Cinnamaldehyde-Rich Cinnamon Extract Induces Cell Death in Colon Cancer Cell Lines HCT 116 and HT-29

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 3;24(9):8191. doi: 10.3390/ijms24098191.

Abstract

Cinnamon is a natural spice with a wide range of pharmacological functions, including anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cinnamaldehyde-rich cinnamon extract (CRCE) on the colorectal cancer cell lines HCT 116 and HT-29. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of a lipophilic extract of cinnamon revealed the dominance of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Cells treated with CRCE (10-60 µg/mL) showed significantly decreased cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We also observed that cell proliferation and migration capacity were inhibited in CRCE-treated cells. In addition, a remarkable increase in the number of sub-G1-phase cells was observed with arrest at the G2 phase by CRCE treatment. CRCE also induced mitochondrial stress, and finally, CRCE treatment resulted in activation of apoptotic proteins Caspase-3, -9, and PARP and decreased levels of mu-2-related death-inducing gene protein expression with BH3-interacting domain death agonist (BID) activation.

Keywords: MUDENG; apoptosis; cinnamaldehyde; cinnamon; colorectal cancer; cytotoxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum* / chemistry
  • Colonic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • cinnamaldehyde
  • Plant Extracts