Publications and Research

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

5-13-2026

Abstract

In addition to their common use as spices in cooking and baking, cinnamon plants, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia for example, have long been used in herbal remedies worldwide. Cinnamon contains many vital oils and active compounds including cinnamaldehyde (CMD). Numerous studies looking at potential therapeutic effects of cinnamon have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (1, 2, 3).   Therefore, it is important to continue studying the efficacy, benefits, and mechanisms of action of cinnamon and CMD to have a complete understanding of its full potential. Tetrahymena thermophila is a ciliated protozoan commonly used as a model organism to study genetics, intracellular processes, and toxicology (4,5,6). As a eukaryote, it shares many cellular pathways with human cells, making it a valuable system for investigating the effects of cinnamon and CMD (6). To date, little to no information exists on the effects of cinnamon or CMD on T. thermophila. Therefore, this study aimed to examine CMD’s impact on T. thermophila. Results from work such as this may clarify CMD’s biological effects, improve understanding of eukaryotic responses to CMD, and offer insights relevant to CMD interactions with protozoan parasites.  Because the effects of CMD can be both protective (antioxidant properties) and destructive (antimicrobial properties), it was hypothesized that at lower concentrations, CMD will show a protective effect against oxidative stress and cell death in T. thermophila, but at higher concentrations, CMD will have a detrimental effect on T. thermophila.

Comments

This poster, first place winner for STEM individual projects, was presented at the 44th Semi-Annual Dr. Janet Liou-Mark Honors & Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation, May 13, 2026. Mentor: Prof. Ralph Alcendor (Biology). 

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