Could cinnamaldehyde be harnful? histological, cytogenetical and biochemical studies on the effects on some organs of mice

ABSTRACT

Cinnamaldehyde [CNMA] is present naturally as cinnamon tree. Because of its widespread use as fragrance additive, it was chosen for the current study. Sixty mice were divided into 6 equal groups. First three groups were control groups and the other three groups received CNMA daily, orally in three dose regimens; 1/2 LD50, 1/4 LD50 and 1/8 LD50 for 30 consecutive days, then animals were sacrificed; Liver function tests and liver tissue glutathione concentration were determined. Pancreatic specimens and olfactory mucosa were processed for both light and transmission electron microscopic studies and for scanning electron microscopic study respectively. Bone marrow cells micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests were performed for cytogenetical study. cinnamaldehyde, in a dose related manner resulted in abnormal nuclear morphology and hyperchromatasia with increased nuclear/cytoplasinic ratio of the pancreatic acinar cells and decreased tendency for acinar formation, suggesting pancreatic acinar dysplasia. Atrophy of receptor cells of olfactory mucosa with diminished surface processes was observed in mice received 1/2 LD50 cNMA. cinnamaldehyde induced dose dependent increase in the frequency of both micro nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and chromosomal aberrations. Significant elevation of the liver enzymes, total bilirubin and a significant reduction of the liver glutathione concentration were also detected in a dose related manner in conclusion, the considered toxicity assay parameters had shown a correlation between the administered dose of CNMA and its deteriorative effects. So, it is recommended that CNMA should not be consumed in a dose more than the acceptable daily intake and its use as flavoring agent should be kept as low as possible