From Traditional Use to Modern Pharmacology: A Review of Cinnamomum Bark Bioactive

Abstract

The traditional medicinal use of Cinnamon bark, primarily derived from Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum cassia, is based on its well-established antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, the rising global challenge of drug-resistant fungal infections has sparked a renewed and urgent interest in investigating new natural therapeutic options. Cinnamon bark emerges as a promising candidate, offering a rich source of secondary metabolites. Its strong pharmacological profile is due to key bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and a variety of polyphenols, which together demonstrate significant inhibitory effects against common pathogenic fungi. Preclinical studies have shown broad-spectrum effectiveness against well-known genera, including Candida species, Aspergillus species, Cryptococcus neoformans, and various dermatophytes. This comprehensive review systematically examines the bark’s complex phytochemical makeup and explains the proposed mechanisms of antifungal action. Additionally, we critically assess the existing in vitro and in vivo evidence, explore the potential for synergistic interactions with conventional antifungal drugs, discuss important safety considerations, and highlight the critical research gaps that need to be addressed to enable its clinical application.