ISO 19851:2025
(Main)Traditional Chinese medicine - Cinnamomum cassia branch
Traditional Chinese medicine - Cinnamomum cassia branch
This document specifies the quality and safety requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl. This document is applicable to Cinnamomum cassia branch that is sold as natural medicines in international trade including Chinese materia medica (whole medicinal materials) and decoction pieces derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
Médecine traditionnelle chinoise — Branche de Cinnamomum cassia
General Information
Overview
ISO 19851:2025 - Traditional Chinese medicine - Cinnamomum cassia branch is an international standard that defines quality and safety requirements for the dried young branch of Cinnamomum cassia Presl used as natural medicine and decoction pieces in international trade. The standard supports consistent identification, testing and handling of Cinnamomum cassia branch to protect clinical effectiveness and facilitate cross-border commerce.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses morphological, microscopic, chemical and safety characteristics, including:
Identity and description
- Macroscopic features (size, colour, bark and wood appearance, aroma and taste).
- Microscopic transverse section and powder characteristics (epidermis, cork, stone cells, oil cells, phloem, xylem rays).
Phytochemical and marker testing
- Use of cinnamaldehyde as a marker compound related to biological activity.
- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification (Annex A) and an HPLC method for cinnamaldehyde determination (Annex B).
Standardized physicochemical tests
- Moisture, total ash, ethanol-soluble extractives and other extractive determinations.
Safety limits and contaminant testing
- Determination of heavy metals, pesticide residues, and sulfur dioxide residues, with referenced ISO test methods for these analyses.
Quality control and sampling
- Sampling procedures, test methods, reporting requirements, and instructions for packaging, storage, transportation, marking and labelling.
Species differentiation
- Guidance to differentiate Cinnamomum cassia branch from similar species such as Cinnamomum burmanni (Annex C), and examples of national/regional quality values (Annex D).
Practical applications and users
ISO 19851:2025 is intended for organizations involved in the production, testing, trade and regulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal materials, including:
- Herbal raw material producers and processors
- Quality control and analytical laboratories (TLC, HPLC, heavy metal and pesticide testing)
- Exporters, importers and distributors of Chinese materia medica
- Regulatory authorities and standards bodies harmonizing TCM quality criteria
- Manufacturers of TCM preparations and compound formulations
- Practitioners and institutions seeking assurance of herb identity and safety
Related standards
ISO 19851 references related ISO methods and requirements for testing and labelling, including:
- ISO 18664 (heavy metals), ISO 22258 (pesticide residues), ISO 22590 (sulfur dioxide) and ISO 21371 (labelling).
Keywords: ISO 19851, Cinnamomum cassia branch, Traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamaldehyde, TLC identification, HPLC analysis, herbal quality and safety, Chinese materia medica, heavy metals, pesticide residues.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 19851:2025 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Traditional Chinese medicine - Cinnamomum cassia branch". This standard covers: This document specifies the quality and safety requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl. This document is applicable to Cinnamomum cassia branch that is sold as natural medicines in international trade including Chinese materia medica (whole medicinal materials) and decoction pieces derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
This document specifies the quality and safety requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl. This document is applicable to Cinnamomum cassia branch that is sold as natural medicines in international trade including Chinese materia medica (whole medicinal materials) and decoction pieces derived from Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
ISO 19851:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.120.10 - Medicaments. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
ISO 19851
First edition
Traditional Chinese medicine —
2025-02
Cinnamomum cassia branch
Médecine traditionnelle chinoise — Branche de Cinnamomum cassia
Reference number
© ISO 2025
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Descriptions . 2
5 Quality and safety requirements and recommendations . 2
5.1 General requirements .2
5.2 Morphological features .2
5.3 Microscopic features .3
5.3.1 Transverse section . . .3
5.3.2 Powder .3
5.4 Thin-layer chromatogram identification .4
5.5 Moisture .4
5.6 Total ash .4
5.7 Ethanol-soluble extractives .4
5.8 Marker compounds .4
5.9 Heavy metals .4
5.10 Pesticide residues .5
5.11 Sulfur dioxide residues . . .5
6 Sampling . 5
7 Test methods . 5
7.1 Macroscopic identification .5
7.2 Determination of moisture .5
7.3 Determination of total ash .5
7.4 Determination of ethanol-extractives .5
7.5 Thin-layer chromatogram identification .5
7.6 Determination of marker compound (cinnamaldehyde) .5
7.7 Determination of heavy metals .5
7.8 Determination of pesticide residues .5
7.9 Determination of sulfur dioxide residues .5
8 Test report . 6
9 Packaging, storage and transportation . 6
10 Marking and labelling . 6
Annex A (informative) Thin-layer chromatogram identification of Cinnamomum cassia branch . 7
Annex B (informative) Determination of cinnamaldehyde content . 9
Annex C (informative) Reference information and method for differentiating Cinnamomum
cassia and Cinnamomum burmanni branch .11
Annex D (informative) National and regional quality requirements for Cinnamomum cassia
branch . .13
Bibliography .15
iii
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 249, Traditional Chinese medicine.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
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iv
Introduction
Cinnamomum cassia branch, the dried young branch of Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Lauraceae), has been used
as a medicinal herb worldwide for a long time. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, it has
various therapeutic effects, including dissipating cold and releasing the exterior, warming and unblocking
meridians, assisting yang and transforming into qi. Clinically, Cinnamomum cassia branch is used to treat
wind-cold common cold, cold-induced stomach duct and abdominal pain, arthralgia, phlegm-fluid retention,
oedema, palpitations, running piglet, etc.
There is a large market demand for Cinnamomum cassia branch due to its frequent use in clinical
prescriptions and compound preparations of TCM. However, cinnamaldehyde, one of the active ingredients
of Cinnamomum cassia branch, becomes unstable when stored improperly and can lead to reduced efficacy.
Moreover, the international trade of Cinnamomum cassia branch faces challenges due to varying in quality
standards across different countries or regions.
To ensure the quality and enhance the market value of Cinnamomum cassia branch, the establishment of
an International Standard is crucial. This document can help guarantee quality and clinical effectiveness,
promote standardization and modernization, and regulate production, trade and usage. This document
includes the following requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch: macroscopic morphological observation,
microscopic characteristics of transverse section and powder, phytochemical indexes, and standardized
physical and chemical tests (moisture, total ash, and ethanol-extractives content). Volatile oils are the main
active ingredient in Lauraceae plants. Among them, cinnamaldehyde, which has specific pharmacological
activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-myocardial ischemia, is closely related to the
biological activity of Cinnamomum cassia branch. In this document, a thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
identification method using Cinnamomum cassia branch reference as a marker is established. Additionally,
a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis method of Cinnamomum cassia branch using
cinnamaldehyde as a marker is also developed.
As national implementation can differ, national standards bodies are invited to modify the values given in
5.5 and 5.6 in their national standards. An example of national values is given in Annex D.
v
International Standard ISO 19851:2025(en)
Traditional Chinese medicine — Cinnamomum cassia branch
1 Scope
This document specifies the quality and safety requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch derived from
Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
This document is applicable to Cinnamomum cassia branch that is sold as natural medicines in international
trade including Chinese materia medica (whole medicinal materials) and decoction pieces derived from
Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18664, Traditional Chinese Medicine — Determination of heavy metals in herbal medicines used in
Traditional Chinese Medicine
ISO 21371, Traditional Chinese medicine — Labelling requirements of products intended for oral or topical use
ISO 22258, Traditional Chinese medicine — Determination of pesticide residues in natural products by gas
chromatography
ISO 22590, Traditional Chinese medicine — Determination of sulfur dioxide in natural products by titration
ISO 23723, Traditional Chinese medicine — General requirements for herbal raw material and materia medica
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
Cinnamomum cassia branch
dried young branch of Cinnamomum cassia Presl. (Fam. Lauraceae)
3.2
marker compound
chemical constituent within a medicinal herb that can be used to verify its quality
Note 1 to entry: Usually described as active ingredients or chemicals that confirm the correct botanical identity of the
starting material.
Note 2 to entry: There may be one or more marker compounds for a medicinal herb.
[SOURCE: ISO 22585:2022, 3.2]
4 Descriptions
Cinnamomum cassia branch is the dried young branch of Cinnamomum cassia Presl, as shown in Figure 1. The
young branch is collected in spring and summer, with the leaves removed, and then dried in the sun, or dried
in the sun after sliced. As Cinnamomum burmanni branch is a similar species of Cinnamomum cassia branch, a
method for differentiating these two species is given in Annex C.
Key
A Cinnamomum cassia Presl.
B dried young branch
1 fruit
2 leaf
3 branch
Figure 1 — Structure of Cinnamomum cassia Presl. (Lauraceae)
5 Quality and safety requirements and recommendations
5.1 General requirements
The following requirements shall be met before sampling.
a) Cinnamomum cassia branch shall be clean and free from leaves and foreign matter.
b) The presence of living insects, mouldy branch and external contaminants which are visible to the naked
eye shall not be permitted.
5.2 Morphological features
a) The branches are long and cylindrical, with multiple branches, 30 cm to 75 cm long, 0,3 cm to 1 cm in
diameter at the thicker end.
b) The external surface is reddish-brown to brown, with longitudinal ridges, fine wrinkles, dotted lenticels,
pimple-like leaf scars, branch scars and bud scars. The texture is hard and fragile, easily broken.
c) The slice thickness is 2 mm to 4 mm. On the cut surface, the bark is reddish-brown; the wood is
yellowish-white to light yellowish-brown, and the pith is slightly square.
d) This product has a special aroma, with a sweet and slightly pungent taste. The bark has a strong flavour.
5.3 Microscopic features
5.3.1 Transverse section
The epidermis consists of a single layer of cells, and unicellular nonglandular hairs are sometimes visible in
young branches. The cork layer comprises 3 to 5 layers of cells, with the outer wa
...
The ISO 19851:2025 standard outlines the quality and safety requirements for Cinnamomum cassia branch, specifically derived from the plant Cinnamomum cassia Presl. This standard is particularly significant as it applies to products sold as natural medicines in international trade, including both whole medicinal materials and decoction pieces. One of the key strengths of ISO 19851:2025 is its comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and quality of Cinnamomum cassia branch. By setting specific criteria, the standard facilitates a consistent understanding of what constitutes acceptable and safe products within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine. This not only aids manufacturers in adhering to quality controls but also builds trust among consumers who seek reliable therapeutic options. Furthermore, the relevance of this standard extends beyond quality assurance; it plays a crucial role in the standardization of traditional Chinese medicine practices on a global scale. As international demand for natural medicines increases, the need for such standards becomes imperative for maintaining the integrity of herbal products in competitive markets. Overall, the ISO 19851:2025 standard serves as an essential framework that enhances the quality and safety of Cinnamomum cassia branch, while also fostering international trade and acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine practices. Its establishment signifies a pivotal step towards ensuring that consumers receive safe, high-quality natural medicines.
ISO 19851:2025 표준은 중국 전통 의학에서 중요한 역할을 하는 계피 가지(Cinnamomum cassia branch)에 대한 품질 및 안전 요구사항을 명확히 규정하고 있습니다. 이 문서는 Cinnamomum cassia Presl에서 유래된 계피 가지의 국제 무역에서의 사용을 고려하여 작성되었습니다. 본 표준의 주요 범위는 Cinnamomum cassia 가지가 자연 약물로 판매되는 모든 측면을 포함하며, 중국 약재(전통적인 약재) 및 한약의 제재로 활용되는 경우에도 적용됩니다. 이는 국제적으로 통용되는 규정을 통해 소비자에게 높은 품질과 안전성을 보장하는 데 기여합니다. ISO 19851:2025의 강점 중 하나는 계피 가지의 생리적 활성 성분 및 안전성에 대한 엄격한 기준을 설정하여, 생산 및 유통 과정에서의 품질 관리를 강화하는 것입니다. 이로 인해 제조업체는 제품의 일관성과 신뢰성을 확보할 수 있으며, 이는 소비자에게도 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것으로 기대됩니다. 또한, 이 표준은 중국 전통 의학의 글로벌화와 현대화에 기여하며, 자연 약물 시장에서의 경쟁력을 높일 수 있는 기초를 제공합니다. ISO 19851:2025의 도입은 소비자와 생산자 간의 신뢰를 구축하며, 국제 무역에서 Cinnamomum cassia 가지의 품질 및 안전성을 보장하는 중대한 역할을 할 것입니다. 결론적으로, ISO 19851:2025 표준은 Cinnamomum cassia 가지의 품질 관리와 안전성을 한층 강화시키는 중요한 문서로, 전 세계 전통 약물 시장의 품질 기준을 설정하는 데 결정적인 의미를 갖고 있습니다.
La norme ISO 19851:2025 est un document essentiel qui établit des exigences de qualité et de sécurité pour la branche de Cinnamomum cassia, issue de Cinnamomum cassia Presl. Cette norme revêt une importance particulière dans le commerce international des médecines naturelles, notamment en ce qui concerne la matériologie médicinale chinoise. En définissant des critères clairs, ISO 19851:2025 garantit que les produits dérivés de Cinnamomum cassia répondent à des standards élevés de qualité, ce qui est crucial pour la confiance des consommateurs et la sécurité des utilisateurs. L'un des principaux atouts de cette norme est son approche systématique qui couvre non seulement les aspects de qualité, mais également les exigences de sécurité. Cela permet de minimiser les risques associés à l'utilisation de ces matériaux médicaux et de promouvoir des pratiques commerciales responsables. De plus, la norme ISO 19851:2025 facilite la transparence dans le commerce international, en offrant aux producteurs et aux consommateurs un cadre de référence commun qui renforce la confiance. La pertinence de cette norme ne se limite pas seulement à la sécurité et à la qualité, mais s'étend également à la promotion d'un commerce équitable et durable. En standardisant les exigences pour la branche de Cinnamomum cassia, le document joue un rôle clé dans la réglementation du marché, aidant ainsi à protéger la diversité des produits naturels tout en répondant aux besoins croissants des consommateurs pour des médecines traditionnelles efficaces et sûres. En résumé, la norme ISO 19851:2025 constitue un document fondamental qui répond aux défis contemporains du secteur du commerce international de la médecine naturelle, en garantissant que le Cinnamomum cassia soit commercialisé dans le respect des plus hauts standards de qualité et de sécurité.
ISO 19851:2025は、シナモン（Cinnamomum cassia）の枝に関する伝統的中国医学の標準であり、その品質と安全性の要件を明確に定めています。このドキュメントは、Cinnamomum cassia Preslから得られるシナモンの枝が、国際貿易における天然薬として販売される際に適用されることを目的としています。具体的には、中国薬材（全ての薬材）や煎じ物の原材料として使われるシナモンの枝が含まれます。 この標準の強みは、シナモンの枝の生産から流通に至るまでの各段階において、適切な品質管理と安全確保を求める点にあります。従って、ISO 19851:2025は、トレーサビリティを向上させ、消費者に対し信頼性の高い製品を提供するための重要な手段となります。また、国際貿易における基準を統一することで、貿易障壁の減少に寄与し、経済的な効率性にも貢献します。 さらに、シナモンはその独特の香りと薬効から広く使用されていますが、安全な使用のためには品質が厳しく管理される必要があります。ISO 19851:2025が提供するガイドラインは、製造者だけでなく、ビジネスや消費者にとっても、自信を持ってシナモンの製品を選択するための重要なリソースとなります。この標準は、伝統的な医療の重要性を反映し、全球的な健康と福祉に寄与するものです。
Die ISO 19851:2025 legt klare Qualitäts- und Sicherheitsanforderungen für den Cinnamomum cassia Zweig fest, der aus Cinnamomum cassia Presl stammt. Dieser Standard hat eine entscheidende Rolle im internationalen Handel mit traditionellen chinesischen Medikamenten, insbesondere in Bezug auf chinesische Materia Medica und Dekoktstücke, die aus diesem Pflanzenmaterial gewonnen werden. Ein wesentlicher Stärke der ISO 19851:2025 liegt in der umfassenden Berücksichtigung der spezifischen Eigenschaften von Cinnamomum cassia. Die Dokumentation fördert die Einheitlichkeit in der Qualitätskontrolle und unterstützt Hersteller sowie Händler dabei, die erforderlichen Standards einzuhalten. Durch die Festlegung von Sicherheitskriterien wird zudem sichergestellt, dass die Produkte sowohl für Verbraucher als auch für Gesundheitsdienstleister vertrauenswürdig sind. Die Relevanz dieses Standards ist nicht zu unterschätzen, insbesondere im Kontext der wachsenden Nachfrage nach natürlichen Arzneimitteln weltweit. Mit der ISO 19851:2025 können Unternehmen nicht nur die Qualität ihrer Produkte verbessern, sondern auch das Vertrauen der Verbraucher stärken. Die Einhaltung dieser Norm ermöglicht es, die Integrität traditioneller chinesischer Medizin im internationalen Markt zu bewahren und zu fördern. Insgesamt zeigt die ISO 19851:2025 eine solide Grundlage für die Standardisierung von Cinnamomum cassia Zweigen und trägt maßgeblich zur Stärkung des Marktes für natürliche Heilmittel bei.
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