Preliminary Evaluation of Cinnamon Oil for Cardio-protection and Lipid Regulation

High levels containing total cholesterol, low levels containing lipoprotein, and very low levels containing lipoprotein in the blood, together with low levels of high-density lipoprotein, are the hallmarks of hyperlipidaemia [1]. Hyperlipidaemia is characterized by an abnormally high level of the lipid’s cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and its consequences, such as atherosclerosis. Some of the most common medical issues associated with hyperlipidaemia are xanthomas, gallstones, pancreatitis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. For instance, coronary artery disease is a major killer worldwide, and nations like India may anticipate an increase in CAD cases by 2020 as a result of the increasing frequency of hyperlipidaemia [2-3]. A persistent inflammatory response initiated by an excess of lipids in the arterial walls is a common component in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease [4]. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia), a well-known spice from the Lauraceae family, has garnered attention for its multifaceted therapeutic properties, demonstrating free radical scavenging, inflammatory pathway modulation, glycemic regulation, pathogen inhibition, and cardiovascular system protection. Cinnamon’s bioactive components, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate, contribute to its lipid-lowering and cardiovascular benefits [5]. These compounds have shown promise in alleviating hyperlipidemia and mitigating the risk of heart disease by reducing lipid levels in the bloodstream and improving vascular health. Studies also suggest that cinnamon's essential oils contain cinnamaldehyde, which possesses anti-tyrosinase activity, further highlighting its therapeutic potential [6]. Additionally, procyanidins, including both A-type and B-type linkages, present in cinnamon, exhibit antioxidant properties, further supporting its role in combating oxidative stress and inflammatory processes associated with hyperlipidemia and CVD. Beyond its role in cardiovascular health, cinnamon has demonstrated efficacy as an antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer agent. It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including toothaches and oral health issues, owing to its beneficial effects on oral microbiota [7-8].

The study evaluated the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of cinnamon oil at 25 and 50 milligrams/kilogram. Results are presented below.

Changes in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels due to hyperlipidemia caused by dexamethasone

Total cholesterol was elevated in the hyperlipidaemia-induced group (117.71 ± 1.33 milligrams/ deciliter) versus controls (64.43 ± 0.93 milligrams/ deciliter), indicating hypercholesterolemia. Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 milligrams/kilogram) reduced TC to 84.23 ± 1.05 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.001) and 82.35 ± 0.89 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.0001), respectively; gemfibrozil reduced TC to 73.70 ± 0.79 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.001). Triglycerides increased to 150.71 ± 0.52 mg/dL in the induced group versus 63.75 ± 0.51 mg/dL in controls. Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 milligrams/kilogram) lowered TG to 79.50 ± 0.53 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.001) and 75.25 ± 0.64 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.0001), respectively; gemfibrozil lowered TG to 68.33 ± 0.57 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.001).

Dexamethasone affected the levels of good cholesterol in the body:

 HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) was reduced in the dexamethasone-induced group (24.75 ± 0.41 milligrams/ deciliter) vs controls (40.68 ± 0.71 milligrams/ deciliter). Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 milligrams/kilogram) yielded HDL-C of 25.79 ± 0.60 milligrams/kilogram (P < 0.001) and 28.40 ± 0.52 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.0001), respectively; gemfibrozil increased HDL-C to 34.50 ± 0.67 milligrams/ deciliter (P < 0.001).

Dexamethasone affected the levels of low levels containing lipoprotein, and very low levels containing lipoprotein in the body:

Versus controls (14.59 ± 0.50 Milligram/ deciliter). Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 Milligram/kilogram) reduced LDL-C to 33.67 ± 0.61 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.001) and 26.73 ± 0.55 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.0001), respectively; gemfibrozil reduced LDL-C to 23.35 ± 0.56 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.001). VLDL-C rose to 38.42 ± 0.65 Milligram/ deciliter in the induced group versus 13.42 ± 0.46 mg/dL in controls. Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 Milligram/kilogram) lowered VLDL-C to 30.60 ± 0.44 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.001) and 25.80 ± 0.51 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.0001), respectively; gemfibrozil lowered VLDL-C to 19.75 ± 0.53 Milligram/ deciliter (P < 0.001).

Atherogenic results:

The atherogenic index in the group of rats treated with dexamethasone for hyperlipidemia increased to 4.89 compared to the normal rat group's 1.58. Significantly lower values of 3.26 and 2.89, respectively, were seen in the group that was treated with Cinnamon Oil at dosages of 25 Milligram/kilogram and 50 Milligram/kilogram. The values of 2.13 in Table 1 have been significantly reduced with gemfibrozil.

Table 1. Impact of Cinnamon Oil on Hyperlipidemia Induced by Dexamethasone Injection

 The atherogenic index increased to 4.89 in the dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia group versus 1.58 in controls. Cinnamon oil (25 and 50 Milligram/kilogram) reduced the index to 3.26 and 2.89, respectively; gemfibrozil reduced it to 2.13.

Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple comparisons; P < 0.05 was considered significant. ***P < 0.0001 versus control.

Doxorubicin induced myocardial infraction:

Chronic doxorubicin administration induced cardiotoxicity, evidenced by significant increases in cardiac biomarkers (CPK, LDH) and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides versus control (Group 1), with minimal change in HDL. Cinnamon oil treatment (Groups 3 and 4) significantly reduced cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL versus the doxorubicin group (Group 2), and attenuated CPK and LDH elevations.

Table.2 Cinnamon oils impact on serum TC, TG, HDL, LDH, LDL, and CK-MB levels in experimental and control rats

Values are mean ± SEM (n = 6). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 versus Group II.

The present pharmacological study investigated cinnamon oil's (25 and 50 Milligram/kilogram) potential antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effects. Reduced levels of triglyceride cholesterol, Low levels containing lipoprotein, very low levels containing lipoprotein, and increased levels of HDL are the results of cinnamon oil's anti-cholesterol effects. When given orally, cinnamon oil significantly reduces hyperlipidaemia in Wistar rats. The treatment of dyslipidaemia can thus make use of a medication derived from cinnamon oil. Acute hyperlipidaemia was induced in Wistar rats by administering 10 Milligram/kilogram intraperitoneally for Eight days. In Dexamethasone induced hyperlipidaemia models, the elevation of TC, total glyceride, high-density-containing lipid protein, low-thickness-containing lipid protein, and very-low-density-containing lipid protein was successfully prevented (Vasu et al., 2009; Yu Z et al., 2017). The presence of higher levels of marker enzymes, such as LDH and CK-MB, in rats demonstrating cardioprotective effects of doxorubicin was evident. Results indicated that both doses of cinnamon oil extract inhibited doxorubicin-induced CK-MB and LDH release in rat serum. Overall, the study's results indicate that, when it comes to hyperlipidaemia, 50 milligrams per kilogramme of cinnamon oil is more beneficial than 25 milligrams per kilogramme. Cinnamon oil has significant anti-hyperlipidaemic and cardioprotective potential, according to preliminary test findings (25 and 50 Milligram/kilogram, respectively).

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to the Department of Pharmacology at Maharana Pratap College of Pharmacy in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, for their technical and administrative support.

Author contribution: All author participated equally.

Conflict of interest –None.

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