Effects of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Markers in Prostate Cancer

Advanced-stage prostate cancer is associated with low survival rates and high metastatic potential, often driven by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Current therapeutic options remain limited, encouraging the exploration of natural compounds with anticancer potential. Cinnamaldehyde (CA), a bioactive compound derived from Cinnamomum bark, was investigated for its effects on EMT markers in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Cells were treated with 10–40 µM CA for 24 and 48 hours, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay to identify effective concentrations. Expression levels of EMT-related genes such as E-cadherin, Claudin, ZEB-1, Vimentin and MMP-2 were analyzed via RT-PCR. CA reduced prostate cancer cell viability at 20–30 µM and modulated EMT, as evidenced by decreased mesenchymal markers (ZEB-1, MMP-2, Vimentin) and increased epithelial markers (E-cadherin, Claudin). These results underscore its therapeutic potential, warranting further in vivo and clinical investigations to fully assess efficacy and safety.