Cinnamic acid is a polyphenol found in cinnamon oil and used in commercial flavorings. Recent studies have shown the pharmacological properties of cinnamic acid and its derivatives, including hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic activities. In preclinical studies cinnamic acid demonstrated to be a promising candidate for the treatment ob obesity and diabetes. The mechanism of action of cinnamic acid in obesity is explained by its ability to inhibit lipases and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). However, there are several hypotesis regarding the effect of cinnamic acid in diabetes: cinnamic acid enhances glucose-induced insulin secretion, prevents palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity, inhibits palmitic acid-induced alteration of lipogenic gene and protein expression (AMPK, SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC), inhibits DPP IV, exhibits an additive effect on the uptake of glucose, stimulates adiponectin secretion, etc.

Raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one; RK) is a major aromatic compound of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and is marketed on the Internet as a food supplement. The FDA classified it as GRAS (Generally Recognized as safe) food additives during the 1960s. The structure of RK is similar to the structures of capsaicin and synephrine, compounds known to exert anti-obese actions and alter the lipid metabolism. It was shown, that RK also decreased the weights and hepatic triacylglycerol content in rodents after they had been increased by a high-fat diet. Recently was discovered, that RK may exert anti-adipogenic effects through modulation of the HO-1/Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Investigations of raspberry ketone in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models indicated potential cardiotoxic effects and potential effects on reproduction/development. Taking into account the high intake via supplements, the compound's toxic potential should be clarified with further experimental studies. In UK the pure compound is regarded as novel food requiring authorisation prior to marketing but raspberry ketone is not withdrawn from Internet sites from this country.