RESUMO
Objective: To research the in vitro biotransformation characteristics of cinnamaldehyde in rat intestine and the influence of Coptis chinensis on its metabolism. Methods: RP-HPLC Method was applied for analyzing the content of cinnamaldehyde as well as its metabolite cinnamic acid. The stability of cinnamaldehyde in extracts of rat small intestinal mucosa side, serosal side, and homogenate was investigated, respectively. Also the impact of C. chinensis on this process was estimated. Results: The results showed that cinnamaldehyde in rat intestine was unstable and could rapidly be transformed into cinnamic acid. C. chinensis had inhibitation on cinnamaldehyde metabolism. Conclusion: Cinnamaldehyde could be metabolized in rat different intestinal extracts immediately and the main metabolite is cinnamic acid. C. chinensis shows inhibiting effect on the cinnamaldehyde metabolism.