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Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Common Names

  • Cassia

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For Patients & Caregivers

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There is mixed evidence on cinnamon’s ability to lower glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Cinnamon refers to several plants native to Southeast Asia. The bark, rich in essential oil, is used as a flavoring agent and as a spice. Cinnamon has a long history of use as an herbal medicine. Laboratory studies have shown that cinnamon has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It was also shown to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes but more studies are needed to confirm such effects.

 

 

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Diabetes
    Evidence is mixed: A few clinical trials have shown that cinnamon is beneficial in lowering blood glucose, lipids, and insulin levels; other studies have demonstrated no such effects.
  • Stomach Ulcer
    In one clinical trial, cinnamon extract proved ineffective in eradicating an H. pylori infection.
  • Inflammation
    Laboratory studies showed that cinnamon can reduce inflammation. Human data are lacking.
  • Arthritis
    Cinnamon is used in traditional medicine for arthritis but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Patient Warnings Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Some cinnamon products contain high levels of coumarin, a natural constituent, that can cause liver damage.
Do Not Take If Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Cytochrome P450 substrates: Cinnamon may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs.
  • Hypoglycemics: Cinnamon extract may have an additive effect with blood glucose-lowering medications.
  • Anticoagulants: Because cinnamon has coumarin, it may have additive effects when used with blood-thinning medications.
  • Statins: When taken along with statins, cinnamon has been reported to cause hepatitis.
Side Effects Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Oral lesions were shown to be associated with the use of oral cinnamon products like herbal toothpaste and chewing gum.
  • Occupational allergy has been reported with use of cinnamon.
  • Use of vaginal suppositories containing cinnamon oil resulted in allergic contact dermatitis in an 18-year-old woman.
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For Healthcare Professionals

Scientific Name Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum loureiroi, Cinnamomum burmannii
Clinical Summary Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Cinnamon refers to several plants that belong to the genus Cinnamomum, native to Southeast Asia. The bark, rich in essential oil, is used as a flavoring agent and as a spice. Medicinal uses include appetite stimulation, treatment of arthritis, inflammation, and dyspepsia. In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used with other herbs in decoctions for cold. In vitro studies have demonstrated that cinnamon has antioxidant (1) (2), anti-inflammatory (3), immunomodulatory (4) (5), antimicrobial (6) and antitumor (7) properties.

Cinnamon has been studied in clinical trials for type 2 diabetes but results are conflicting (8) (9) (10) (11). However, conclusions of a meta analysis and a review suggest improvements in glycemic control with cinnamon and cinnamon extracts in patients with type 2 diabetes (12) (36). In other studies, a cinnamon extract was found effective in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis in healthy adults (32); and topical use of a cinnamon ointment alleviated perineal pain and improved healing of episiotomy incision in postpartum women (33).

Use of cinnamon flavored products has been associated with oral adverse effects (13) (14) (15) (16). Certain cinnamon products are high in coumarin (18) (17) content that can cause hepatotoxicity (19) and can also interact with other drugs (20).

Food Sources Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Cinnamon bark

Purported Uses Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Diabetes
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Inflammation
  • Arthritis
Mechanism of Action Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

Hydroxycinnamaldehyde, a compound present in cinnamon, exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production via inhibition of NF-kappaB (3). Cinnamon also inhibits hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity (24) and reduces the level of blood lipids in animals and humans (10). In another study, methylhydroxychalcone polymer, isolated from cinnamon, was shown to mimic insulin by activating the insulin receptors (23).

Cinnamon extract binds to estrogen-receptor beta and has a direct stimulatory effect on bone formation (25). The n-hexane extract of cinnamon has antiestrogenic activity (26). In other studies, cinnamon extract was shown to inhibit NFkappaB and AP1 leading to apoptosis (7). It also showed antiangiogenic effects by inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (22).

Contraindications Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Patients taking blood glucose-lowering or blood-thinning medications should use cinnamon extract with caution.
  • Cinnamon was shown to have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities in vitro (24) (25). Patients with hormone sensitive disease should use caution.
Adverse Reactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) and stomatitis were shown to be associated with the use of oral cinnamon products including toothpaste and chewing gum (13) (15) (16) (27) (34).
  • Occupational allergy has been reported with use of cinnamon (28).
  • Use of vaginal suppositories containing cinnamon oil resulted in allergic contact dermatitis in an 18-year-old woman (29)
Herb-Drug Interactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Cytochrome P450 substrates: Cinnamon inhibits cytochrome P450 2C9 and 3A4 and may interfere with the actions of drugs metabolized by these enzyme (31).
  • Hypoglycemics: Cinnamon extract may have an additive effect with blood glucose-lowering medications.
  • Anticoagulants: Because cinnamon has coumarin, it can interact with blood-thinning medications.
  • Statins: When taken along with statins, cinnamon has been reported to cause hepatitis (35).
Herb Lab Interactions Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
  • Cinnamon may lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels but the evidence is mixed (8) (10).
  • Theoretically, cinnamon may increase prothrombin time (30).
Dosage (OneMSK Only) Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.
References Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed. Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened. Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

  1. Kim SH, Hyun SH, Choung SY. Antioxidative effects of Cinnamomi cassiae and Rhodiola rosea extracts in liver of diabetic mice. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):209-219.

  2. Lin CC, Wu SJ, Chang CH, et al. Antioxidant activity of Cinnamomum cassia. Phytother Res. Aug 2003;17(7):726-730.

  3. Lee SH, Lee SY, Son DJ, et al. Inhibitory effect of 2’-hydroxycinnamaldehyde on nitric oxide production through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in RAW 264.7 cells. Biochem Pharmacol. Mar 1 2005;69(5):791-799.

  4. Reddy AM, Seo JH, Ryu SY, et al. Cinnamaldehyde and 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde as NF-kappaB inhibitors from Cinnamomum cassia. Planta Med. Sep 2004;70(9):823-827.

  5. Koh WS, Yoon SY, Kwon BM, et al. Cinnamaldehyde inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and modulates T-cell differentiation. Int J Immunopharmacol. Nov 1998;20(11):643-660.

  6. Shahverdi AR, Monsef-Esfahani HR, Tavasoli F, et al. Trans-cinnamaldehyde from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil reduces the clindamycin resistance of Clostridium difficile in vitro. J Food Sci. Jan 2007;72(1):S055-058.

  7. Kwon HK, Hwang JS, So JS, et al. Cinnamon extract induces tumor cell death through inhibition of NFkappaB and AP1. BMC Cancer. 2010;10:392.

  8. Blevins SM, Leyva MJ, Brown J, et al. Effect of cinnamon on glucose and lipid levels in non insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. Sep 2007;30(9):2236-2237.

  9. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. Dec 2003;26(12):3215-3218.

  10. Mang B, Wolters M, Schmitt B, et al. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2. Eur J Clin Invest. May 2006;36(5):340-344.

  11. Vanschoonbeek K, Thomassen BJ, Senden JM, et al. Cinnamon supplementation does not improve glycemic control in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes patients. J Nutr. Apr 2006;136(4):977-980.

  12. Davis PA, Yokoyama W. Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis. J Med Food. Sep 2011;14(9):884-889.

  13. Anil S. Plasma cell gingivitis among herbal toothpaste users: a report of three cases. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2007;8(4):60-66.

  14. Endo H, Rees TD. Clinical features of cinnamon-induced contact stomatitis. Compend Contin Educ Dent. Jul 2006;27(7):403-409; quiz 410, 421.

  15. Endo H, Rees TD. Cinnamon products as a possible etiologic factor in orofacial granulomatosis. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. Oct 2007;12(6):E440-444.

  16. Kind F, Scherer K, Bircher AJ. Allergic contact stomatitis to cinnamon in chewing gum mistaken as facial angioedema. Allergy. Feb 2010;65(2):276-277.

  17. Lungarini S, Aureli F, Coni E. Coumarin and cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon marketed in Italy: a natural chemical hazard? Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. Nov 2008;25(11):1297-1305.

  18. Woehrlin F, Fry H, Abraham K, et al. Quantification of flavoring constituents in cinnamon: high variation of coumarin in cassia bark from the German retail market and in authentic samples from indonesia. J Agric Food Chem. Oct 13 2010;58(19):10568-10575.

  19. Abraham K, Wohrlin F, Lindtner O, et al. Toxicology and risk assessment of coumarin: focus on human data. Mol Nutr Food Res. Feb 2010;54(2):228-239.

  20. Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Selected Questions about coumarin in cinnamon and other foods. http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/8487. Accessed February 18, 2008.

  21. Dugoua JJ, Seely D, Perri D, et al. 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. Sep 2007;85(9):837-847.

  22. Lu J, Zhang K, Nam S, et al. Novel angiogenesis inhibitory activity in cinnamon extract blocks VEGFR2 kinase and downstream signaling. Carcinogenesis. Mar 2010;31(3):481-488.

  23. Jarvill-Taylor KJ, Anderson RA, Graves DJ. A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Am Coll Nutr. Aug 2001;20(4):327-336.

  24. Lee JS, Jeon SM, Park EM, et al. Cinnamate supplementation enhances hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense systems in high cholesterol-fed rats. J Med Food. Fall 2003;6(3):183-191.

  25. Lee KH, Choi EM. Stimulatory effects of extract prepared from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia blume on the function of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Phytother Res. Nov 2006;20(11):952-960.

  26. Kim IG, Kang SC, Kim KC, et al. Screening of estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities from medicinal plants. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. Jan 2008;25(1):75-82.

  27. Siqueira AS, Santos CC, Cristino MR, et al. Intraoral contact mucositis induced by cinnamon-flavored chewing gum—a case report. Quintessence Int. Oct 2009;40(9):719-721.

  28. Guarneri F. Occupational allergy to cinnamal in a baker. Contact Dermatitis. Nov 2010;63(5):294.

  29. Lauriola MM, De Bitonto A, Sena P. Allergic contact dermatitis due to cinnamon oil in galenic vaginal suppositories. Acta Derm Venereol. Mar 2010;90(2):187-188.

  30. Chase CK, McQueen CE. Cinnamon in diabetes mellitus. Am J Health Syst Pharm. May 15 2007;64(10):1033-1035.

  31. Kimura Y, Ito H, Hatano T. Effects of mace and nutmeg on human cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2C9 activity. Biol Pharm Bull. 2010;33(12):1977-82.

  32. Gupta D, Jain A. Effect of Cinnamon Extract and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.2%) on the Clinical Level of Dental Plaque and Gingival Health: A 4-Week, Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Int Acad Periodontol. 2015 Jul;17(3):91-8.

  33. Mohammadi A, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Mirghafourvand M, Javadzadeh Y, Fardiazar Z, Effati-Daryani F. Effects of cinnamon on perineal pain and healing of episiotomy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2014 Jul;12(4):359-66.

  34. Calapai G, Miroddi M, Mannucci C, Minciullo P, Gangemi S. Oral adverse reactions due to cinnamon-flavoured chewing gums consumption. Oral Dis. 2014 Oct;20(7):637-43.

  35. Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep. 2015 Apr 29;16:250-4.

  36. Costello RB, Dwyer JT, Saldanha L, Bailey RL, Merkel J, Wambogo E. Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes? A Narrative Review. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016 Nov;116(11):1794-1802.

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