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Cinnamic aldehyde
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Cinnamaldehyde, 3-phenyl-2-propenal is an organic, yellowish, intensely cinnamon-scented, oily liquid belonging to the phenylpropanoid group of substances, which is sparingly soluble in water and miscible with ethanol and ether. Cinnamaldehyde is, together with eugenol, one of the medicinally active ingredients and also the main aroma substance of Cinnamomi cassiae cortex and Cinnamomi ceylanici cortex of the Chinese and Ceylon cinnamon bark. The substance is obtained from the bark of the Ceylonese and Chinese cinnamon tree - Cinnamomum verum and cinnamomum aromaticum (cassia) - by steam distillation. Cinnamaldehyde can oxidize to benzoic acid by oxidizing agents (e.g. potassium permanganate or ozone).
Cosmetic: Under the INCI name cinnamal cinnamic aldehyde plays an important role in the cosmetic industry as a flavouring (and denaturant) in lipsticks and body care products.
Food technology: Cinnamaldehyde is even more important in the food industry as a spice.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Cinnamic aldehyde can cause contact allergic local reactions as well as anaphylactic reactions when taken orally or inhaled.
Patients with a cinnamic aldehyde allergy often react to Peru balsam at the same time.
Cinnamic aldehyde is a component of the so-called"fragrance mix" in the epicutaneous tests and is tested epicutaneously in 1% vaseline.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- de Groot AC et al (2016) Essential Oils, Part III: Chemical Composition. Dermatitis. 27:161-169.
- Hagenlocher Y et al. (2015) Cinnamaldehydes is the main mediator of cinnamon extract in mast cell inhibition. Eur J Nutr 54:1297-1309.
- Isaac-Renton M et al (2015) Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehydes. Dermatitis 26:116-121.
- Jensen-Jarolim E et al (2016) Prime and boost aerosol exposure via fog machine or shisha smoke followed by cinnamon hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis to spiced food. World Allergy Organ J 9:4
- Roth-Walter F et al (2014) Immune suppressive effect of cinnamaldehydes due to inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in immune cells: implications in cancer. PLoS One 9:e108402.
- Warshaw EM et al (2015) North American contact dermatitis group patch test results: 2011-2012. dermatitis 26:49-59.