Effects of cinnamon oil and its main constituents, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde, on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurodegeneration in PC-12 cells

Abstract

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) is a well-known medicinal plant considered as an effective treatment for neurological disorders based on Persian medicine. The aim of the present study was assessing the effect of cinnamon oil, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde, on the in vitro model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Cinnamon oil, prepared in sesame oil, was phytochemically analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pheochromocytoma-12 (PC-12) cells were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) as an in vitro model of neurodegeneration in PD. Cell viability, activity of caspase enzymes, and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. MPTP significantly decreased cell viability and increased Casp activity, as well as ROS formation. Cinnamon oil and cinnamic acid at 200 μg/mL could significantly reverse MPTP-induced abnormalities in PC-12 cells including Casp activity and ROS formation. Our study supports the beneficial effect of cinnamon oil in neurodegeneration. Further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms and main active components.