Antidiabetic Potential of Volatile Cinnamon Oil: A Review and Exploration of Mechanisms Using In Silico Molecular Docking Simulations.

Nicole Stevens, Kathryn Allred

Journal: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2022;27(3):853

PMID: 35164117

Plain Language Summary

Diabetes is a huge concern as individuals are at a much higher risk of mortality. Some natural therapies have been shown to aid blood sugar lowering and cinnamon and its constituents is one of these. This review study aimed to summarise the research on the anti-diabetic properties of cinnamon oil and its constituents. Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and beta-carophyllene are the three main active components of cinnamon oil and extensive research in animals and limited research in humans has shown that it has anti-diabetic properties. One of the main ways that it does this is through interacting with enzymes in the body known to be involved in blood sugar balance. It was concluded that cinnamon and its constituents has the potential to have therapeutic benefits, however further studies in humans would be warranted. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the way in which cinnamon may be of benefit to individuals with diabetes, however further research is needed before specific recommendations are made.

Abstract

Cinnamon has been used as a flavoring and medicinal agent for centuries. Much research has focused on cinnamon bark powder, which contains antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and small amounts of essential oil. However, isolated and concentrated cinnamon essential oil may also have important medicinal qualities, particularly in antidiabetic therapy. Some of the most common essential oil constituents identified in the literature include cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and beta-caryophyllene. Due to their high concentration in cinnamon essential oil, these constituents are hypothesized to have the most significant physiological activity. Here, we present a brief review of literature on cinnamon oil and its constituents as they relate to glucose metabolism and diabetic pathogenesis. We also present molecular docking simulations of these cinnamon essential oil constituents (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene) that suggest interaction with several key enzymes in glucometabolic pathways.

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DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030853