Integrating UHPLC-HRMS and GC-MS/MS with network, molecular docking, and in vitro assays to discovery Q-markers of cinnamon leaves for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of cinnamon leaves and identify activity-related quality markers (Q-markers). Through UHPLC-HRMS and GC-MS/MS, 40 compounds were identified in cinnamon leaves. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 244 potential targets closely associated with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of cinnamon leaves. After screening, 18 core active components and 15 key targets (such as STAT3, IL-6 and TLR4) were retained. Molecular docking results demonstrated that components such as coumarin and cinnamaldehyde exhibited low binding energies with key targets, suggesting good binding affinity. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that both the ethanol extract and volatile oil of cinnamon leaves exhibited over 92% scavenging efficiency against ABTS+· and DPPH radicals, confirming their significant antioxidant activity. Based on the Q-marker screening principles, cinnamic acid, coumarin, 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde, and cinnamaldehyde were identified as Q-markers for cinnamon leaves.