Abstract

CINNAMON- A PROMISING SPICE WITH NUTRACEUTCAL PROPERTIES

K. R. Anilakumar* and S. Naveen

Abstract

Conventional and organic cinnamon was investigated for their phenolic profile, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cinnamon seems to be highly bioactive, appearing to mimic the effect of insulin through increased glucose uptake in adipocytes and skeletal muscles. Cinnamon extract would improve insulin action via increasing glucose uptake in vivo, at least in part through enhancing the insulin-signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. Administration of the cinnamon extracts significantly increased the consumption of extracellular glucose in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and normal HepG2 cells compared with the control group. Both A- and B-type procyanidin oligomers in different cinnamon species have hypoglycemic activities and may improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 DM. The administration of cinnamon extract provides substantial protection against radiation-induced oxidative and inflammatory damages. Uncontrolled activation of microglia contributes to neuroinflammation, which is highly involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Cinnamon may have a potential therapeutic effect against neurodegenerative diseases and its potent anti-neuroinflammatory capacity was primarily attributed to cinnamaldehyde. In vitro and in vivo system, cinnamon treatment strongly inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors and master regulators of tumor progression not only in melanoma cell lines but also in experimental melanoma model. Inclusion of 2 g/kg cinnamon can be applied as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics for broiler diets. Though enough basis has been created on the scientific evidence of cinnamon and its components in promoting health as functional foods, research efforts need to be intensified to further substantiate and validate health claims to instil greater confidence of the consumer.

Keywords: Cinnamon, Anti-diabetic, Radioprotective, Anti-neuroinflammatory, Anti-tumour, Immune boosting.