• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
  • Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

  • Scientific Name
    Cinnamomum zeylanicum（Cinnamomum verum）
  • Family
    Lauraceae
  • Origin
    Sri Lankaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a perennial evergreen tree belonging to the Lauraceae family, growing up to 10 meters tall. It bears light green flowers and oval, glossy green leaves. The genus name, “Cinnamomum,” is derived from the Arabic word for “cinnamon,” and “zeylanicum” from Latin means “Ceylon,” referring to Sri Lanka. There are numerous closely related plants, with approximately 250 varieties found in eastern Asia, India, and Malaysia. Cinnamon is renowned as a spice and aromatic flavor, but it has also been utilized for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Essential oil composition

Cinnamon

  • Cinnamon

  • INCI
    Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Bark
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.5％（dried）
  • Notes
    Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Spice

Cinnamon Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 0.5% of Cinnamon essential oil is obtained from the dried leaves by steam distillation, and it appears yellowish in color. Its main constituent is cinnamic aldehyde, known for its vasoactive properties. Its aroma has an exotic tone that is spicy, sweet, and warm with depth, characteristic of cinnamon. It is particularly compatible with refreshing and invigorating scents, and it also works well with citrus scents such as Lemon and Bergamot, and oriental scents such as Patchouli and Sandalwood. Due to its relitavely strong fragrance, it is advisable to add it gradually when blending to achieve a balanced scent.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Cinnamic aldehyde　71.3%
  • β-Caryophyllene　6.7%
  • Linalool　6.7%
  • Cinnamyl acetate　3.5%
  • Eugenol　3.2%
  • β-Phellandrene　1.2%
  • Benzyl benzoate　1.0%
  • Other components　6.5%

Functions and Efficacies

Eugenol

Eugenol
  • IUPAC Name
    2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H12O2
  • Molecular Weight
    164.20 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    97-53-0
  • Structure
    Phenylpropanoid

Functions and Efficacies of Eugenol

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-oxidant Effects ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○
Analgesic Effects ○

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that eugenol possesses DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and the capacity to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophils induced by PMA and H2O2.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that the membrane-bound ATPase activity of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes was reduced by the addition of eugenol.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported that the addition of eugenol reduced the cell viability of human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5 and lung cancer adenocarcinoma cells A549. Additionally, it was found to inhibit cell migration and invasive ability as observed through wound healing and transwell assays.3)

Analgesic Effects

A study reported that when artificially cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons were stimulated, eugenol was reported to inhibit sodium channel action potentials. 4)This observation led to the suggestion that the inhibition of sodium channels in neurons can impede the transmission of pain signals, which has potential implications for pain management.

  • 1)Perez-Roses et al., J. Agric. Food Chem., 2016
  • 2)Gill et al., Int. J. Food Microb., 2006
  • 3)Fangjun et al., Thoracic Cancer, 2018
  • 4)Hwang et al., Biomolecules, 2020

Linalool

Linalool
  • IUPAC Name
    3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H18O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    78-70-6
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Stress Reduction ○ ○
Anti-oxidant Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. 1)

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.2) Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.3) Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.4)5)6)

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.7)

  • 1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
  • 2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
  • 3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
  • 4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
  • 5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
  • 6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
  • 7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

IFRA

Cinnamaldehyde：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Cinnamaldehyde

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Linalool：
Oxidized linalool can cause dermal sensitization. For essential oils with a high linalool content, it is advisable to use only when the level of peroxides is maintained at a minimum (20 mol/l) through the incorporation of antioxidants.

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
International Fragrance Association, Cinnamic aldehyde,2020.
International Fragrance Association, Linalool, 2004.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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