The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Botanicals, Cinnamon

Written by Harold Oster, MD. Cinnamon, a popular spice worldwide, contains bioactive compounds that benefit health.

cinnamonCinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. The most common species are Cinnamomum cassia, known as cassia cinnamon, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (or C. verum), often called Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon. Cinnamon contains numerous polyphenol compounds, including cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which give cinnamon anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties1.

 

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Cinnamon

Chronic inflammation and the oxidative stress that follows can accelerate the effects of aging2 and lead to numerous conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, neurological disease, and cancer3. Cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and other compounds found in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, conferring potential benefits in metabolic and chronic inflammatory conditions, including arthritis4.

Cinnamon’s Effects on Blood Sugar

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally, in large part due to the increasing prevalence of obesity. Diabetes is associated with various complications, including heart disease, stroke, and premature mortality5. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of cinnamon on blood sugar and diabetes. While not all studies have been positive, a recent placebo-controlled four-week study of cinnamon supplementation resulted in significantly improved glucose levels in obese individuals with prediabetes6. No significant side effects were noted.

Anti-Cancer Properties of Cinnamon

Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid have in vitro anti-cancer properties. These compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, including inhibition of cellular growth, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis7.

Cardiovascular Effects of Cinnamon

Despite improvements in treatment and prevention, cardiovascular disease remains the most common cause of death in the United States. Risk factors of heart disease include hypertension8, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and chronic inflammation9. Cinnamon affects lipid production in the liver, lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also improves endothelium function by increasing endothelial nitric oxide production. Multiple studies have shown that cinnamon can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cinnamon may lower the risk of coronary ischemia and myocardial infarction10.

Cinnamon’s Effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are among the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Though the causes of these conditions are not fully known, neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in their pathogenesis. In animal models, cinnamon suppresses neuroinflammation, reduces oxidative stress, and improves synapse connections.

Risks of Cinnamon Supplementation

Cinnamon is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it contains coumarin, a toxin linked to hemorrhage and liver toxicity when consumed in very large quantities. Due to cassia cinnamon’s higher levels of coumarin, it carries a greater risk of toxicity than Ceylon cinnamon.

Posted February 4, 2025.

Harold Oster, MD graduated from medical school in Miami, Florida in 1992 and moved to Minnesota in 2004. After more than 25 years of practicing Internal Medicine, he recently retired. Dr. Oster is especially interested in nutrition, weight management, and disease prevention. Visit his website at haroldoster.com. 

References:

  1. Błaszczyk N, Rosiak A, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. The potential role of cinnamon in human health. Forests. 2021;12(5):648.
  2. Sanada F, Taniyama Y, Muratsu J, et al. Source of Chronic Inflammation in Aging. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2018;5:12. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2018.00012
  3. Nigam M, Mishra AP, Deb VK, et al. Evaluation of the association of chronic inflammation and cancer: Insights and implications. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. Aug 2023;164:115015. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115015
  4. Sharma H, Chauhan P, Singh S. Evaluation of the anti-arthritic activity of Cinnamomum cassia bark extract in experimental models. Integr Med Res. Dec 2018;7(4):366-373. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2018.08.002
  5. Harding JL, Pavkov ME, Magliano DJ, Shaw JE, Gregg EW. Global trends in diabetes complications: a review of current evidence. Diabetologia. Jan 2019;62(1):3-16. doi:10.1007/s00125-018-4711-2
  6. Zelicha H, Yang J, Henning SM, et al. Effect of cinnamon spice on continuously monitored glycemic response in adults with prediabetes: a 4-week randomized controlled crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr. Mar 2024;119(3):649-657. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.008
  7. Khedkar S, Ahmad Khan M. Aqueous Extract of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.): Role in Cancer and Inflammation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2023;2023:5467342. doi:10.1155/2023/5467342
  8. Magnussen C, Ojeda FM, Leong DP, et al. Global Effect of Modifiable Risk Factors on Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality. The New England journal of medicine. Oct 5 2023;389(14):1273-1285. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206916
  9. Henein MY, Vancheri S, Longo G, Vancheri F. The Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci. Oct 26 2022;23(21)doi:10.3390/ijms232112906
  10. Shang C, Lin H, Fang X, et al. Beneficial effects of cinnamon and its extracts in the management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Food Funct. Dec 13 2021;12(24):12194-12220. doi:10.1039/d1fo01935j