Sources, extraction and biological activities of cinnamaldehyde

Cinnamaldehyde is the prevalent bioactive part of cinnamon essential oil which is liable for its regular scent and can be gotten from the bark, leaves and twigs of various Cinnamomun species. Cinnamaldehyde is known to be generally considered non-toxic due to its high tolerance in animals and humans. Various extraction methods have been taken advantage of for extracting cinnamaldehyde and different phytochemicals from plants. The methods generally adopted for cinnamaldehyde extraction are hydro distillation, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, ultrasound assisted extraction, microwave assisted hydro distillation and water steam extraction. Cinnamaldehyde has been documented to have different useful properties against disease conditions as a result of oxidative stress, inflammation, loss of neurons, hyperglycemia and malignant growth. Likewise, cinnamaldehyde has been recorded to possess strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogenic and food waste microorganisms. The mechanism through which cinnamaldehyde exerts these effects have been associated with prevention of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species generation, free radical scavenging activity, inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and disruption of cell membrane of microorganisms. This article gives a thorough report of the sources, extraction techniques, validated therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of cinnamaldehyde. It likewise features other applications of cinnamaldehyde in agriculture, food and other industries.