Cinnamaldehyde (CAS No.: 104-55-2), a yellow viscous liquid naturally abundant in cinnamon bark, is widely known for its warm, spicy aroma and role as a flavoring agent. However, recent research and industrial practices have unlocked its special applications across agriculture, material protection, pharmaceuticals, and food preservation, leveraging its low toxicity, biocompatibility, and unique chemical reactivity. These emerging uses have transformed it from a common spice into a versatile green functional material.
In agriculture, cinnamaldehyde serves as an eco-friendly pesticide with remarkable antifungal and insecticidal properties. Unlike synthetic pesticides that pose environmental risks, it exerts inhibitory effects on over 40 crop-damaging fungi by disrupting cell wall integrity and metabolic processes. A study by Jiangsu Normal University revealed that cinnamaldehyde above 0.375 g·L⁻¹ can suppress the growth of Fusarium solani, a pathogen causing sweet potato post-harvest rot, by inducing glucose depletion and oxidative stress in fungal cells. It targets the Snf1 kinase pathway, disrupting carbohydrate metabolism and triggering apoptotic cell death in fungi, effectively reducing rot incidence while preserving sweet potato nutritional quality.
Its insecticidal activity is particularly notable in mosquito control. Research shows that a concentration of only 29 ppm of cinnamaldehyde can kill 50% of Aedes aegypti larvae within 24 hours. As a fumigant and repellent for adult mosquitoes, it offers a safe alternative to chemical insecticides, avoiding pesticide resistance and ecological harm. This makes it suitable for use in tropical regions and residential areas where environmental safety is a priority.
In material science, cinnamaldehyde acts as a natural corrosion inhibitor for steel and non-ferrous alloys. In corrosive environments such as hydrochloric acid solutions, it polymerizes to form a protective film on metal surfaces, preventing oxidation and degradation. Compared to synthetic corrosion inhibitors, it is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it ideal for use in industrial cooling systems and metal processing where environmental regulations are stringent. It can also be compounded with dispersants and surfactants to enhance its stability and protective efficacy.
The pharmaceutical field has witnessed promising applications of cinnamaldehyde in anti-cancer and neuroprotective research. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that it inhibits the proliferation and invasion of human melanoma A375 cells by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial permeability. Early evidence also suggests it may mitigate Alzheimer’s disease pathology by blocking the aggregation of tau proteins into neurofibrillary tangles. Its antimicrobial activity extends to oral health—studies funded by Wrigley show that cinnamaldehyde in chewing gum reduces over 50% of oral bacteria, particularly anaerobic strains on the tongue dorsum, effectively combating bad breath.
Food preservation has seen innovative applications through nano-encapsulation technology. Due to its poor water solubility and stability, researchers have developed soy protein isolate/ε-polylysine hydrochloride nano-carriers to load cinnamaldehyde. These nano-complexes achieve an encapsulation efficiency of 78.91% and enhance cinnamaldehyde retention by 1.7-1.8 times during 30-day storage. With pH-responsive release properties, they exhibit stronger antibacterial activity against E. coli and Bacillus cereus in acidic conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic food preservatives.
Despite its potential, cinnamaldehyde’s skin irritation requires careful dosage control in cosmetic and topical applications. Nevertheless, its low toxicity, natural origin, and multi-functional properties make it a promising candidate for green industrial development. As research advances, cinnamaldehyde is expected to expand its special applications in biopesticides, green materials, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Post time: Jan-23-2026