A traditional method of Cinnamomum carolinense preparation eliminates safrole from a therapeutic Pohnpean tea.
Cinnamomum carolinense, locally known as madeu, is a tree endemic to the volcanic mountains of the Island of Pohnpei in the Eastern Carolines of the South Pacific. The bark is harvested from trees and brewed to make a medicinal tea and hot beverage that is regularly consumed. Many species of Cinnamomum contain the known hepatocarcinogen safrole, sparking concern regarding habitual consumption of this beverage. HPLC-PDA analysis confirmed the presence of the carcinogen in alcoholic extracts of Cinnamomum carolinense bark shavings (0.435%, w/w), but safrole was not detected in the tea. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation of safrole were determined to be 1.25 and 3.75 microg/mL, respectively. The traditional preparation method, which boils the bark shavings, degrades the safrole.
Reynertson
Kurt A
KA
Lehman College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468, USA.
Balick
Michael J
MJ
Lee
Roberta
R
Raynor
William
W
Pelep
Yosio
Y
Kennelly
Edward J
EJ
D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D027424:Cinnamomum / Q000737:chemistry*; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008849:Micronesia; D012451:Safrole / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D012451:Safrole