Effect of Aqueous Cinnamon Bark Extract on Inflammatory Protein Biomarkers in Cadmium-exposed Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background and Aims: Cadmium exposure can induce oxidative and inflammatory disturbances. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of cinnamon extract for modulating cadmium-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. The experimental design involved inducing inflammation in Wistar rats, followed by treatment with varying doses of cinnamon extract and assessment of protein biomarkers, including CRP, albumin, amyloid A and haptoglobin. Methodology: The study was conducted over four weeks, including acclimatisation, induction of elevated CRP and treatment. Fifty-two Wistar rats weighing 180 g were used for the study. Sixteen were used for LD50 determination, while 36 animals were used for the main study. After acclimatisation, the 36 rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Groups 2-5 were exposed to cadmium at 5.56 mg/kg, equivalent to 1 mg/ml, for seven (7) days. Thereafter, the animals received cinnamon extract, except for group 1, which served as the control and was neither exposed nor treated; group 2, which served as the negative control; and group 3, which was treated orally with the standard drug amlodipine at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Results: Protein levels were monitored to evaluate the effect of cinnamon treatment. The results showed reductions in CRP and the other measured protein biomarkers in the treated groups compared with the negative control, indicating a reduction in the inflammatory response following treatment with cinnamon extract. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cinnamon may have potential as a complementary intervention for cadmium-associated inflammatory changes. Further studies are recommended to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects and to examine their potential clinical relevance in humans.