Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil and cinnamaldehyde's antibacterial effects
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antibacterial activity of cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil and cinnamaldehyde on some locally isolated pathogenic bacteria
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Hutaf A. A. Alsalim, Muayad S. Shawkat and Majed Ibrahem Al Khwaildy
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antibacterial activity of cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil and cinnamaldehyde on some locally isolated pathogenic bacteria
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20172-7707
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant infections has become a serious global concern, both in healthcare settings and the community. This study explores the antibacterial effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark oil and its principal compound, cinnamaldehyde, against various pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical samples. The research identifies the composition of cinnamon bark oil using chemical analysis and evaluates its efficacy in inhibiting several resistant bacterial strains. By providing an alternative to conventional antibiotics, cinnamon's potential may address the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents.
2) Antibacterial Efficacy of Cinnamon Bark Oil
The antibacterial activity of cinnamon bark oil was assessed using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods. The study revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible pathogen to cinnamon oil, demonstrating an MIC of 80 µg/ml and an MBC of 110 µg/ml. In contrast, Klebsiella pneumoniae showed lower sensitivity, with an MIC of 175 µg/ml. Inhibition zones were created around the wells used for testing, indicating that as the concentration of the cinnamon oil increased, the zones of inhibition also expanded, particularly for gram-positive bacteria.
3) Cinnamaldehyde: A Potent Antimicrobial Agent
Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component in cinnamon bark oil, was partially purified and analyzed for its antibacterial properties. The MIC values for cinnamaldehyde against clinical isolates ranged from 35 µg/ml for S. aureus to 110 µg/ml for K. pneumoniae. The compound's effectiveness was more pronounced against gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria, which aligns with previous studies suggesting that cinnamaldehyde disrupts cellular processes critical for bacterial survival. This indicates its potential as a key player in the development of new antimicrobial treatments.
4) Chemical Composition of Cinnamon Bark Oil
Chemical analysis of cinnamon bark oil revealed a variety of active compounds, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, although tannins and phenols were absent. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified cinnamaldehyde with a concentration of approximately 88%. The diverse phytochemical profile contributes to the antibacterial activity observed and underscores the importance of phytochemicals in providing protective benefits against microbial threats. Understanding these compounds highlights the significance of natural products in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
5) Conclusion
This study effectively demonstrated that cinnamon bark oil and its main constituent, cinnamaldehyde, possess significant antibacterial properties against various pathogenic bacteria, particularly S. aureus. The findings reveal that these natural compounds can be potent alternatives to traditional antibiotics, especially in light of rising antimicrobial resistance. Further research is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to explore the potential of cinnamon-derived products in clinical applications, emphasizing the need for ongoing investigations into phytochemicals as viable sources for new antimicrobial agents.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main aim of the cinnamon study?
The study aimed to isolate essential oil and cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon bark and evaluate their antibacterial activity against locally isolated pathogenic bacteria.
What types of bacteria were tested in the study?
The study tested gram positive and gram negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
How were the essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark?
Essential oils were obtained by steam distillation using 50 grams of cinnamon bark powder mixed with 0.5 liters of distilled water for six hours.
What were the results of the antibacterial activity tests?
Cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde showed significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, with varying MIC and MBC values for different bacteria.
What methods were used to determine antibacterial effectiveness?
The study used Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests, along with well diffusion agar methods to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness.
What compounds were found in Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil?
Chemical analysis of the bark oil revealed active compounds including glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, resins, cumarins, and flavones, but not tannins and phenols.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil and cinnamaldehyde's antibacterial effects”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cinnamon:
Cinnamon refers to the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum, particularly Cinnamomum zeylanicum, which is notable for its aromatic properties and is often used in cooking and traditional medicine. It possesses various health benefits, including antimicrobial activity, inflammation reduction, and antioxidant properties. Its essential oil contains significant compounds like cinnamaldehyde.
2) Aureus:
Aureus is a term often associated with Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium that can cause a range of infections in humans. This pathogen is significant in clinical microbiology due to its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics. The study highlights the antibacterial effects of cinnamon extracts on this organism.
3) Table:
Tables are used in scientific literature to systematically present data, making comparisons easier for readers. In this study, tables summarize results on antibiotic resistance, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), and diameter of inhibition zones, aiding in visually understanding the efficacy of cinnamon extracts against various bacterial strains.
4) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the effectiveness of agents, like cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde, in inhibiting the growth or killing pathogenic bacteria. Evaluating antibacterial activity involves measuring how well these extracts can disrupt bacterial processes, revealing their potential uses in treatments of infections caused by resistant bacteria.
5) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the properties of substances that prevent bacterial growth or kill bacteria. Cinnamon oil and its active component, cinnamaldehyde, are studied for their antibacterial effects against clinically relevant strains, emphasizing their potential application in new therapeutic strategies to combat resistant infections.
6) Study (Studying):
The study aims to investigate the antibacterial properties of cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde against specific pathogenic bacteria isolated from clinical samples. Conducting experiments helps establish evidence for the effectiveness of natural compounds in treating infections, potentially offering alternatives to conventional antibiotics.
7) Cinnamomum zeylanicum:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon, is a tree whose bark is valued for its aromatic essential oil and health-promoting phytochemicals. This species is studied for its medicinal properties, including antibacterial action, and is often compared with other cinnamon species for varying activities and compositions.
8) Performance:
Performance refers to how well the cinnamon extracts perform against bacteria, which can be assessed through metrics like MIC and MBC. Evaluating performance allows researchers to understand the efficacy of natural compounds in inhibiting microbial growth and to compare their actions with conventional antibiotics.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The research underscores the scientific approach in understanding the antibacterial effects of plant extracts, contributing to broader fields such as pharmacology, microbiology, and herbal medicine.
10) Water:
Water in this context is used as a solvent in the extraction process of essential oils from cinnamon bark. It plays a crucial role in steam distillation, helping to facilitate the release of volatile compounds, which can contribute to the oil's antimicrobial activities.
11) Container:
A container refers to the vessels, such as sterile tubes or flasks, used to collect and store samples during experiments. Proper containment is essential to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the specimens being analyzed for their antibacterial properties.
12) Species:
Species relates to specific types of organisms, such as the bacteria examined or the cinnamon tree Cinnamomum zeylanicum itself. Identifying species is crucial in microbiological studies to assess behaviors, interactions, and implications of findings in medicine and agriculture.
13) Powder:
Powder refers to the form of cinnamon bark after it is dried and ground for extraction and analysis. The powder is essential for the distillation process of essential oils and impacts the yield and concentration of bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial properties.
14) Filling (Filled):
Filled indicates the process of adding samples or extracts into wells of plates during antibacterial testing. This procedure is crucial for accurately assessing the effects of cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde, as it measures their efficacy against the inoculated bacterial strains.
15) Blood:
Blood agar is a type of growth medium used in microbiology to culture bacteria, particularly fastidious organisms. The study employs blood agar alongside other media for isolating pathogenic bacteria, highlighting its importance in determining the pathogenic potential of the isolates being tested.
16) Tree:
Tree refers to the Cinnamomum zeylanicum species from which cinnamon is derived. Understanding the botanical characteristics and habitat of the tree helps in studying its phytochemical profile and the sources of its medicinal properties.
17) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in microbiology often refers to genetic changes in bacteria that confer resistance to antibiotics. This process can impact the efficacy of treatments, emphasizing the need for research into alternative antimicrobial agents, such as those derived from plants like cinnamon.
18) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced by plants that contribute to their defense mechanisms. The study highlights various phytochemicals found in cinnamon, such as flavonoids and saponins, which have potential therapeutic effects and can influence antibacterial activity.
19) Purification:
Purification refers to the processes used to isolate specific active compounds, like cinnamaldehyde, from crude extracts. Effective purification maximizes the yield and potency of bioactive substances, enhancing their utility in clinical applications and ensuring reproducibility in scientific research.
20) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific literature entails analyzing and interpreting the results obtained from experiments. It allows researchers to contextualize their findings, compare with existing research, and draw conclusions regarding the implications for future studies and practical applications of their work.
21) Collecting:
Collecting refers to the process of obtaining samples, such as bacterial isolates and plant material. Proper techniques for collecting, handling, and preserving samples are essential to avoid contamination and ensure the reliability of the microbiological and phytochemical analyses conducted in studies.
22) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals found in many plants, including cinnamon. They contribute significantly to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the plant. Their presence in cinnamon enhances its potential use in health-related applications, making them a focus in pharmacological studies.
23) Mutation:
Mutation refers to changes in the genetic material of bacteria that may result in antibiotic resistance. These mutations can complicate treatment options, underscoring the importance of researching natural alternatives, such as compounds from cinnamon, to combat resistant bacterial strains.
24) Quality:
Quality relates to the standard of the extracts obtained from cinnamon, including the concentration of active compounds like cinnamaldehyde. Ensuring high quality of plant-derived materials is crucial for their effectiveness in antibacterial applications and for meeting regulatory standards in pharmaceuticals.
25) Overuse:
Overuse in this context refers to excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics, which leads to increased resistance among bacterial populations. This presents a public health challenge, highlighting the necessity for alternative treatments and the exploration of natural antimicrobials from plants like cinnamon.
26) Disease:
Disease refers to the pathological conditions caused by pathogenic bacteria, such as infections from Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Understanding the antibacterial properties of natural compounds can provide new avenues for treating diseases associated with antibiotic resistance.
27) Surface:
Surface refers to the top layer of growth media, such as agar plates, on which bacteria are inoculated during experimentation. The surface area influences the interaction between bacterial colonies and antimicrobial agents, which is critical for evaluating antibacterial effectiveness.
28) Family:
Family in a biological classification context denotes a higher taxonomic rank grouping species based on shared characteristics. Cinnamomum zeylanicum belongs to the Lauraceae family, which encompasses various aromatic plants, relevant to studies exploring medicinal properties and potential applications in healthcare.
29) Reason:
Reason refers to the justification for conducting the research, such as addressing the rising problem of antibiotic resistance. By exploring natural antimicrobials from cinnamon, the study aims to provide viable alternatives to current antibiotic treatments, driven by the need for effective therapeutic options.
30) Misuse:
Misuse denotes inappropriate or incorrect use of antibiotics, which can lead to treatment failures and promote resistance among bacteria. This issue underlines the urgency for research into alternative therapies, such as natural extracts from cinnamon with potential antibacterial properties.
31) Animal:
Animal refers to biological organisms that may be affected by bacterial infections. Many studies focus on infection treatments in both human and veterinary medicine, highlighting the importance of effective antimicrobial substances derived from plants like cinnamon in broader healthcare applications.
32) Insect:
Insect refers to a category of arthropods, some of which may be targeted by antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial properties of cinnamon oil can also extend to protecting plants from insect predation, demonstrating its multifaceted applications in agriculture and natural pest control.
33) Cotton:
Cotton refers to the sterile cotton swabs used for sample collection in microbiological studies. These tools are essential for obtaining clinical samples without contamination, ensuring accurate diagnostic and experimental outcomes in the research of antimicrobial efficacy.
34) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma describes the pleasant scent produced by the essential oils of cinnamon, which is attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde. The aroma not only plays a role in culinary applications but also indicates the presence of bioactive compounds, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of cinnamon.
35) Beta:
Beta may refer to beta-lactam antibiotics, a class of antimicrobial agents that face increasing resistance. Understanding the limitations of beta-lactams in treating infections motivates the search for alternative treatments, including natural substances from plants like cinnamon.
36) Genu:
Genu refers to the genus classification level in biological taxonomy, with Cinnamomum being an example. This classification is significant in identifying and studying the properties of different species within the Cinnamomum genus, particularly their pharmacological benefits.
37) Food:
Food refers to substances consumed for nutrition, where cinnamon oil and extracts are often included due to their flavor and health benefits. The antimicrobial properties found in cinnamon make it a valuable ingredient in food preservation and safety against spoilage bacteria.
38) Hand:
Hand relates to the actions taken by researchers in conducting experiments, such as handling samples and performing procedures. Proper hand hygiene and technique are essential in microbiological studies to prevent contamination and ensure valid results.
39) Salt (Salty):
Salt can refer to a component used in microbiological media or a practice in food preservation. In the context of this study, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper growth conditions for bacteria, as well as the potential antimicrobial properties of salt when used in conjunction with other substances.
40) Male:
Male pertains to the gender of some patients from whom clinical samples were collected in the study. Gender analysis may provide relevant insight into varying susceptibilities to infections and responses to treatment options, underscoring the importance of considering demographic factors in clinical research.