Antibacterial properties and major bioactive components of cinnamon stick (Cinnamomum burmannii): activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria

J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 11;55(14):5484-90. doi: 10.1021/jf070424d. Epub 2007 Jun 13.

Abstract

Cinnamomum burmannii Blume (cinnamon stick) from Indonesia is a little-investigated spice. In this study, the antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of cinnamon stick extract were evaluated against five common foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella anatum). Cinnamon stick extract exhibited significant antibacterial properties. Major compounds in cinnamon stick were tentatively identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography (LC-MS) as a predominant volatile oil component ((E)-cinnamaldehyde) and several polyphenols (mainly proanthocyanidins and (epi)catechins). Both (E)-cinnamaldehyde and proanthocyanidins significantly contributed to the antibacterial properties. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe morphological changes of bacteria treated with the crude extract of cinnamon stick and its major components. This study suggests that cinnamon stick and its bioactive components have potential for application as natural food preservatives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacillus cereus / drug effects
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Listeria monocytogenes / drug effects
  • Plant Bark / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Proanthocyanidins / pharmacology
  • Salmonella / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Proanthocyanidins