Clinical Aspects on the Toxicity of Cinnamon Extracts: A Mini Review

Abstract

Objective:The current review identifies the adverse and beneficial effects of cinnamon and its components. Method: Literature search using online databases including PubMed, Hindawi, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Elsevier were explored. The keywords used for the literature search included cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, trans-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon and stroke, cinnamon and antioxidant, and cinnamon and toxic effects. The inclusion criteria for this review encompassed studies that focused on neuroinflammation and neuroprotection, as well as those that examined the effects of stroke. Additionally, the criteria included studies that investigated experiments on ischemic hemorrhage, encompassing both in vivo and in vitro settings. Findings: The comparative analysis of studies reveals that cinnamon demonstrates potent antioxidant, anticholinergic, and antidiabetic effects. Cinnamaldehyde exhibits inhibitory effects on collagen and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, as well as collagen-epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism, suggesting its antithrombotic properties. Moreover, transcinnamaldehyde reduces the brain infarct area by downregulating the gene expression of iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-alpha, thus reducing inflammation associated with ischemic stroke. Additionally, the literature review highlights the neuroprotective properties of cinnamon in treating Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Consequently, further research is required to elucidate the potential mechanisms through which cinnamon provides neuroprotection and its efficacy in stroke treatment. Novelty: The review reiterates for bioactive compounds present in cinnamon which show promising potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and stroke.