Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part H (2025)

The established use of Cinnamon bark, primarily sourced from Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum cassia, in traditional medicine is predicated upon its well-documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, the escalating global burden of drug-resistant fungal infections has precipitated a renewed and urgent interest in exploring novel natural therapeutic alternatives. Cinnamon bark presents a compelling option, boasting a rich reservoir of secondary metabolites. Its potent pharmacological profile is attributed to key bioactives such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and a diverse range of polyphenols, which collectively exhibit significant inhibitory action against prevalent pathogenic fungi. Preclinical investigations have confirmed broad-spectrum efficacy against notorious genera, including Candida species, Aspergillus species, Cryptococcus neoformans, and various dermatophytes. This comprehensive review systematically analyses the bark’s intricate phytochemical composition and elucidates the proposed mechanisms of antifungal action. Furthermore, we critically examine the existing in vitro and in vivo evidence, evaluate the potential for synergistic interactions with conventional antifungal agents, discuss essential safety considerations, and highlight the critical research gaps that must be addressed to facilitate its clinical translation.