Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Cinnamon extract reduces VEGF expression via suppressing HIF-1α gene expression and inhibits tumor growth in mice
Keqiang Zhang1,2, Ernest S Han2, Thanh H Dellinger2
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California.
Abstract:
Although many anti-VEGF agents are available for cancer treatment, side effects of these agents limit their application for cancer treatment and prevention. Here we studied the potential use of a diet-based agent as an inhibitor for VEGF production. Using a VEGF reporter assay, our data showed that an extract from cinnamon (CE) was a potent inhibitor of VEGF production in human cancer cells and suggested inhibition might be mediated through the suppression of HIF-1α gene expression and protein synthesis. Furthermore, CE treatment was found to inhibit expression and phosphorylation of STAT3 and AKT, which are key factors in the regulation of HIF-1α expression, and significantly reduce angiogenesis potential of cancer cells by migration assay. Consistent with these results, we observed significant suppression of VEGF expression, blood vessel formation, and tumor growth in a human ovarian tumor model in mice treated with CE. Cinnamaldehyde, a major component in cinnamon, was identified as one active component in CE that inhibits VEGF expression. Taken together, our findings provide a novel mechanism underlying anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor actions of CE and support the potential use of CE in cancer prevention and treatment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights
Cinnamon extract (CE) effectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and tumor growth by suppressing key signaling pathways. This natural compound shows promise for cancer treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Existing anti-VEGF therapies face limitations due to side effects.
- There is a need for novel, diet-based anti-angiogenic agents for cancer treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of cinnamon extract (CE) as a VEGF inhibitor.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CE's anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects.
Main Methods:
- VEGF reporter assay in human cancer cells.
- Analysis of HIF-1α, STAT3, and AKT signaling pathways.
- Cell migration assays to assess angiogenesis potential.
- In vivo studies using a human ovarian tumor model in mice.
Main Results:
- CE significantly inhibited VEGF production in cancer cells.
- CE suppressed HIF-1α gene expression and protein synthesis.
- CE downregulated STAT3 and AKT phosphorylation, key regulators of HIF-1α.
- CE reduced cancer cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro.
- CE treatment suppressed tumor growth, VEGF expression, and angiogenesis in vivo.
- Cinnamaldehyde was identified as an active component in CE responsible for inhibiting VEGF expression.
Conclusions:
- CE exhibits potent anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor properties.
- CE's mechanism involves the suppression of HIF-1α, STAT3, and AKT signaling.
- Cinnamon, particularly cinnamaldehyde, holds potential for cancer prevention and treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity