Antifungal Potential of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde: A Review
Abrahão Lincoln Alves Cunha
*
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Sobral, Brazil.
Andrezza Aragão Alcântara
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Sobral, Brazil.
Yann Nobre Viana
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Sobral, Brazil.
Francisca Lidiane Linhares de Aguiar
School of Biology, Vale do Acaraú State University, Brazil.
Raquel Oliveira dos Santos Fontenelle
School of Biology, Vale do Acaraú State University, Brazil.
Francisco Cesar Barroso Barbosa
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Sobral, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The objective of this study is to conduct an integrative literature review to evaluate the antifungal activity of trans-cinnamaldehyde (T-CIN) against fungal strains of medical interest.
Study Design: Integrative review of the literature.
Methodology: The search was performed in the PubMed, Elsevier, and BVS databases, using the descriptors “Antifungal” OR “Antifungal Agents” OR “Antimycotic” OR “Antifungal Agents” AND ‘Cinnamaldehyde’ OR “Cinnamaldehyde” AND “Trans-cinnamaldehyde” OR “trans-cinnamaldehyde” AND “antifungal activity” OR “antifungal activity,” from 2015 to 2025, in English and Portuguese. A total of 139 articles were found and transferred to the Mendeley platform, and after removing duplicates, 105 articles remained. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 articles were selected for this study.
Results: T-CIN has been widely used in studies evaluating its antifungal activity against several species, with representatives of the Candida genus, especially Candida albicans, being the main microorganisms studied. The compound exhibits antifungal activity, with its antibiofilm activity and effect on fungal cell morphology being demonstrated in the studies evaluated. T-CIN has been explored in various pharmacological formulations, nanoparticles, and liposomes, aiming to improve its antifungal properties and clinical applications.
Conclusion: The antifungal effect of T-CIN is evident in the studies discussed, mainly against Candida albicans. Its properties can be enhanced when incorporated into formulations, making it a potential compound for the formulation of new drugs through further studies.
Keywords: Antifungal agents, natural compounds, trans-cinnamaldehyde