Cinnamon extract suppresses tumor progression by modulating angiogenesis and the effector function of CD8+ T cells.

Cinnamon is one of the most widely used herbal medicines with diverse bioactive effects. However, little evidence has been reported about the potential anti-tumor effects of cinnamon. In vitro and in vivo system, cinnamon treatment strongly inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors and master regulators of tumor progression not only in melanoma cell lines but also in experimental melanoma model. In addition, cinnamon treatment increased the anti-tumor activities of CD8(+) T cells by increasing the levels of cytolytic molecules and their cytotoxic activity. In conclusion, cinnamon extract has the potential to be an alternative medicine for tumor treatment.