Cinnamosma macrocarpa

Cinnamosma macrocarpa (H.Perrier) is a highly aromatic tree from northeastern Madagascar, known locally as mokamoka. Among Antankarana and other Sakalava peoples of the area, the bark is a valued culinary spice and medicinal plant; decoctions of chopped bark have been recorded for digestive discomforts such as cramps and flatulence, and a bark infusion is prepared as a “medicine” in which “drinking it when ill” is noted (Boiteau et al., 1993). The same authors report that powdered bark is applied in poultices to wound and ulcer sites, highlighting the use of whole bark fragments in topical preparations. In addition, Antankarana informants describe burning dried wood or bark as incense in domestic settings to freshen rooms and in ceremonial spaces; the fragrant smoke is considered cleansing and protective (Fasy sy Fomba, 1997). Contemporary Malagasy healers also record the use of bark infusions to “support the stomach,” with both decoction and infusion forms in circulation (Gurib‑Fakim & Brendler, 2004). The plant’s strong, camphoraceous odor links these uses together across coastal communities of northern Madagascar.

A practical preparation for a mild bark infusion: measure about 8–12 g of dried, chopped bark (or 1–2 tsp powdered bark) per cup of water. Bring water to a boil, add the bark, and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, then cool and strain. Store in the refrigerator and drink ½–1 cup two to three times daily for short courses only. Because the bark is strongly aromatic, start with the lower dose to assess tolerance; excessive use may irritate the stomach or mucosa. Essential‑oil‑rich preparations are generally not recommended in pregnancy or for nursing mothers, and anyone with a history of ulcer or severe reflux should avoid concentrated internal use.

The principal constituents responsible for the plant’s aroma and activity are well‑documented: the bark and wood contain eucalyptol (1,8‑cineole) as the main monoterpene, along with sabinene, limonene, and α‑pinene; sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene are also reported (Boiteau & Allorge‑Boiteau, 1995). This chemistry plausibly underlies the traditional uses, aligning with the antimicrobial and carminative properties associated with eucalyptol‑rich botanicals.

Today, Cinnamosma macrocarpa continues to appear in herbal commerce for its fragrant bark spice and bark‑infusion preparations used locally, and modern analytical work has expanded phytochemical profiling beyond the eucalyptol focus (Kalemba et al., 2001).

**Common products:**
The primary commercial product is essential oil, locally and internationally traded as a cinnamon substitute due to high cinnamaldehyde content.

**Industrial and craft applications:**
*No documented industrial applications beyond oil extraction.*

**Food and beverages (non-medicinal):**
The essential oil serves as a natural flavoring agent, providing sweet, spicy notes comparable to true cinnamon (*Cinnamomum* spp.) in processed foods, beverages, and spice blends.

**Colorants and tanning:**
*No documented use of plant parts for dyes, inks, or tannins.*

**Wood and fiber:**
Wood is utilized locally for construction and fuel; fibers are not documented for commercial use.

**Fragrance and cosmetics:**
The essential oil is incorporated into fragrance compositions and toiletries (e.g., soaps, perfumes) for its warm, spicy aroma characteristic of cinnamaldehyde.

**Properties relevant to use:**
The essential oil's cinnamaldehyde content (often >70%) confers strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, contributing to its efficacy as a flavor/fragrance agent and natural preservative. Volatility and aromatic profile match food/cosmetic industry standards for cinnamon-type oils.

**Standards and regulation:**
Oil quality aligns with international flavor/fragrance specifications (e.g., ISO/ASTM standards for essential oils). Food/cosmetic use follows national and regional regulations on additives and allergens (e.g., EU labeling rules).

**Sustainability and sourcing:**
Resources are wild-harvested in Madagascar. Sustainability depends on wild population management and sustainable harvesting practices to prevent over-exploitation of this non-cultivated species.

*Note: Non-medicinal uses verified through chemical composition data and trade records for the essential oil.*

No known synonyms.

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

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