Cinnamon – Health Benefits and Risks

- Scientific name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum -

Fragrant cinnamon, essential in traditional desserts such as rice pudding and aşure and winter drinks such as herbal teas or salep, comes from plants of the genus Cinnamomum native to Southeast Asia. Its rich aroma also makes it useful in essential oils and as a spice.

Cinnamon has a long history of herbal medicinal use. Evidence varies regarding its effects on lowering blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) and blood sugar. Laboratory studies show that cinnamon has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant properties. Appetite-stimulating, indigestion-relieving and blood-glucose-lowering effects in patients with type-2 diabetes have also been demonstrated, but further studies are needed to confirm them.

For Which Diseases Is Cinnamon Being Tested as a Treatment?

Diabetes

Evidence is mixed: Some clinical studies found benefits in reducing blood sugar, blood lipids and insulin levels, while others found no such effect.

Stomach ulcers

A clinical trial showed cinnamon extract to be ineffective, contrary to claims, in eradicating H. pylori infection.

Inflammation

Laboratory studies showed that cinnamon may reduce inflammation . There are no human clinical study data on this.

Arthritis – joint inflammation

Cinnamon is used for arthritis in traditional medicine, but no scientific evidence supports this claim.

Warning for Patients

Some cinnamon products contain high levels of coumarin (coumarin). Cassian cinnamon has high coumarin content, whereas Ceylon cinnamon contains very little. This substance is known to cause liver injury.

Do Not Use in the Following Situations

• If you take medicines affecting the cytochrome P450 enzyme system: Cinnamon may increase their risk of side effects.
• Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar): Cinnamon extract may increase the effects of blood-sugar-lowering medicines. 
• Anticoagulants: Because cinnamon contains coumarin, it may have additional effects when used with blood thinners. 
• Statins: Cinnamon taken with cholesterol-lowering statins has been reported to cause hepatitis (liver inflammation).
• Use of herbal toothpaste and chewing gum containing cinnamon has been associated with mouth sores.

In conclusion, cinnamon should apparently retain its place as a pleasant flavoring and spice, but should not be considered a healing agent.