A starch/gelatin-based Halochromic film with black currant anthocyanin and Nanocellulose-stabilized cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion: Towards real-time Salmon freshness assessment.

Neoterically, food packaging systems designed solely for prolonging shelf life or monitoring freshness could not fulfil the dynamic demands of consumers. In this current investigation, using the solvent casting method, a versatile halochromic indicator was created by integrating black currant anthocyanin and cinnamon essential oil-loaded Pickering emulsion into a starch/gelatin matrix. The resulting indicator film underwent scrutiny for its structural, pH-sensitive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes. Unexpectedly, the amalgamation of anthocyanin and essential oil led to decreased antioxidant activity, dropping from 73.23 ± 2.17 to 28.87 ± 2.50 mg Trolox equivalent/g sample. Additionally, no discernible antimicrobial properties were detected in the composite film sample against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Fourier transform infrared analyses unveiled robust intermolecular interactions among the film-forming components, providing insights into the observed antagonistic effect. The indicator film displayed distinctive colour changes corresponding to the fresh (greyish-brown), onset of decomposition (khaki), and spoiled (dark green) stages of the stored fish sample. This highlights its promising potential for providing real-time indications of food spoilage. These findings are important for the efficient design of composite films incorporating anthocyanins and essential oils. They serve as a guide towards their potential use as multifunctional packaging materials in the food industry.

Assessment of the potential effects of l-carnitine and cinnamon supplementation on weight loss and body composition.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To assess efficacy of L-carnitine and cinnamon alone and in combination on body composition parameters in addition to compare between them. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Sample of 28 obese and overweight adults in Babylon city, sample collection includes patients in places, or by internet, where interview take place according to specialize questionnaire height, weight, and body mass index were measured. RESULTS: Results: A significant differences P<0.05 among gender distribution between male and female. A significant difference between (150-160 cm, 160-170 cm) as compared with (170-180 cm, 180-190 cm). A significant difference between 170-180 cm as compared with 180-190 cm but non-significant differences between 150-160 cm as compared with 160-170 cm. A significant difference between 26-35 as compared with 36-45, 46-55, but non-significant differences between 36-45 as compared with 46-55. A significant difference between body weight, body fat, water content, skeletal muscle, and body mass index after treatment, but non-significant differences between protein, and inorganic salt after treatment and at baseline. A significant difference between body weight, water content, skeletal muscle, and body mass index in group treated with cinnamon as compared with negative control group, but non-significant differences between body fat, protein, and inorganic salt as compared with negative control group. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity within accepted range of that reported in Iraq, important relationship was reported between several life style risk factor, as soon as diagnose increase in weight and education health program for behavior of life style were high recommended.

In Vitro high-throughput toxicological assessment of E-cigarette flavors on human bronchial epithelial cells and the potential involvement of TRPA1 in cinnamon flavor-induced toxicity.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are considered a less hazardous alternative to tobacco smoking but are not harmless. Growing concerns about the safety profiles of flavors in e-liquids underpin the need for this study. Here, we screened 53 nicotine-free flavored e-liquids (across 15 flavor categories) across a 3-point concentration range (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% v/v) in a high-throughput fashion in human bronchial epithelial (HBEC-3KT) submerged cell cultures to identify 'toxic hits' using in vitro endpoint assays comprising cell count, cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We observed significant, dose-dependent adverse effects only with cinnamon, vanilla tobacco, and hazelnut e-liquids compared to media-only and PG/VG vehicle controls. Hence, we further analyzed these three flavors for their effects on HBEC-3KT proliferation, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress. A significant decrease in cell proliferation after 36 h was observed for each e-liquid toxic hit compared to media-only and PG/VG controls. Hazelnut (at all concentrations) and vanilla tobacco (1%) increased cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species generation compared to media-only and PG/VG controls. Conversely, all three flavors at 0.5% and 1% significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential compared to PG/VG and media-only controls. Chemical analysis revealed that all three flavors contained volatile organic compounds. We hypothesized that the cytotoxicity of cinnamon might be mediated via TRPA1; however, TRPA1 antagonist AP-18 (10 µM) did not mitigate these effects, and cinnamon significantly increased TRPA1 transcript levels. Therefore, pathways mediating cinnamon's cytotoxicity warrant further investigations. This study could inform public health authorities on the relative health risks assessment following exposure to EC flavor ingredients.

δ18O compound-specific stable isotope assessment: An advanced analytical strategy for sophisticated adulterations detection in essential oils - Application to spearmint, cinnamon, and bitter almond essential oils authentication.

Natural plant extracts are primarily used as raw materials in the cosmetic and perfumery industry. However, adulterations with petrochemical products are occurring in the market, leading to non-100% natural products. Several analytical techniques such as impurity detection or enantioselective ratio assessments have been previously described as good indicators to detect any addition of synthetic products, but these techniques are ineffective with novel type of synthetic pathways such as semisynthesis. In order to improve authentication, development of advanced analytical strategies such as δ18O stable isotopic ratios assessment was tested on spearmint, cinnamon and bitter almond essential oils major metabolites (carvone, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, and benzaldehyde). Natural δ18O mean values (δ18OCarvone = 18.4‰; δ18OCinnamaldehyde = 13.9‰; δ18OBenzaldehyde = 16.5‰) were found to be higher than semisynthetic origin for the 3 studied molecules (δ18OCarvone = 9.2‰; δ18OCinnamaldehyde = 8.8‰; δ18OBenzaldehyde = 10.9‰). These measurements proved to be efficient to discriminate natural and semisynthetic origins of these components and therefore potentially lead to a novel way to authenticate natural products.

Structural interactions of phytoconstituent(s) from cinnamon, bay leaf, oregano, and parsley with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: A comparative assessment for development of potential antiviral nutraceuticals.

SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for causing 6,218,308 deaths globally till date and has garnered worldwide attention. The lack of effective preventive and therapeutic drugs against SARS-CoV-2 has further worsened the scenario and has bolstered research in the area. The N-terminal and C-terminal RNA binding domains (NTD and CTD) of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein represent attractive therapeutic drug targets. Naturally occurring compounds are an excellent source of novel drug candidates due to their structural diversity and safety. Ten major bioactive compounds were identified in ethanolic extract (s) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum tamala, Origanum vulgare, and Petroselinum crispum using HPLC and their cytotoxic potential was determined against cancer and normal cell lines by MTT assay to ascertain their biological activity in vitro. To evaluate their antiviral potential, the binding efficacy to NTD and CTD of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein was determined using in silico biology tools. In silico assessment of the phytocomponents revealed that most of the phytoconstituents displayed a druglike character with no predicted toxicity. Binding affinities were in the order apigenin > catechin > apiin toward SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid NTD. Toward nucleocapsid CTD, the affinity decreased as apigenin > cinnamic acid > catechin. Remdesivir displayed lesser affinity with NTD and CTD of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins than any of the studied phytoconstituents. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results revealed that throughout the 100 ns simulation, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein NTD-apigenin complex displayed greater stability than SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein NTD-cinnamic acid complex. Hence, apigenin, catechin, apiin and cinnamic acid might prove as effective prophylactic and therapeutic candidates against SARS-CoV-2, if examined further in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ten major bioactive compounds were identified in the extract(s) of four medicinally important plants viz. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum tamala, Origanum vulgare and Petroselinum crispum using HPLC and their biological activity was also evaluated against cancer and normal cell lines. Interestingly, while all extract(s) wielded significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells, no significant toxicity was found against normal cells. The outcome of the results prompted evaluation of the antiviral potential of the ten bioactive compounds using in silico biology tools. The present study emphasizes on the application of computational approaches to understand the binding interaction and efficacy of the ten bioactive compounds from the above plants with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal and C-terminal RNA binding domains in preventing and/or treating COVID-19 using in silico tools. Druglikeness and toxicity profiles of the compounds were carried out to check the therapeutic application of the components. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to check the stability of ligand-protein complexes. The results provided useful insights into the structural binding interaction(s) that can be exploited for the further development of potential antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 especially since no specific therapy is still available to combat the rapidly evolving virus and the existing treatment is more or less symptomatic which makes search for novel antiviral agents all the more necessary and crucial.

TLC bioautography-guided isolation of essential oil components of cinnamon and clove and assessment of their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential in combination.

This study aimed to evaluate possible synergistic interactions on antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy of clove and cinnamon oil components in combination and characterization of compounds responsible for synergistic interactions using TLC bioautography followed by checkerboard titration, isobologram analysis, and spectrometric characterization. Among the combinations tested, cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon oil and eugenol from clove oil in combination showed a synergistic antimicrobial interaction against foodborne microbes Listeria monocytogenes (fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI): 0.31), Salmonella typhimurium (FICI: 0.41), and Aspergillus niger (FICI: 0.48), and synergistic antioxidant efficacy (combination index: 0.78) in in vitro model. Cinnamaldehyde/eugenol blend did not show any cytotoxic effect (IC50 > 1000 µg/ml) in human normal keratinocyte cell line. The results provide evidence that the cinnamaldehyde/eugenol blend may help in designing a more potent novel natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in food and pharmaceutical industries.

FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Clove, cinnamon leaf and West Indian bay leaf-derived flavoring ingredients.

In 2015, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association initiated the safety re-evaluation of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavor ingredients. This publication, 4th in a series focusing on the safety evaluation of NFCs, presents an evaluation of NFCs rich in hydroxyallylbenzene and hydroxypropenylbenzene constituents using a procedure initially published in 2005 and updated in 2018 that evaluates the safety of naturally occurring mixtures for their intended use as flavoring ingredients. The procedure requires the characterization of the chemical composition for each NFC and subsequent organization of the constituents into defined congeneric groups. The safety of each NFC is evaluated using the conservative threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach together with studies on absorption, metabolism and toxicology of the NFC and its constituent congeneric groups. By the application of this procedure, seven NFCs, derived from clove, cinnamon leaf and West Indian bay leaf were affirmed as "generally recognized as safe (GRAS)" under their conditions of intended use as flavor ingredients. An eighth NFC, an oleoresin of West Indian bay leaf, was affirmed based on its estimated intake, which is below the TTC of 0.15 µg/person per day for compounds with structural alerts for genotoxicity.

In vitro assessment of synergistic combinations of essential oils against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae), is one of the most important ectoparasite of cattle, responsible for causing severe economic losses in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The development of resistance to most of the commonly used chemical acaricides has stimulated the search for new herbal products as an eco-friendly tick control alternative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro acaricidal activity of essential oils (EOs) of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and leaves of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) against unfed larvae of R. (B.)microplus by larval packet test. Also, various combinations were prepared by mixing of equal concentrations of any two and all three EOs and used to study the effects of interactions of mixtures against larvae of R. (B.) microplus. The lethal concentrations at 50% (LC50), 90% (LC90) and 99% (LC99) with 95% confidence limits (CL) were estimated by Probit analysis using PoloPlus. The computer software, CompuSyn, was used for determining the effects of interactions (synergistic, additive or antagonistic) of EO mixtures by calculation of Combination index (CI) and Dose-reduction index (DRI). Among the individual and mixture of two EOs, cinnamon EO and cinnamon EO + lemon grass EO combination showed highest acaricidal activity against R. (B.) microplus larvae. Further, the combination of cinnamon EO + lemon grass EO showed high synergism with CI value of 0.381, followed by cinnamon EO + clove EO showing moderate synergism whereas, clove EO + lemon grass EO showed only additive effect, with favorable dose reduction for each constituent drug in all three combinations. The combination of all three EOs (1:1:1) showed high synergism (CI value of 0.376) and favorable dose reduction (DRI index of 8.19, 25.64 and 4.64 for clove, cinnamon and lemon grass EOs, respectively) against R. (B.) microplus larvae.

Assessment of Human Health Risk of Toxic Elements Due to Cinnamon Ingestion in the Diet.

Recent studies highlighted the beneficial action of cinnamon on postprandial glycemia and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, both in healthy subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Inclusion of 3 to 6 g of cinnamon in diet revealed a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism control in non-diabetic adults during postprandial period. Given the levels of toxic elements present in cinnamon species from different countries, such large daily intakes of cinnamon can easily exceed their maximum permissible limits and, consequently, induce adverse health effects. This study aimed to investigate the elemental concentration profile in cinnamon powder products available in the Portuguese market and to assess the cumulative non-carcinogenic risk to human health due to the exposure to mixtures of such elements through the inclusion of 6 g of cinnamon in diet. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Al, Cl, Mn, and Sr were determined by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in different lots of eight branded and one bulk cinnamon powder products. Linear mixed models have revealed significant differences in concentrations of Zn, Fe, Al, and Cl between brands. In particular, bulk cinnamon samples presented the highest contents of Fe (475.0-490.0 mg kg-1) and Al (1139.0-1336.0 mg kg-1). The non-carcinogenic risk was assessed following EPA's guidelines through the hazard quotient (HQ). Estimated HQ values were lower than the USEPA guideline of 1. Additionally, the hazard index (HI), representing the combined non-carcinogenic effects of all toxic elements, revealed no potential human health risk for heavy consumers of cinnamon (HI = 0.660). AbstractGraphical ᅟ.

Cinnamon and Cassia Nomenclature Confusion: A Challenge to the Applicability of Clinical Data.

Several Cinnamomum species' barks are generally labeled as cinnamon, although only Cinnamomum verum carries the common name of true cinnamon. Cassia, a common name for a related species, is rarely used on labels; instead, various cassia types may also be labeled "cinnamon." Confusion of true cinnamon and cassia spices in foods generally does not present a risk to health, except possibly at the highest intake levels. However, clinical studies with Cinnamomum investigational products have been published that inadequately describe or lack botanical identification information. The results of such studies are confounded by an inability to determine which species was responsible for the observed effects. Due to differences in the quality and composition of various Cinnamomum species, safety and efficacy data are not generalizable or transferable. Pharmacopeial monographs for characterizing the identity, composition, purity, quality, and strength of Cinnamomum investigational products should be applied to remove the ambiguity of cinnamon.

In chemico skin sensitization risk assessment of botanical ingredients.

Skin sensitization risk assessment of botanical ingredients is necessary for consumers' protection and occupational hazard identification. There are currently very few available alternative methods that can assist in the evaluation of complex mixtures. Chemical methods can provide essential information in a timely manner and thus help to reduce the need for in vivo testing, and they can complement and facilitate targeted in vitro assays. In the present work, the applicability of the high-throughput screening with dansyl cysteamine (DCYA) method for the systematic evaluation of skin sensitization of complex botanicals was explored. Botanical ingredients of four unrelated plant species were obtained and tested with the high-throughput fluorescence method at three concentrations. To illustrate the minimal matrix effects of the tested extracts on the developed method, the least DCYA-reactive extract (Rosa canina) was spiked with known sensitizers at different concentrations. The data obtained from the four plant extracts and the spiking experiments with known sensitizers, suggest that the high-throughput screening-DCYA method can be successfully applied for estimating the skin sensitization potential of complex botanical matrices. This is the first report of an attempt to develop a versatile in chemico method for the rapid detection of reactive skin sensitizers in complex botanical extracts, which could complement the battery of existing validated, non-animal methods.

Assessment of the effeCt of lIfestyle iNtervention plus water-soluble ciNnAMon extract On loweriNg blood glucose in pre-diabetics, a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo controlled trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death in the world. Multiple studies have tried to determine if cinnamon is an effective treatment for diabetes. Cinnamon extract is an insulin sensitizer, protects mesangial cells, decreases inflammatory markers, and lowers glucose, lipids, and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes, so we developed a protocol to study whether ingestion of water-soluble cinnamon extract prevents progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing cinnamon extract versus placebo in subjects with pre-diabetes who have committed to participate in a lifestyle change program. The trial will be conducted at five sites and will include 428 subjects who take cinnamon extract or placebo for 1 year. Follow-up for these subjects will be for a total of 2 years (nine study visits). The primary outcomes to be assessed are 1) conversion of patients from pre-diabetes to diabetes and 2) impact of water-soluble cinnamon extract on hepatic transaminases, renal function, and QT interval on electrocardiogram. Secondary outcomes include changes in HbA1c, lipids, waist circumference, weight, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose. The trial protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the US Air Force 59th Medical Wing, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Protocol FWH20110035H). Investigator-sponsored Investigational New Drug status (114078) was granted by the US Food and Drug Administration. DISCUSSION: This study will provide high-quality evidence of the efficacy of water-soluble cinnamon extract in conjunction with lifestyle intervention for preventing patients with pre-diabetes from converting to diabetes. Additionally, it will provide important safety information about water-soluble cinnamon extract. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01301521 , 18 February 2011.

Assessment of metal contents in spices and herbs from Saudi Arabia.

In the recent years, there has been a growing interest in monitoring heavy metal contamination of spices/herbs. Spices and herbs are sources of many bioactive compounds that can improve the tastes of food as well as influence digestion and metabolism processes. In the present study, the levels of some essential and toxic elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), present in common spices/herbs that were purchased from the local market in Saudi Arabia, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy after digestion with nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Samples from the following spices/herbs were used: turmeric, cloves, black pepper, red pepper, cumin, legume, cinnamon, abazir, white pepper, ginger, and coriander. The concentration ranges for the studied elements were found as 48.8-231, 4.7-19.4, 2.5-10.5, below detection level (BDL)-1.0, 8.8-490, 1.0-2.6, and BDL-3.7 µg g(-1) for Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb, respectively, while Cd and Co levels were below the detection limit. Consumers of these spices/herbs would not be exposed to any risk associated with the daily intake of 10 g of spices per day as far as metals Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb are concerned.

A pilot study to assess students' perceptions, familiarity, and knowledge in the use of complementary and alternative herbal supplements in health promotion.

CONTEXT: According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), use of herbal supplements is increasing and will continue to rise. With parents administering medicinal herbs to children as a preventive alternative to traditional drugs, the research team thought it would be interesting to assess the use of these products during the transition into adulthood through college life. OBJECTIVE: This study examined participants' perceptions of, familiarity with, and knowledge of herbal supplements for health promotion. DESIGN: The research team invited participants to complete a 13-item Perception, Familiarity, and Knowledge Survey (PFKS). This online survey included questions regarding demographics, perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine, and familiarity with and knowledge of gingko, ginseng, St. John's wort, garlic, echinacea, and cinnamon. SETTING: The study occurred at a Midwestern university. PARTICIPANTS: Two-hundred and eighty-six college students participated. OUTCOME MEASURES: The research team used the Chi-square test of association to examine the class rank (freshmen/sophomores, juniors/seniors, and graduate students) of students (frequency) and their gender in relation to their perceptions of, familiarity with, and knowledge of herbal supplements. RESULTS: Chi-square analysis showed that 80.8% of participants were familiar with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (P = .000). Of participants who were aware of the six herbs, a majority was familiar with ginkgo (82.4%), ginseng (96.1%), St. John's wort (78.4%), garlic (98.4%), echinacea (65.6%), and cinnamon (96.8%). Despite students' familiarity with the herbs, 45.1% to 74.1% of the participants were unsure of their effectiveness in preventing disease or promoting good health. Participants perceived the barriers to their CAM awareness as (1) insufficient education (26.0%), (2) a lack of scientific evidence (25.9%), and (3) a lack of trained professionals (17.5%). Many students (85.8%) desired educational courses on CAM therapies, with nutrition professors being ranked highest as the providers of this education by 88.0%. Over 60.0% of participants thought that conventional medicine could benefit from integration with CAM and that medical professionals should integrate CAM into health-care practices. CONCLUSION: College students appear to be highly familiar with CAM and herbal supplements but currently have little experience with and knowledge of herbal supplements.

Assessment of coumarin levels in ground cinnamon available in the Czech retail market.

The objective of this study was to determine the coumarin content of ground cinnamon purchased from retail markets in the Czech Republic. No sample was labelled with information on the botanical source, but, in some cases, the countries of origin were specified. For comparison, a single cinnamon sample imported directly from a plantation in Sri Lanka that came from Cinnamomum verum was analyzed. Results from 60 ground cinnamon samples comprising twelve brands confirmed a high content of coumarin, with mean levels ranging from 2,650 to 7,017 mg · kg(-1). The high coumarin content confirmed that these cinnamon samples obtained from cassia cinnamon were in contrast to the sample from Sri Lanka, which was coumarin-free.

Risk assessment of coumarin using the bench mark dose (BMD) approach: children in Norway which regularly eat oatmeal porridge with cinnamon may exceed the TDI for coumarin with several folds.

Coumarin is a naturally occurring flavouring substance in cinnamon and many other plants. It is known that coumarin can cause liver toxicity in several species, and it is considered a non-genotoxic carcinogen in rodents. By using the bench mark dose approach we re-assessed coumarin toxicity and established a new TDI for coumarin of 0.07 mg/kg bw/day. Oral intake of coumarin is related to consumption of cinnamon-containing foods and food supplements. Cinnamon is a widely used spice in Norway, and can be used as topping on oatmeal porridge. Based on analyses of coumarin in Norwegian foods, intake calculations for children and adults were conducted, and a risk assessment of coumarin in the Norwegian population was performed. Intake estimates of coumarin show that small children eating oatmeal porridge several times a week sprinkled with cinnamon could have a coumarin intake of 1.63 mg/kg bw/day and may exceeding the TDI with several folds. Adults drinking cinnamon-based tea and consuming cinnamon supplements also can exceed TDI. The coumarin intake could exceed the TDI by 7- to 20-fold in some intake scenarios. Such large daily exceedances of TDI, even for a limited time period of 1-2 weeks, cause concern of adverse health effects.

Consumer acceptance of an extruded soy-based high-protein breakfast cereal.

Studies have shown the beneficial effects of soy and high-protein diets on weight loss. The objective of this study was to determine consumer acceptance of a soy-based high-protein breakfast cereal developed to be utilized for weight loss and control. Four formulations with soy flour content of 41%, 47%, 54%, and 60% (w/w) were processed by extrusion. The formulations met the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines to claim the role of soy protein in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and guidelines for high-protein and high-fiber foods. The effects of soy flour level, addition of cinnamon flavor, and evaluation with or without milk on acceptance were investigated. Overall acceptance of 3 of 8 cereal products was also compared to the acceptance of 5 commercial products in the "healthy" cereal category. Addition of up to 54% (w/w) soy flour resulted in comparable acceptance ratings to products with lower soy flour content. Addition of milk improved aroma and texture acceptance scores and addition of cinnamon flavor improved overall, aroma, and taste acceptance scores. Acceptance of the developed cereal products was not as high as the commercial products; however, it significantly increased when nutritional and cost information was presented. The results of this study demonstrated that with modification of the formulations, an acceptable high-protein soy-based cereal can be developed to increase protein consumption during breakfast meals, which can consequently aid in weight loss and control.