Anticancer potential of Cinnamon essential oil against HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative cervical cancer cells: differential antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and senescence-inducing effects

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has demonstrated significant bioactive properties, including anticancer potential [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ]. These properties make it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications. It is worth noting that its effect on cervical cancer has been poorly explored. Therefore, this study evaluates the impact of CEO on HPV-positive (HeLa, SiHa) and HPV-negative (C33A) cervical cancer cell lines compared to non-tumorigenic cells (HaCaT). Specifically, this study aims to assess the effects of CEO on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis induction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence in cervical cancer versus non-tumorigenic cells. Cell viability was measured using the WST-1 and sulforhodamine B assays. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining, while caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation was determined through fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) was analyzed using JC-10 staining. Proliferation was assessed by 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, cell morphology was examined microscopically, and senescence was evaluated using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. CEO exhibited higher toxicity in cervical cancer cells than in HaCaT cells, with HeLa being the most sensitive (IC 50 =1:40,000). CEO induced dose-dependent apoptosis, confirmed by caspase activation and mitochondrial depolarization. A strong antiproliferative effect was observed, particularly in HeLa and C33A cells. Senescence was significantly induced in HeLa after 72 hours and in C33A after 48 hours. In summary, CEO selectively affects cervical cancer cells by reducing cell viability, inducing apoptosis, promoting cellular dysfunction, and inducing senescence, with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells. These findings suggest CEO as a potential complementary therapeutic agent for cervical cancer treatment. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany