Extracts from plants in the same genus as Rougui show significant antibacterial activity against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Among them, the water extract from the stem bark of Cinnamomum impressicostatum shows the strongest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 21.0 mm against MRSA and 8.5 mm against MSSA. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this water extract against MRSA is 19.5 μg/ml, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) is 39.0 μg/ml.Using the broth dilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are 2.5 mmol/L and 5.0 mmol/L, respectively. Treatment with 10.0 mmol/L cinnamaldehyde for 2 hours and 3 hours completely inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy shows that Escherichia coli cells exhibit surface depressions, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms a large amount of flocculent material. After treatment with cinnamaldehyde, the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in Escherichia coli increase, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows no significant changes, indicating that cinnamaldehyde may cause oxidative stress damage to Escherichia coli and lead to its death. Although Pseudomonas aeruginosa can form biofilms to protect itself from oxidative damage under the influence of cinnamaldehyde, its growth is inhibited.Rougui water extract at a dose of 4 g/kg given for 30 days can reduce the number of Clostridium cluster IV bacteria in the colon and rectum, while increasing the number of Bacteroides in the colon and rectum. This water extract affects the structure of the colon and rectum, but the effects are not the same, with a greater impact on the rectum. Clostridium cluster IV and Bacteroides play roles in nutrient absorption, short-chain fatty acid production, and the maturation and maintenance of intestinal epithelial cells, so the effects of Rougui water extract on the gut microbiota in rats may be related to its efficacy in treating obesity and diabetes.7. Antiviral EffectsCinnamaldehyde at non-toxic concentrations (0.0195-0.3125 g/L) can enhance the survival rate of adenovirus host cells and reduce viral titers in three tests: thiazolyl blue method, colorimetric method, and viral proliferation inhibition method, with cell survival rates positively correlated with drug concentration. Cinnamaldehyde does not provide protective effects on host cells and cannot block the entry of viruses into cells; the expression of adenovirus hexon protein is significantly reduced in the cinnamaldehyde group. This indicates that cinnamaldehyde has antiviral effects against adenovirus, but does not protect host cells, possibly regulating the expression of hexon protein.Rougui oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg administered intravenously to rats for 7 days significantly affects the survival rate of myocardial cells and the relative content of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) mRNA, which is significantly correlated with the concentration of cinnamic acid, but not significantly correlated with the concentration of cinnamaldehyde. This indicates that Rougui oil has antiviral activity against viral myocarditis, with cinnamic acid being the active component of Rougui oil against viruses.In tests on human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells (Hep-2) and human lung cancer cells (A549), Rougui inhibits the formation of plaques induced by human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in a dose-dependent manner. Rougui is more effective when used before cell infection, as it can inhibit the virus’s adsorption and internalization into cells. Additionally, Rougui can inhibit the production of viral fusion protein (F) and the formation of syncytia, interfering with the spread of HRSV. This indicates that Rougui can prevent respiratory epithelial cells from being infected by HRSV by inhibiting the virus’s adsorption, internalization, and syncytia formation.8. Anti-inflammatory EffectsRougui water extract given to mice 6 days prior can significantly reduce serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels after LPS stimulation for 1 hour, decrease TNF-α mRNA expression, and improve LPS-induced IκBα degradation and activation of JNK, p38, and ERK1/2. This indicates that Rougui water extract reduces LPS-induced serum TNF-α levels and blocks LPS-induced IκBα degradation and activation of JNK, p38, and ERK1/2. The anti-inflammatory effects of Rougui water extract are related to polyphenolic substances.9. Analgesic EffectsRougui petroleum ether extract followed by water extract at doses of 10 and 20 g/kg, and petroleum ether extract at 0.8 and 1.6 ml/kg can increase the pain threshold in the hot plate test and reduce the number of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice.10. Anti-skin Allergy EffectsRougui water extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally for 3 days has no effect on passive skin allergy reactions in mice. Rougui extract can significantly alleviate dermatitis symptoms in NC/Nga mice infected with mites, significantly reducing serum IgE, histamine, and TNF-α expression levels. Rougui extract can inhibit epidermal/dermal thickening and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the dermis. Rougui extract can significantly inhibit the expression of proteins such as IL-4, TNF-α, and thymus-activated chemokine (TARC) in the skin lesion area, and significantly inhibit the generation of chemokines such as TARC, macrophage-derived chemokines, and chemokines induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ in human keratinocytes, showing a dose-dependent effect. This indicates that Rougui extract can inhibit the response of type 2 helper cells and suppress the development of allergic dermatitis lesions in NC/Nga mice.11. Antitumor EffectsCinnamaldehyde exhibits in vitro antitumor activity, inhibiting the proliferation of human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, human lung cancer cell line A549, and human liver cancer cell line HepG2, with IC50 values of 0.20, 0.36 mg/ml, and 0.73 mg/ml, respectively.Cinnamic acid at concentrations of 1.2 and 3 mmol/L inhibits the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, with the inhibitory effect increasing with the concentration of cinnamic acid. Cinnamic acid at 3 mmol/L can significantly inhibit the proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, with an inhibition rate of 54.94%±4.69% on the 7th day of treatment. After treatment with cinnamic acid, the proportion of MG-63 cells in the G0/G1 phase significantly increases, and cell morphology and ultrastructure show significant improvement. This indicates that cinnamic acid can inhibit the proliferation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells and induce their differentiation into osteoblasts.Rougui extract can significantly inhibit the growth of human cervical cancer cells (SiHa). It can significantly reduce the number of SiHa cells in their colonies and significantly weaken the cell migration ability, possibly due to the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression, accompanied by a significant reduction in tumor protein levels within the cells. Rougui extract can induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells by upregulating intracellular calcium ion concentrations and activating calcium-related signaling pathways, leading to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggests that Rougui can be used as a drug for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.Rougui extract at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 2 mg/ml can inhibit the growth of acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells, with the inhibitory effect correlated with concentration and time. When treated with 0.01 mg/ml of Rougui extract for 72 hours, the growth of inhibited cells reaches 90.1%. Rougui extract can arrest the cell cycle in the G1 phase and induce apoptosis. This indicates that Rougui can be used alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia.12. Cardioprotective EffectsCinnamic acid at a final concentration of 0.67 mmol/L can increase the maximum stroke work index recovery ratio and coronary flow during ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat hearts after 10 and 15 minutes of reperfusion, inhibiting the release of LDH from myocardial cells and reducing MDA levels in myocardial tissue while increasing GSH levels.Cinnamaldehyde at doses of 22.5, 45, and 90 mg/kg and cinnamic acid at doses of 37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg can reduce ST segment elevation caused by acute myocardial ischemia induced by subcutaneous injection of 4 mg/kg isoproterenol for 2 consecutive days, lowering the expression levels of CK-MB (creatine kinase isoenzyme), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum, while increasing nitric oxide (NO) activity in serum. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid can also increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in myocardial tissue and significantly reduce MDA levels. This indicates that cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid have protective effects on rat models of myocardial ischemic injury, possibly related to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, as well as promoting NO release.Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid at doses of 30 mg/kg can significantly reduce the mortality rate of mice with viral myocarditis induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 ml of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), prolonging median survival time, significantly reducing CVB3 mRNA levels in the myocardium and serum NO levels. The expression of iNOS, TNF-α, NF-κB P65, and TLR proteins in the myocardium is significantly reduced; the pathological scores on the 10th and 21st days are significantly reduced, with no statistical difference between the two groups. This confirms that the mechanism of Rougui oil in treating viral myocarditis may be related to its effective component, cinnamaldehyde, inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo.13. Other EffectsInhibitory effects on prostatic hyperplasia. Rougui extract at doses of 0.88, 0.44, and 0.22 g/kg given daily for 28 days can reduce the wet weight and index of the prostate in mice with prostatic hyperplasia induced by propionate testosterone, indicating that Rougui extract can inhibit benign prostatic hyperplasia.Antiplatelet aggregation effects. Rougui water decoction at a dose of 6 g of crude drug/kg administered intravenously can inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rats; Rougui water decoction at a concentration of 200 mg/ml can inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vitro.14. Toxicological StudiesRougui has low toxicity. Some studies report that administering 65 times the commonly used dose for adults for 7 consecutive days did not result in death in experimental mice, and no significant side effects were observed. Mice administered Rougui water extract at a dose of 120 g/kg showed no deaths, and the LD50 of Rougui petroleum ether extract is 8.24 ml/kg. Small amounts of cinnamaldehyde can cause motor inhibition and eyelid drooping in mice; large amounts can cause severe spasms, ataxia, ear vasodilation, rapid breathing, and post-mortem examination showing inflammation and corrosion in the gastrointestinal tract. Overdose patients may experience dizziness, eye swelling, dry mouth, irritability, cough, fever, itching, sore throat, and nasal bleeding, and in severe cases, symptoms of nephritis and cystitis may occur.【References】[1] Jiang Qiong, Zou Shengqin, Zhou Weihua, et al. Extraction process optimization and hypoglycemic effect investigation of total polyphenols from cinnamon. Chinese Journal of Experimental Formulas, 2013, 19(20): 21-23.[2] Lu Zhaolian, Huang Caiguo. The molecular mechanism of cinnamon polyphenols improving insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. Chinese Journal of Experimental Formulas, 2012, 18(24): 276-279.[3] Li R, Liang T, Xu LY, et al. Protective effect of cinnamon polyphenols against STZ diabetic mice fed high-sugar, high-fat diet and its underlying mechanism. Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 2013, 51(1): 419-425.[4] Li Weijia, Wang Xuping, Yu Zhongming, et al. Effects of cinnamon essential oil on blood sugar and blood lipids in diabetic rats. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology, 2012, 19(1): 37-38.[5] Ping H, Zhang G, Ren G. Antidiabetic effects of cinnamon oil in diabetic KK-Ay mice. Food Chemistry and Toxicology. 2010, 48(8-9): 2344-9.[6] Cao H, Graves DJ, Anderson RA, et al. Cinnamon extract regulates glucose transporter and insulin-signaling gene expression in mouse adipocytes. Phytomedicine. 2010, 17(13): 1027-1032.[7] Jiao LH, Zhang X, Huang LQ, et al. Proanthocyanidins are the major anti-diabetic components of cinnamon water extract. Food Chemistry and Toxicology, 2013, 56(2): 398-405.[8] Chen L, Sun P, Wang T, et al. Diverse mechanisms of antidiabetic effects of the different procyanidin oligomer types of two different cinnamon species on db/db mice. J Agric Food Chem, 2012, 60: 9144-9150.[9] Ye Yilin, Li Li, Zhang Minmin, et al. The improvement of Rougui on symptoms of obesity-induced hypertensive rats and its effect on Toll-like receptors. Chinese Journal of Geriatrics, 2013, 22(2): 606-613.[10] Couturier K, Qin B, Batandier C, et al. Cinnamon increases liver glycogen in an animal model of insulin resistance. Metabolism; clinical and experimental, 2011, 60(11): 1590-1597.[11] Cheng DM, Kuhn P, Poulev A, et al. In vivo and in vitro antidiabetic effects of aqueous cinnamon extract and cinnamon polyphenol-enhanced food matrix. Food Chemistry, 2012, 135: 2994-3002.[12] Akilen R, Tsiami A, Devendra D, et al. Glycated hemoglobin and blood pressure lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet Med, 2010, 27(10): 1159-1167.[13] Zhang Qian, Zhang Bing, Jin Rui, et al. Pharmacological effects of cinnamon oil and cinnamon water extract on rats with deficiency cold syndrome and their mathematical analysis. Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2011, 9(9): 983-990.[14] Xu Xiaoyu. New Century National Higher Medical College Reform Textbook: Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine (for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine), 2010: 153-154.[15] Morgan AM, El-Ballal SS, E-Bialy BE, et al. Studies on the potential protective effect of cinnamon against bisphenol A and octylphenol-induced oxidative stress in male albino rats. Toxicology Reports, 2014, 1: 92-101.[16] Azab KS, Mostafa AA, Ali EMM, et al. Cinnamon extract ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced cellular injury in rats. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2011, 74: 2324-2329.[17] Li Rong, Lu Guanru, Jiang Zitao. Study on the antioxidant performance and free radical scavenging ability of cinnamon essential oil. Food Science and Technology, 2010, 35(2): 166-170.[18] Zhang Wenfeng, The effect of Rougui on oxidative stress and neurotrophic factor expression in rats with chronic cerebral ischemia. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2010, 51(7): 645-648.[19] Huang Hongmiao, Guo Zhanjing, Jiang Lingfeng, et al. The effect of Rougui water extract on MAO and CAT in rats with global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Chinese Journal of Experimental Formulas, 2011, 17(23): 159-161.[20] Panickar KS, Polansky MM, Graves DJ, et al. A procyanidin type A trimer from cinnamon extract attenuates glial cell swelling and the reduction in glutamate uptake following ischemia-like injury in vitro. Neuroscience. 2012 Jan 27; 202: 87-98.[21] Qin B, Panickar KS, Anderson RA, et al. Cinnamon polyphenols regulate S100β, sirtuins, and neuroactive proteins in rat C6 glioma cells. Nutrition, 2014, 30: 210-217.[22] Wang Bujian, Liu Jinfeng, Fan Xiuhua, et al. Study on the antibacterial activity of cinnamon essential oil. Food and Machinery, 2011, 27(6): 166-182.[23] Buru AS, Pichika MR, Neela V, et al. In vitro antibacterial effects of Cinnamomum extracts on common bacteria found in wound infections with emphasis on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014, 153: 587-595.[24] Wang Fan, Yang Jingdong, Wang Chunmei, et al. The mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Jiangsu Agricultural Journal, 2011, 27(4): 888-892.[25] Huang Lizhu, Zhan Honglin, Wang Cong, et al. The effect of Rougui water extract on Clostridium cluster IV bacteria and Bacteroides in the intestines of rats. Food Industry Science and Technology, 2012, 33(18): 124-127.[26] Liu Lei, Qu Zhangyi, Wang Shuqiu, et al. Study on the antiviral effect of cinnamaldehyde against adenovirus. Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology, 2011, 27(8): 1467-1471.[27] Ding Yuanyuan, Qiu Lin, Zeng Ming, et al. Pharmacological study of Rougui oil against Coxsackievirus B3. Medical Herald, 2012, 31(7): 870-873.[28] Yeh CF, Chang JS, Wang KC, et al. Water extract of Cinnamomum cassia Blume inhibited human respiratory syncytial virus by preventing viral attachment, internalization, and syncytium formation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013, 147(2): 321-326.[29] Hong JW, Yang GE, Kim YB, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of cinnamon water extract in vivo and in vitro LPS induced models. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012, 28(12): 237.[30] Sung YY, Yoon T, Jang JY, et al. Inhibitory effects of Cinnamomum cassia extract on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions induced by mite antigen in NC/Nga mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011, 133: 621-628.[31] Chen Liping, Zhang Huiping, Chen Guang, et al. Analysis of the components of cinnamon oil and study on the in vitro antitumor activity of cinnamaldehyde. Chinese Journal of Microecology, 2012, 24(4): 327-330.[32] Wang Guohong, Guo Zhiyue, Shi Songlin, et al. The effect of cinnamic acid on the proliferation and differentiation of human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin, 2012, 28(9): 1262-1266.[33] Koppikar SI, Choudhari AS, Suryavanshi SA, et al. Aqueous cinnamon extract (ACE-c) from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia causes apoptosis in human cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. BMC. 2010, 10: 742-743.[34] Assadollahi V, Parivar K, Roudbari NH, et al. The effect of aqueous cinnamon extract on the apoptotic process in acute myeloid leukemia HL 60 cells. Advances in Biomedical Research, 2013, 2(2): 25.[35] Song F, Li H, Sun JY, et al. Protective effects of cinnamic acid and cinnamic aldehyde on isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemia in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013, 150(1): 125-130.[36] Ding Yuanyuan, Zhao Gangtao, Yang Fan, et al. The effect of Rougui oil on TLR-NF-κB signaling in mice with viral myocarditis. Chinese Journal of Pharmacy, 2010, 45(5): 348-352.[37] Xu Xiaoyu. National Higher Vocational and Technical College Planning Textbook of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Pharmacology and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Third Edition), 2014: 105-106.