Background
- Cinnamon has been used as a spice in several cultures for centuries. It was traditionally used to relieve stomach pain and gas; it is still used for these conditions today. The bark of two cinnamon species (Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia) is used as a spice (cinnamon bark).
- There is a lack of scientific information to support the use of cinnamon for any condition. However, laboratory studies suggest that cinnamon may be useful in the treatment of diabetes (type 2) due to its blood sugar-lowering effects.
- Furthermore, cinnamon and its constituents may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, and it may prove effective in the supportive treatment of conditions such as cancer or severe virus infections.
- Cinnamon has been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). GRAS substances are considered safe by the experts and not restricted, as is the case with other food additives.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Crawford, P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am.Board Fam.Med 2009;22(5):507-512.
View Abstract - Dugoua, J. J., Seely, D., Perri, D., Cooley, K., Forelli, T., Mills, E., and Koren, G. From type 2 diabetes to antioxidant activity: a systematic review of the safety and efficacy of common and cassia cinnamon bark. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007;85(9):837-847.
View Abstract - Fang SH, Rao YK, Tzeng YM. Inhibitory effects of flavonol glycosides from Cinnamomum osmophloeum on inflammatory mediators in LPS/IFN-gamma-activated murine macrophages. Bioorg.Med Chem 4-1-2005;13(7):2381-2388.
View Abstract - Fairman, K. A. and Curtiss, F. R. Call for comparative effectiveness research: lowering a1c with sitagliptin, saxagliptin, or cinnamon. J Manag.Care Pharm. 2009;15(8):696-700.
View Abstract - Hersch-Martinez P, Leanos-Miranda BE, Solorzano-Santos F. Antibacterial effects of commercial essential oils over locally prevalent pathogenic strains in Mexico. Fitoterapia 2005;76(5):453-457.
View Abstract - Idle JR. Christmas gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and Christmas cheer--review of the potential role of mood elevating amphetamine-like compounds formed in vivo and in furno. Prague.Med Rep. 2005;106(1):27-38.
View Abstract - Jantan I, Rafi IA, Jalil J. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor-binding antagonist activity of Malaysian medicinal plants. Phytomedicine 2005;12(1-2):88-92.
View Abstract - Prajapati V, Tripathi AK, Aggarwal KK, et al. Insecticidal, repellent and oviposition-deterrent activity of selected essential oils against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Bioresour.Technol 2005;96(16):1749-1757.
View Abstract - Qin, B., Dawson, H., Polansky, M. M., and Anderson, R. A. Cinnamon extract attenuates TNF-alpha-induced intestinal lipoprotein ApoB48 overproduction by regulating inflammatory, insulin, and lipoprotein pathways in enterocytes. Horm.Metab Res. 2009;41(7):516-522.
View Abstract - Seo UK, Lee YJ, Kim JK, et al. Large-scale and effective screening of Korean medicinal plants for inhibitory activity on matrix metalloproteinase-9. J Ethnopharmacol 2-10-2005;97(1):101-106.
View Abstract - Tampieri MP, Galuppi R, Macchioni F, et al. The inhibition of Candida albicans by selected essential oils and their major components. Mycopathologia 2005;159(3):339-345.
View Abstract - Vanschoonbeek K, Thomassen BJ, Senden JM, et al. Cinnamon supplementation does not improve glycemic control in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes patients. J Nutr 2006;136(4):977-980.
View Abstract - White A, Nunes C, Escudier M, et al. Improvement in orofacial granulomatosis on a cinnamon- and benzoate-free diet. Inflamm.Bowel.Dis 2006;12(6):508-514.
View Abstract - Zhao X, Zhu JX, Mo SF, et al. Effects of cassia oil on serum and hepatic uric acid levels in oxonate-induced mice and xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase activities in mouse liver. J Ethnopharmacol 2-20-2006;103(3):357-365.
View Abstract - Ziegenfuss, T. N., Hofheins, J. E., Mendel, R. W., Landis, J., and Anderson, R. A. Effects of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on body composition and features of the metabolic syndrome in pre-diabetic men and women. J Int.Soc.Sports Nutr. 2006;3:45-53.
View Abstract