Anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and identification of active compounds influencing the TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways

Purpose: Inflammatory processes are involved in many diseases. The bark of Cinnamomum verum and its extracts are well known for anti-inflammatory effects, but the underlying active compounds and chemical mechanisms are not yet fully identified. The objective of this study was to elucidate how cinnamon extract, specifically active compounds, and their combinations influence the signaling pathways of inflammation, especially through toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4. Methods: Bioassay-guided fractionation was performed for standard ethanolic cinnamon extract using high performance liquid chromatography followed by compound identification in the determined active fractions by high-resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. THP-1 monocytes were pre-incubated with cinnamon extract, cinnamon fractions or its compounds and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), followed by determination of interleukin 8 (IL-8) secretion, and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor (NF)-B inhibitor alpha (IB) and p38. Furthermore, testing was performed in stimulated HEK-TLR2 and HEK-TLR4 reporter cells for direct receptor agonistic effects. Results: Among the identified compounds, trans-cinnamaldehyde and p-cymene significantly reduced the LPS-dependent IL-8 secretion in THP-1 monocytes. Synergistic anti-inflammatory effects were observed for combinations of trans-cinnamaldehyde with p-cymene, cinnamyl alcohol or cinnamic acid. Moreover, cinnamon extract as well as trans-cinnamaldehyde and p-cymene mitigated the phosphorylation of Akt and IB. Conclusions: Trans-cinnamaldehyde and p-cymene contribute to the strong anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract. Furthermore, our experiments indicate that also synergistic effects among compounds that do not exhibit anti-inflammatory effects themselves might be present to positively influence the beneficial effects of cinnamon bark extract.