Metabolism of the cinnamon constituent o-methoxycinnamaldehyde in the rat.
The metabolism of o-methoxycinnamaldehyde (1.3 mmol/kg, intragastrically) was studied in rats. Identification of the urinary metabolites by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and quantification by h.p.l.c. showed that the major metabolic pathway (approx. two-thirds of the dose) was oxidation to the corresponding cinnamic and phenylpropionic acids (C6-C3 acids) which were largely excreted as glycine conjugates. Intermediate amounts (approx. 10% of the dose) of the O-demethylated C6-C3 acids were excreted. Relatively large amounts of the beta-hydroxylated phenylpropionic acid derivative were found, however only traces of the further products of beta-oxidation (2-methoxylated derivatives of benzoic and hippuric acid) were excreted. No evidence was obtained for conjugation of o-methoxycinnamaldehyde with glutathione. Urinary excretion of metabolites was rapid (91% in 24 h and 98% in 48 h).
D000171:Acrolein / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism*; D000447:Aldehydes / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001711:Biotransformation; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002935:Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Q000032:analysis*; D003212:Condiments / Q000032:analysis*; D003640:Dealkylation; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000447:Aldehydes; C017910:2-methoxycinnamaldehyde; D000171:Acrolein; D005978:Glutathione