PMID: 

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2020 Feb 21. Epub 2020 Feb 21. PMID: 32083945

Abstract Title: 

Exposures to Electronic-Cigarette Aerosols Impair theSignaling during Mouse Lung Development.

Abstract: 

Currently, more than 9 million American adults, including women of childbearing age, use electronic-cigarettes (e-cigs). Further, the prevalence of maternal vaping now approaching 10% is similar to that of maternal smoking. Little, however, is known about the effects of fetal exposures to nicotine-rich e-cig aerosols on lung development. In this study, we assessed whetherexposures to e-cig aerosols compromised lung development in mice. A third-generation e-cig device was used to expose pregnant BALB/c mice by inhalation to 36 mg/mL of nicotine-cinnamon flavored e-cig aerosols for 14 to 31 days. This included exposures for either 12 days before mating plus during gestation (preconception groups) or only during gestation (prenatal groups). Respective control mice were exposed to filtered-air. Sub-groups of offspring were sacrificed at birth or at 4 weeks of age. Compared to respective air-exposed controls, both preconception and prenatal exposures to e-cig aerosols significantly decreased the offspring birth weight and body length. In the preconception group, 7 inflammation-related genes were down-regulated, including 4 genes common to both dams and fetuses, denoting an e-cig immunosuppressive effect. Lung morphometry assessments of preconception e-cig-exposed offspring showed a significantly increased tissue fraction at birth. This result was supported by the down-regulation of 75 lung genes involved in thesignaling, which is essential to lung organogenesis. Thus, our data indicate that maternal vaping impairs pregnancy outcomes, alters fetal lung structure, and dysregulates thesignaling. This study provides experimental evidence for future regulations of e-cig products for pregnant women and developmentally vulnerable populations.

read more

PMID: 

iScience. 2020 Feb 13:100884. Epub 2020 Feb 13. PMID: 32105635

Abstract Title: 

Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Modulates the Oral Microbiome and Increases Risk of Infection.

Abstract: 

The trend of e-cigarette use among teens is ever increasing. Here we show the dysbiotic oral microbial ecology in e-cigarette users influencing the local host immune environment compared with non-smoker controls and cigarette smokers. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, we evaluated 119 human participants, 40 in each of the three cohorts, and found significantly altered beta-diversity in e-cigarette users (p = 0.006) when compared with never smokers or tobacco cigarette smokers. The abundance of Porphyromonas and Veillonella (p = 0.008) was higher among vapers. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were highly elevated in e-cigarette users when compared with non-users. Epithelial cell-exposed e-cigarette aerosols were more susceptible for infection. In vitro infection model of premalignant Leuk-1 and malignant cell lines exposed to e-cigarette aerosol and challenged by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum resulted in elevated inflammatory response. Our findings for the first time demonstrate that e-cigarette users are more prone to infection.

read more

PMID: 

Indian J Community Med. 2019 Oct ;44(Suppl 1):S77-S80. PMID: 31728098

Abstract Title: 

Antifungal Efficacy of Spice Extracts against: Anstudy.

Abstract: 

Background: species are normal commensals and are isolated intra-orally in 17%-75% of healthy individuals and all debilitated people. Eradication of candidiasis is complicated by the emergence ofstrains that are resistant to the currently used antifungal agents. Plants as remedies are gaining popularity in developed countries. Although many plants have already been investigated against, the search is still to find a long-term prevention or cure for oral candidiasis.Objectives: The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate the antifungal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cumin againstand (2) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of spice extracts against.Materials and Methods: Spices obtained from the local market were dried and powdered. Solvent extracts were obtained by maceration with methanol followed by filtration and evaporation. The antifungal efficacy was assessed using cup-plate diffusion method followed by the determination of MIC by serial tube dilution technique. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey'stest.

read more

PMID: 

J Dermatol Sci. 2019 Dec ;96(3):151-158. Epub 2019 Nov 6. PMID: 31735467

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant cinnamaldehyde attenuates UVB-induced photoaging.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation disrupts skin through several deleterious actions, such as induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and collagen degradation. Cinnamaldehyde (CIN) is a major constituent of the cinnamon and it possesses potent antioxidative activity; however, it is unclear whether CIN is capable of inhibiting the adverse effects of UVB.OBJECTIVE: To investigate protective effects of CIN against UVB-induced photodamage.METHODS: HaCaT keratinocytes were pretreated with CIN, irradiated with UVB, and assessed for the ROS production by flow cytometry and for the DNA damage by ELISA. As in vivo mouse model, Hos:HR-1 hairless mice were treated with ointments containing DMSO or CIN and irradiated multiple times with UVB. After 10 weeks of irradiation, wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness, infiltrating cell number, malondialdehyde amount, collagen amount, MAP kinase signaling, and related gene expressions (Hmox1, Col1a1, Mmp1a, and Mmp13) were analyzed.RESULTS: CIN significantly reduced the ROS production and accelerated the repair of DNA damage pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproducts in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes in vitro. In the mouse model, topical application of CIN significantly inhibited wrinkle formation, epidermal hyperplasia, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration. The antioxidative process was significantly promoted in the CIN-applied site, as evidenced by upregulation of the antioxidative enzyme Hmox1 as well as the reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde. In addition, topical application of CIN normalized the UVB-induced collagen/Col1a1 downregulation and the UVB-induced Mmp13 upregulation, implying the prevention of UVB-induced collagen degradation.CONCLUSIONS: CIN and CIN-containing herbal agents may exert potent protective effects against UVB exposure on skin.

read more

PMID: 

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec ;47:102198. Epub 2019 Sep 24. PMID: 31780001

Abstract Title: 

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study of intranasal standardized cinnamon bark extract for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a nasal spray containing a polyphenol-rich standardized extract of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (IND02) for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in otherwise healthy men and women, aged between 18 and 75 years old, who were experiencing acute SAR symptoms. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to a nasal spray containing either IND02 (100 μg/100 μL) or matching placebo in each nostril, twice a day, for seven days.RESULTS: The outcome measures were the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), the total daily symptom score comprising of day-time nasal, day-time eye, and night-time nasal symptom scores, the Work Productivity and Activities Impairment (WPAI:SHP), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and laboratory clinical parameters.RESULTS: The IND02 group showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in total RQLQ and the sub-domains; activity limitation, sleep problems, nose symptoms, eye symptoms, non-nose/eye symptoms, practical problems and emotional function. There was a significant reduction in the total daily symptom score and sub-domains of total day-time nasal, total day-time eye and total night-time nasal symptoms scores, and total work impairment and regular activity impairment in the IND02 group compared with the placebo group after treatment. The laboratory clinical parameters remained within healthy normal reference range.CONCLUSION: The use of a nasal spray of a standardized extract of cinnamon bark (IND02) over seven days reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life, work productivity and regular daily activities in participants experiencing SAR.

read more

PMID: 

Pharm Biol. 2019 Dec ;57(1):799-806. PMID: 31760838

Abstract Title: 

Topical application ofhydroethanolic extract improves wound healing by enhancing re-epithelialization and keratin biosynthesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Abstract: 

J. Presl. (Lauraceae) has a high number of polyphenols with insulin-like activity, increases glucose utilization in animal muscle, and might be beneficial for diabetic patients.This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ointment prepared fromhydroethanolic extract on wound healing in diabetic mice.A total of 54 male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: (1) diabetic non-treated group mice that were treated with soft yellow paraffin, (2 and 3) mice that were treated with 5 and 10%. Two circular full-thickness excisional wounds were created in each mouse, and the trial lasted for 16 d following induction of the wound. Further evaluation was made on the wound contraction ratio, histopathology parameters and mRNA levels of cyclin D1, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde of granulation tissue contents. HPLC apparatus was utilized to identify the compounds.The HPLC data for cinnamon hydroethanolic extract identified cinnamaldehyde (11.26%) and 2-hydroxyl cinnamaldehyde (6.7%) as the major components. A significant increase was observed in wound contraction ratio, fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, re-epithelialization and keratin biosynthesis in the-treated groups in comparison to the diabetic non-treated group ( 

read more

PMID: 

J Appl Microbiol. 2019 Dec 2. Epub 2019 Dec 2. PMID: 31793161

Abstract Title: 

Rapid bactericidal effect of cinnamon bark essential oil against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: 

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the most effective antimicrobial agent from a selection of essential oils (EO) and investigate its bactericidal properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.METHODS AND RESULTS: The disc diffusion assay and minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentration tests were used to identify antimicrobial potential. Several oils exhibited antimicrobial effects at concentrations as low as 0·03% (v/v). Significantly, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark EO exhibited a broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against P. aeruginosa PAO1 at 0·125% (v/v) and all other tested organisms, including known multidrug resistant species. Time-kill assays and metabolic activity tests showed cinnamon oil to exhibit rapid killing, with bactericidal activity observed in ≤6 min at ≥0·5% (v/v). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and a membrane permeability assay indicated damage to membrane integrity, loss of turgor and cell collapse.CONCLUSION: Cinnamon bark EO is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent capable of rapid killing at low concentrations.SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides a sound basis for further investigation of the potential of cinnamon bark EO as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial products due to its fast-acting bactericidal properties at low concentrations.

read more

PMID: 

Phytother Res. 2019 Dec 4. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31800140

Abstract Title: 

Effects of cinnamon supplementation on body weight and composition in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of cinnamon on body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat mass including the maximum number of studies.METHODS: Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library were searched with no limitation from inception up to August 2019 for relevant randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). The RCTs' risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration's tool. Random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs with 1,480 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduces BMI [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.40 kg/m, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.57, -0.22 kg/m, p

read more

PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Jan ;27(3):2829-2843. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31834580

Abstract Title: 

Encapsulation of cinnamon oil in whey protein counteracts the disturbances in biochemical parameters, gene expression, and histological picture of the liver and pancreas of diabetic rats.

Abstract: 

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of encapsulated cinnamon oil emulsion (COE) in whey protein concentrate (WPC) against the disturbance in lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and gene expression in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. COE was analyzed using GC-MS, and the emulsion was prepared and characterized. In the in vivo study, six groups of male rats were treated orally for 4 weeks, including the control group, the group treated with STZ (D-rats), the groups received a low or high dose of COE (200 or 400 mg/kg B.w.), and the D-rats groups received COE at the low or high dose. Blood and tissue samples were collected after the end of the treatment period for biochemical, genetical, and histological analyses. The GC-MS results revealed that the major components of the oil were cinnamaldehyde, 1,8 cineole, acetic acid, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept2yl ester, α-Pinene, and α-Terpineol. The size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of COE were 240 ± 1.03 nm, - 7.09 ± 0.42, and 0.36, respectively. The in vivo results revealed that COE at the two tested doses improved the levels of glucose, insulin, amylase, lipid profile, hepatic MDA, SOD, and GSH. COE also downregulated hepatic GLU2, FAS, SREBP-1c, and PEPCK gene expression and upregulated IGF-1 mRNA expression in diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, COE improved and the histological picture of the liver and pancreas. It could be concluded that COE overcomes the disturbances in biochemical, cytological, and histopathological changes in D-rats via the enhancementof antioxidant capacity; reduces the oxidative stress; modulates the concerned gene expression; and may be promising to develop new drugs for diabetic treatment.

read more

PMID: 

J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2019 Dec ;18(2):505-512. Epub 2019 Nov 19. PMID: 31890676

Abstract Title: 

Effect of ethanolic preparations of cinnamon () extract on hematologic and histometric parameters of selected organs in Alloxaninduced diabetic female albino rats.

Abstract: 

Purpose: Assessment of the antidiabetic effect of cinnamon bark extract in histologic damages and some hematologic parameters in Alloxan® induced diabetic female albino rats.Method: Thirty female albino rats weighing 150-230 g were divided into five groups ( = 6): normal (G1) and diabetic groups (intraperitoneally Alloxan®-injected) including diabetic control (G2), Getformin @ 0.25 (G3), CE @ 0.10 (G4), and CE @ 0.20 g/kg b.wt. (G5) for 49 days. Blood glucose level and weight were measured on weekly interval for the period of seven weeks (49th day). Blood samples were collected for hematologic analysis. Tissue samples from uterus, liver and kidneys were processed by routine paraffine technique. Histologic sections of uterus were studied to measure endometrial glands area and thickness of endo- and myometrium. Liver and kidneys were evaluated for diabetes-induced degenerative changes and antidiabetic effect of cinnamon extract (CE). One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test were used to compare the group means for each parameter.Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant ( 

read more