1. Is Cinnamon an Effective Bacteria Killing Agent ?
Effects of Cinnamon on E-coli and Pseudomonas fluorescence
Yaken Ameen
Morjan Rahhal

2. Introduction
Historians have found spices and herbs used as preservatives and medicines since ancient times. [1]
Scientists have found direct correlation between increasing concentrations of cinnamon and the decreasing of bacterial growth rate of E.coli [2]
Our goal was to repeat the experiments found in literature with different techniques and additional bacteria.

3. Preliminary Experiments: Stage 1
In our first stage of experiments, we performed triplets of diluted cinnamon concentrations using low salt LB and evaluated growth curves obtained from the using the Bioscreen C.

4. Preliminary Data: Stage 1
Concentration (%)
P.fleur
Ecoli 80
1.443
1.377 70
1.336 50
1.391 20
1.357
1.583
1.447

5. Experiment: Stage 2
In our second stage of experiments, we composed triplet T-streaked, low salt, agar plates with different concentrations of cinnamon.

6. “Melting” the Cinnamon using the steamer to assure consistency.

7. Pouring Cinnamon into approximately 70 plates

8. Plates loaded with 0%-5% Cinnamon Concentrations

9. Experimental Data: Stage 2
Concentration %
E-coli (mm)
P. fluorescence (mm)
53.5
121
46.66
0.008
33.4
39.33
0.04
31.166
30.571
0.2
19.571
16.8 1 8 5 6

10. Progression of E-coli death Progression of P. fleur. death

11. Conclusion: What’s next?
Yes, cinnamon is an effective bacterial killing agent when it comes to P.fluorescens and E. coli.
What does the future hold?
Testing cinnamon’s antibacterial effects on other bacteria species.
Manufacturing useful antimicrobial products using cinnamon Ex. Soil treatments, food wrapping, gum, toothpaste etc.

12. References
[1] Mccormickscienceinstitute.com McCormick Science Institute - History of Spices. [online]. Available at: of-Spices.aspx [Accessed: 21 Nov 2013].
[2] Ceylan, E. (2003). Antimicrobial Activity of Spices Against Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and their Application in Solid and Liquid Foods. [online]. Available: [Accessed: 21 Nov 2013]

13. Final Exam: Study Session
Who: Everyone!
What: Lets go over the final together and collaborate before turning it in.
When: Saturday from 12pm-4pm (feel free to drop in and out)
Where: DH Hill, 2nd Floor Large Group Study Room
Why: To make Dr. Brown proud and ace this exam!