A polyphenolic cinnamon fraction exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in a monocyte/macrophage model

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are bacteria-induced inflammatory disorders that lead to the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Active compounds endowed with a capacity to regulate the inflammatory response are regarded as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic cinnamon fraction. Chromatographic and mass spectrometry analyses of the polyphenolic composition of the cinnamon fraction revealed that phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols), and procyanidins make up 9.22%, 0.72%, and 10.63% of the cinnamon fraction, respectively. We used a macrophage model stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from either Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans or Escherichia coli to show that the cinnamon fraction dose-dependently reduced IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α secretion. Evidence was brought that this inhibition of cytokine secretion may result from the ability of the fraction to prevent LPS-induced NF-κB activation. We also showed that the cinnamon fraction reduces LPS binding to monocytes, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, using a competitor assay, it was found that the cinnamon fraction may represent a natural PPAR-γ ligand. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the cinnamon fraction was shown to exhibit a therapeutic potential for the treatment of periodontal diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti‐Inflammatory Effects and Macrophage Activation Induced by Bioavailable Cinnamon Polyphenols in Mice

“…A study on the polyphenolic composition of the water extract of a different cinnamon species showed that cinnamic acid and procyanidins are some of the most abundant polyphenol compounds. [ 13 ] Because CRPF is a mixture of various compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and procyanidins, we do not know which one is predominantly active. Given that cinnamaldehyde is converted to cinnamic acid in the intestine and liver, the observed bioactivity of cinnamaldehyde under in vitro conditions is not likely to occur in vivo.…”

“…[12] In support of this speculation, a recent study showed that a water-soluble polyphenol fraction from a different cinnamon species inhibited LPS-induced secretion of TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-8 in differentiated macrophage cells in vitro. [13] Among the cinnamon polyphenols, procyanidins, which refer to oligomers and polymers composed of catechin and epicatechin, are abundant in cinnamon species. [13] When orally administered, a small number of oligomeric procyanidins can be absorbed in the small intestine but the majority of procyanidins are degraded into various low molecular weight phenolics by gut bacteria and host cells before absorption.…”

“…[ 12 ] In support of this speculation, a recent study showed that a water‐soluble polyphenol fraction from a different cinnamon species inhibited LPS‐induced secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in differentiated macrophage cells in vitro. [ 13 ]…”

Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease

“…Various cinnamon extracts, such as Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume essential oil, ethanol extracts of cinnamon bark, cinnamon bark aqueous extract, and methanolic crude extract of Cinnamomum verum, display antioxidant activity, which indicates the potential for cinnamon to manage oxidative stress-related disorders [32]. Most cinnamon studies in vitro and in vivo (Table 2) [9,[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through multiple mechanisms, including reduction of malondialdehyde level (lipid peroxidation marker), activation of transcription factor Nrf2, and synthesis of antioxidant enzymes such as HO-1, superoxide dismutase, CAT, and GPx [48,49]. Twenty-two chemical ingredients have been isolated from cinnamon in addition to cinnamaldehyde analogues; of these, lignan pinoresinol (PRO) and the flavonol (-)-(2R,3R)-5,7-dimethoxy-3', 4'-methylenedioxy-flavan-3-ol (MFO) display antioxidant capacity [50].…”

The efficacy of herbal medicine on gingival and periodontal diseases: a review

“…Livada et al (34) reported that curcumin significantly decreased the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Capnocytophaga species in several clinical trials and animal studies. Lagha et al (35) reported that cinnamon extract had antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties against major periodontal pathogens, including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. The antiinflammatory activity of the cinnamon extract resulted in decreased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and promoted a healthy periodontium.…”