Work

Cinnacassdiol, a novel anti-inflammatory phenylpropanoid from Cinnamomum cassia barks: Insights from an integrated in vitro, in vivo and in silico investigation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Inflammation is acknowledged as a pivotal factor in numerous health problems. Cinnamomum cassia , a classic plant with both medicinal and culinary value, is highly recognized for its significant anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, an undescribed phenylpropanoid-glycosyl derivative, named cinnacassdiol ( CCD ) was obtained from the barks of C. cassia and structurally characterized using a combination of HR-ESI-MS, NMR and quantum calculation of optical rotation (OR). Anti-inflammatory evaluation revealed that CCD significantly inhibited excessive neutrophil migration in multiple zebrafish models. Molecular docking combined with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations prompted the strong binding affinities and favorable energetical stabilization of CCD toward the protein domains of IL-6, TNF- α , IκB α and NF-κB. This prediction was validated in LPS-stimulated zebrafish and RAW 264.7 cell models at both mRNA and protein levels. Overall, this study identified a novel compound from C. cassia and established a robust scientific basis for its development as an anti-inflammatory functional food ingredient.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107001