Cinnamaldehyde suppresses Candida albicans hyphal growth and augments macrophage immunity via the MAPK-NF-κB signaling axis.

Tumor cell survival and progression are critically dependent on intracellular redox homeostasis, with mitochondria playing a central role in maintaining this balance via antioxidant defenses. Consequently, therapeutic strategies that target mitochondrial function to disrupt this delicate balance are attracting increasing attention. Natural pro-oxidant drugs exhibit unique biological activities and relatively low systemic toxicity, demonstrating considerable promise compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. However, their clinical translation is impeded by poor solubility, rapid clearance, and limited tumor penetration. To overcome these limitations, this study designed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive amphiphilic block prodrug copolymer (PCC), which was synthesized via polycondensation of a cinnamaldehyde (CA)-functionalized ROS-cleavable thioketal monomer (TCA) with curcumin (Cur) and mPEG. This design enables the codelivery of CA and Cur. The self-assembled PCC nanoparticles demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and high drug delivery efficiency. In vitro, PCC NPs were effectively internalized by 4T1 tumor cells, where they rapidly and continuously released CA and Cur upon intracellular ROS stimulation. The two agents acted synergistically to promote ROS generation, induce calcium ion overload, and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential. This process established a positive feedback loop that amplified oxidative stress, disrupted the redox homeostasis of tumor cells, and ultimately induced apoptosis. Compared with free CA and Cur, PCC exhibited significantly cytotoxicity against 4T1 cells with the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 13.93 μM, which is markedly lower than the 21.66 μM for free Cur and 193.06 μM for free CA. In vivo experiments confirmed that PCC nanoparticles could accumulate at tumor sites via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of up to 86% and significantly suppressing tumor growth compared to other experimental groups. This work constructs an intelligent delivery platform based on a ROS-responsive drug delivery system, offering a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of natural antitumor drugs.

Abstract C = C and C = O selective hydrogenation in aromatic compounds is a key capability of supported active metal catalysts, leading to numerous practical applications. Here, carbon dots (CDs) material was produced by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, and used as the carrier and reducing agent to develop PdAg/CDs composite catalyst. PdAg/CDs fabricated by photochemical reduction with UV-light demonstrated high selectivity for hydrogenation of cinnamic aldehyde (CAL) into hydrocinnamic alcohol (HCOL). With PdAg/CDs, 100% of CAL conversion and 90.0% of selectivity to HCOL were obtained at 140 °C, 3 h and 1 MPa H 2 in water. The improved catalytic performance of the PdAg/CDs catalyst was mainly due to the formation of Pd-Ag alloy and synergetic effect between Pd and Ag.

Cinnamaldehyde inhibits the progression of gastric cancer by regulating glycolysis through PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats, with particular attention to changes in intestinal barrier-related features, gut microbiota composition, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In CIA rats, CA treatment alleviated arthritis-related signs, reduced inflammatory responses, and attenuated joint pathological damage. CA administration was also associated with restoration of intestinal barrier-related features, including restoration of colonic histopathology and mucus layer integrity, as well as increased expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, CA treatment was associated with altered gut microbiota composition. At the genus level, CA intervention was associated with increased abundance of Akkermansia, Ligilactobacillus, and Ruminococcaceae, which were negatively correlated with arthritis severity. CA treatment was associated with increased fecal SCFA levels in CIA rats. Collectively, these findings indicate that CA administration is associated with normalization of the gut microbiota, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, and amelioration of arthritis symptoms in CIA rats, suggesting that the interplay among gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier damage, and arthritis may represent a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of RA.

Modified silica immobilized cinnamaldehyde-AgNPs/chitosan/polyethylene oxide spun packaging film for cherry preservation.

ABSTRACT Achieving high selectivity at near‐complete conversion remains a central challenge in the selective hydrogenation of multifunctional molecules. Herein, we report a near in situ activation strategy for CeO 2 quantum dots (QDs)‐modified Pt/SiC catalyst that exploits hydrogen spillover to generate Ce 3+ /SiC interfacial active sites without compromising the catalyst's intrinsic architecture. The activated catalyst achieves 93% selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol (COL) at 99% cinnamaldehyde (CAL) conversion, with a turnover frequency (TOF) approximately 2.4 times that of the untreated sample. Notably, the strategy also works for nitrobenzene and benzonitrile hydrogenations, showing broad applicability. This work provides a valuable reference for the design and activation of hydrogenation catalysts.

In this study, a series of Pt/Co2AlO4 catalysts with varying Pt loadings (0.29 wt %, 0.91 wt %, and 2.73 wt %) were prepared via the wet impregnation method and evaluated for the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. Among them, the 2.73 wt % Pt/Co2AlO4 catalyst exhibited the highest activity and selectivity. Under the reaction conditions of 60 °C, 2.0 MPa H2, and 2 h, it achieved a cinnamaldehyde (CAL) conversion of 95.7% and a selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol (COL) of 82.8%. Moreover, the catalyst retained its performance over five consecutive recycling tests, demonstrating excellent stability. Based on comprehensive characterization, the superior catalytic behavior of the 2.73 wt % Pt/Co2AlO4 catalyst can be attributed to the following factors: (1) High dispersion of Pt species, with an average particle size of 1.25 ± 0.43 nm; (2) XPS analysis revealed distinct shifts in the binding energies of Co and Pt species, indicating electron transfer from Co to Pt. With increasing Pt loading, the binding energy of Pt further decreased, suggesting enhanced electron density; (3) H2-TPD and H2-TPR results confirmed strong hydrogen adsorption and activation capabilities for this catalyst. Collectively, these features contribute to the outstanding activity, high COL selectivity, and stable recyclability of the 2.73 wt % Pt/Co2AlO4 catalyst in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde.

Conventional therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited by poor selectivity, insufficient modulation of the oxidative inflammatory microenvironment, and systemic side effects. Oxidative stress and macrophage-driven immune dysregulation represent critical therapeutic targets. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) and arginine (Arg) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities, but their poor solubility, instability, and lack of targeting restrict clinical application. Here, we report a pH-responsive cinnamaldehyde-arginine nanoprodrug (Arg-CA NPs), synthesized via Schiff base reaction, that spontaneously self-assembles into uniform nanoparticles capable of acid-triggered dual-drug release. Arg-CA NPs enhanced the solubility and stability of CA, exhibited excellent dispersibility and circulatory stability, and demonstrated intrinsic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mechanistically, Arg-CA NPs attenuated intracellular ROS accumulation, preserved mitochondrial function, and reprogrammed macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype by suppressing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling. In an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model, Arg-CA NPs selectively accumulated in inflamed joints and significantly alleviated joint swelling, synovial inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction. These findings identify Arg-CA NPs as a promising redox-active nanoplatform for RA therapy by targeting oxidative stress and immune dysregulation.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health burden with limited therapeutic options. Cinnamomum cassia, a medicinal-food homologous plant, contains principal bioactive cinnamaldehyde (CA), whose anti-MASLD mechanisms require clarification. ‌This study employed both a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD model and a free fatty acid (FFA)-stimulated cell model. CA administration attenuated intracellular lipid accumulation in vitro and ameliorated both hepatic steatosis and systemic hyperlipidemia in vivo, while inhibiting hepatic lipid peroxidation. Mechanistically, integrated RNA-seq, network pharmacology, siRNA, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy analyses identified the SIRT1/FOXO1-autophagy axis as CA's key regulatory pathway. Gut microbiome profiling revealed CA's capacity to ameliorate HFD-induced dysbiosis, particularly enriching Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and Spearman correlations link serum lipids and hepatic injury factors to gut microbiota, indicating partially microbiota-mediated metabolic modulation by CA. Collectively, CA ameliorates MASLD through coordinated autophagy enhancement and microbial homeostasis restoration, holding promise as a functional food ingredient for ‌metabolic liver disease prevention.

Cinnamaldehyde (CA) from Cinnamomum cassia shows strong antimicrobial activity against MRSA. This study used proteomics and high-resolution mass spectrometry with an MRSA-infected cell model to explore CA's antimicrobial mechanisms. CA covalently modifies Sortase A's active site cysteine (Cys184), a key enzyme for anchoring virulence factors to the MRSA cell wall. This modification inhibits Sortase A's activity, blocking virulence factor anchoring and impairing MRSA's adhesion, infection, and immune evasion. CA also covalently modifies Aconitase's [4Fe-4S] cluster active sites (Cys509, Cys512), disrupting citrate isomerization in the TCA cycle and causing ATP depletion. These modifications lead to NADH and glutathione depletion, increased ROS levels, oxidative stress, and bacterial death in MRSA. CA forms thiohemiketal and thioester structures with the active site cysteines of Sortase A and Aconitase. These findings provide potential targets for new anti-MRSA drugs and support CA's antibacterial application.

A practical three-dimensional checkerboard method for triple combinations: Ceftriaxone with cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031.

Background: Dental caries, primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), is a prevalent condition with significant global impact. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), a phytochemical derived from the cinnamon plant, has shown promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. mutans. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cariogenic effects of TC on S. mutans using an innovative mouse jaw explant model. Methods: TC was diluted in an organic solvent across various concentrations. Initially, cytotoxicity assays were performed at all tested TC concentrations. Sub-minimum bactericidal concentrations were then used to examine the distribution and morphology of S. mutans biofilms. Hemi-mandibles were dissected from euthanized, healthy, seven-week-old female mice to study the impact of TC on the cariogenic activity of S. mutans using stereoscopic analysis. Finally, pH changes during exposure to cariogenic conditions and post-treatment bacterial viability were measured. Results: In vitro data demonstrate that TC doses of ≤625 µg/mL were non-cytotoxic. Treatment groups exposed to TC exhibited altered bacterial morphology, including abnormal and incomplete cell division. In the mouse jaw explant model, TC doses of ≥625 µg/mL showed anti-cariogenic effects, evidenced by the absence of visible carious lesions. Additionally, pH changes and post-treatment viable bacterial counts corresponded with the observed anti-cariogenic activity. TC doses ≤625 µg/mL led to a pH drop over time and the presence of bacterial colonies. Conclusions: TC exhibits significant anti-cariogenic activity against S. mutans in the mouse model. Our findings suggest that 625 µg/mL is the lowest non-toxic concentration of TC that effectively inhibits cariogenic activity.

Cinnamaldehyde ameliorates diabetic kidney disease via anti-inflammatory effects: Bridging traditional use and molecular mechanisms.

Cinnamaldehyde (CA), a major component of Cinnamomum spp. essential oils, has recognized bioactivity, including possible analgesic effects. However, its acute antinociceptive mechanisms remain unclear. This study assessed the influence of CA (15, 30, and 60mg/kg, p.o.) on locomotor and exploratory behaviors via rotarod and open field tests in male Swiss mice. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using chemical and thermal nociception models. Mechanistic investigations were performed in the opioid and adrenergic systems, as well as in silico molecular docking in nociceptive targets. A significance level of p = 0.01 was adopted. CA significantly reduced nociceptive behaviors in all models without impairing motor coordination. In the formalin test, it inhibited neurogenic and inflammatory phases. In glutamate and capsaicin tests, CA markedly reduced nociceptive responses. In the hot plate test, it increased latency at 30mg/kg. Naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect of CA in the formalin test, supporting the hypothesis of opioid receptor involvement, while yohimbine partially blocked the response, suggesting α2-adrenergic contribution. Docking simulations showed favorable interactions of CA with κ- and δ-opioid receptors, NMDA, AMPA, and TRPV1, supporting a multimodal mechanism. CA displays acute antinociceptive activity, and the findings suggest the involvement of central pathways, including opioid and adrenergic systems.

ABSTRACT Chitosan (CS) is a promising natural polymer for fabricating functional particles, but its high hydrophilicity and limited bioactivity restrict its applications. Here, we engineered CS‐based composite particles by strategically controlling the addition sequence of cinnamaldehyde (CA), a bioactive crosslinker, relative to pH‐induced self‐assembly. Adding CA before assembly (CA/CS composite particles) led to its encapsulation within the particle core, producing smaller particles (689.9 ± 70.9 nm) with enhanced thermal stability and potent antibacterial activity (17.33 ± 0.58 mm inhibition zone against E. coli ). Conversely, adding CA after assembly (CS/CA composite particles) resulted in surface‐localized CA, yielding higher particle hydrophobicity (70.24 ± 0.88° contact angle) and superior performance as Pickering emulsion stabilizers, as evidenced by smaller emulsion droplets (31.61 ± 1.50 µm) and reduced creaming (7.06 ± 0.57% index). This study demonstrates that the spatial distribution of CA, dictated solely by its addition sequence, governs particle functionality. The CA/CS composite particles are optimal for sustained antibacterial applications, while the CS/CA composite particles are better suited for stabilizing emulsions. This sequence‐dependent strategy provides a versatile platform for tailoring CS‐based composites. A key limitation of this work is the lack of quantified CA release profiles, which will be the focus of future studies to assess bioavailability in food or pharmaceutical matrices.

Moisture-triggered one-step encapsulation of cinnamaldehyde in β-cyclodextrin for humidity responsive release and food preservation.

The formation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) mixed biofilms challenges the treatment of bacterial infections. In this study, the synergistic effect of plant essential oils cinnamaldehyde (CA) and carvacrol (CV) on inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli mixed biofilms formation was investigated. The Q value of CA and CV combination on inhibiting mixed biofilms formation was 2.28, suggesting their synergistic effect. Furthermore, CA/CV nanoemulsion was prepared, which further enhanced the inhibitory effect. CA/CV nanoemulsion could significantly inhibit the mixed biofilms formation at 64 μg/mL by reduction of bacterial adhesion and motility, polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) synthesis, and the inhibition of LuxS/AI-2 expression. In the S. aureus and E. coli infected implant model of mice, CA/CV NEs demonstrated prominent inhibitory effect on the formation of S. aureus and E. coli biofilms, and simultaneously reduced the bacterial burden.

To prevent the rapid microbial growth caused by unintended temperature abuse during the handling of cooked meat, such as malfunctioning hot-holding equipment or improper storage, this study developed a smart formulation that can be triggered by high temperature to release antibacterial agents on demand. A mixture of lauric acid and stearic acid was employed as the phase change material (PCM), and cinnamaldehyde (CA) was used as the active substance to fabricate this composite (CA/PCM). At 42 °C, CA/PCM can transit from a solid phase to a molten state, leading to the rapid release of embedded CA. In vitro experiments showed that, compared with the 25 °C group, the CA/PCM-42°C group reduced the colony counts of E. coli and S. aureus by 74.5% and 74.0%, respectively, and also decreased the biofilm absorbance by 92.75% and 82.08%, respectively. Compared with the samples stored at 25 °C, the inoculated meat stored at 42 °C for 24 h exhibited smaller changes in colour (∆E* < 3.5), hardness, pH, TVB-N, and MDA values. Moreover, the microbial counts remained below 5 log CFU·g-1. The results demonstrate that CA/PCM serves as an effective fail-safe strategy, providing targeted antimicrobial protection specifically under temperature-abuse conditions for the preservation of cooked meat.

A sustainable way to recycle used tires and improve the functionality of asphalt pavements is through the use of crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA). However, its application during high-temperature construction raises environmental and occupational health concerns due to the release of significant quantities of odorous and potentially harmful gases. Therefore, this study selected α-Amyl cinnamic aldehyde (ACA) as a deodorant and added it to CRMA at proportions of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% to prepare DCRMA. A number of common tests, such as softening point, ductility, penetration, Brookfield rotational viscosity, and segregation analysis, were used to evaluate the basic characteristics of the modified asphalt. A self-developed asphalt fume monitoring device was used to quantitatively analyze the changes in VOCs, H2S gas concentration, and solid particle content in the asphalt fumes to assess the deodorization effect of ACA on CRMA. Furthermore, the deodorization mechanism of ACA on CRMA was explored in depth using microscopic methods, such as fluorescence microscopy (FM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The findings demonstrated that ACA can increase the softening point and viscosity of CRMA while decreasing its penetration and ductility. The storage stability was optimal at a 1.0% ACA addition. Additionally, as the ACA content increased, the concentrations of VOCs, H2S gas, and solid particles in the asphalt fumes continued to decrease. FM results indicated that when the ACA content did not exceed 1.0%, it promoted the swelling degree of CR in the asphalt. FTIR results showed that ACA can reduce the characteristic peak intensity of CRMA. This study offers important technical references and practical support for the environmentally friendly use of CRMA.