Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark) contains cinnamaldehyde as its primary bioactive compound, which stimulates digestive secretions and enhances gastric motility. It improves cardiovascular health by promoting vasodilation and reducing peripheral vascular resistance through calcium channel modulation.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Rou Gui, or Cinnamomum cassia bark, is derived from the bark of the cassia tree, native to China. The bark is harvested and dried for use in traditional remedies.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies have shown that Rou Gui may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve circulation. Some research supports its use in managing metabolic conditions.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark) is primarily used in small medicinal quantities (1-9g per day in TCM practice), so macronutrient contribution is minimal. Per 100g of dried cassia bark: Carbohydrates approximately 80g (predominantly dietary fiber and polysaccharides), Dietary fiber approximately 53g, Protein approximately 4g, Fat approximately 1.2g, Calories approximately 247 kcal. Key micronutrients per 100g: Manganese approximately 17.5mg (875% DV - notably high), Calcium approximately 1002mg, Iron approximately 8.3mg, Magnesium approximately 60mg, Potassium approximately 431mg, Phosphorus approximately 64mg, Vitamin K approximately 31mcg, Small amounts of Vitamin C (approximately 3.8mg) and B vitamins including niacin (approximately 1.3mg). Primary bioactive compounds: Cinnamaldehyde (the dominant volatile compound, comprising 55-90% of essential oil content, approximately 10-25mg/g of bark), Coumarin (cassia-specific compound, approximately 2.1-4.4mg/g - significantly higher than Ceylon cinnamon, relevant for safety dosing), Cinnamate esters and cinnamic acid (approximately 1-5mg/g), Procyanidin-type tannins and condensed tannins (approximately 1-12% by weight), Polyphenolic compounds including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides (approximately 0.5-2mg/g), Eugenol (approximately 1-5% of essential oil), Trans-cinnamic acid (approximately 0.5mg/g), Diterpenes including cinncassiols A-E. Bioavailability notes: Cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed through gastrointestinal mucosa and partially metabolized to cinnamic acid in the gut. Coumarin bioavailability is high (approximately 70-80% oral absorption), which is clinically relevant due to potential hepatotoxicity at high doses - European Food Safety Authority recommends limiting coumarin intake to 0.1mg/kg body weight per day, making high-dose cassia supplementation a consideration. Polyphenols have moderate bioavailability (15-30%) and undergo extensive gut microbiome metabolism to bioavailable phenolic acids. Fat-soluble compounds including essential oil constituents have improved absorption when taken with food containing dietary fats. The tannin content may reduce iron and protein bioavailability from co-consumed foods.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Cinnamaldehyde in Rou Gui activates TRPA1 channels in the digestive tract, stimulating gastric acid secretion and enhancing gut motility. It modulates L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow. The compound also inhibits inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 through NF-κB pathway suppression.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Human studies on Cinnamomum cassia show modest benefits for metabolic health, with one 12-week trial (n=60) demonstrating 10-15% reductions in fasting glucose. A systematic review of 8 trials found significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (average 6.2 mmHg reduction). However, most digestive health claims rely on traditional use and animal studies rather than robust clinical trials. Evidence quality remains moderate due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations.
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