Discovering Health-Boosting Compounds in Cinnamon Bark

Jenn Hoskins
16th August, 2024

Discovering Health-Boosting Compounds in Cinnamon Bark

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Hebei University found that cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) is a strong inhibitor of enzymes that digest carbohydrates and fats
  • Procyanidins in cinnamon bark were identified as the key compounds responsible for these effects
  • These findings suggest that cinnamon bark could help manage blood sugar levels and reduce fat absorption, benefiting those with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
The recent study conducted by Hebei University[1] explored the suppressive effects of 16 selected plant-based foods on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, enzymes related to carbohydrate and fat digestion, respectively. Among the tested foods, the bark of Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon, WLN-FM 15) emerged as the most potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. This study aims to identify the bioactive constituents responsible for these effects and to evaluate their potential as functional food ingredients. α-Glucosidase and pancreatic lipase are enzymes that play crucial roles in the digestion of carbohydrates and fats. Inhibiting these enzymes can help manage postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels and reduce fat absorption, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). MetS is characterized by a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and T2D[2]. The study utilized a multi-bioactivity-labeled molecular networking approach, combining GNPS-based molecular networking, DPPH-HPLC, and affinity-based ultrafiltration-HPLC to identify the bioactive constituents in WLN-FM 15. This advanced methodology allowed the researchers to pinpoint nine procyanidins as the key antioxidants and inhibitors of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase in WLN-FM 15. Procyanidins A1, A2, B1, and C1 were subsequently isolated and their efficacy confirmed through functional assays. The findings of this study align with previous research on the inhibitory effects of cinnamon species on digestive enzymes. For instance, a study evaluating various cinnamon bark species found that Thai cinnamon was a potent inhibitor of intestinal maltase, while Ceylon cinnamon effectively inhibited intestinal sucrase and pancreatic α-amylase[3]. These results underscore the potential of cinnamon extracts, including Cinnamomum cassia, in managing postprandial glucose levels and supporting metabolic health. Moreover, the study on Cryptocarya alba (peumo) fruits highlighted the strong inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, attributed to compounds such as 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, and (-)-epicatechin[4]. These findings further emphasize the role of plant-based foods rich in bioactive compounds in the prevention and management of MetS and related conditions. The study conducted by Hebei University not only identifies procyanidins as the bioactive constituents in Cinnamomum cassia but also demonstrates the reliability of the multi-bioactivity-labeled molecular networking approach for discovering bioactive compounds in plant-based foods. By inhibiting α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, these procyanidins can potentially serve as functional food ingredients to help manage blood glucose levels and reduce fat absorption, offering a natural strategy for the prevention and treatment of MetS and T2D. In summary, the research highlights the therapeutic potential of Cinnamomum cassia bark in managing metabolic health through the inhibition of key digestive enzymes and antioxidant activity. The integration of advanced methodologies in identifying bioactive compounds paves the way for further exploration of plant-based foods in combating metabolic disorders.

MedicineBiochemSpices

References

Main Study

1) Identification of procyanidins as α-glucosidase inhibitors, pancreatic lipase inhibitors, and antioxidants from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia by multi-bioactivity-labeled molecular networking.

Published 15th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114833

Related Studies

2) New Advances in Metabolic Syndrome, from Prevention to Treatment: The Role of Diet and Food.

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030640

3) Inhibitory activity of cinnamon bark species and their combination effect with acarbose against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-011-0226-4

4) Antioxidant capacity and inhibition of metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes by Cryptocarya alba fruits.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113343


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