Methyl cinnamate (Methyl 3-phenylpropenoate), an active component of Zanthoxylum armatum, is a widely used natural flavor compound. Methyl cinnamate (Methyl 3-phenylpropenoate) possesses antimicrobial activity and is a tyrosinase inhibitor that can prevent food browning. Methyl cinnamate (Methyl 3-phenylpropenoate) has antiadipogenic activity through mechanisms mediated, in part, by the CaMKK2-AMPK signaling pathway[1].
In 3T3-L1 cell model, Methyl cinnamate (Methyl 3-phenylpropenoate) inhibits adipocyte differentiation by attenuating expression of the adipogenic transcription factors SREBP-1, PPARγ, and C/EBPα and the transcriptional activity of PPARγ. In addition, Methyl cinnamate (Methyl 3-phenylpropenoate) activates the CaMKK2-AMPK signaling cascade involved in the regulation of adipogenesis[1].
[1]. Chen YY, et al. Methyl cinnamate inhibits adipocyte differentiation via activation of the CaMKK2-AMPK pathwayin 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Feb 1;60(4):955-63.