Cinnamon Bark Extract

Cinnamon bark extract is a polyphenolic polymer that is rich in flavonoids and catechins, which are the same primary bioactive compounds found in green tea. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and exerts beneficial effects on heart health and blood sugar.

Benefits

• Cinnamon bark extract has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
• It can reduce inflammation as well as the frequency, severity, and duration of headache in patients with migraine.
• Cinnamon bark extract supports heart health through several mechanisms. It helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity, which may help lower blood sugar levels.
• Cinnamon bark extract may help with maintaining healthy blood glucose levels in already healthy individuals and has been used to aid digestion for thousands of years. It is loaded with antioxidants and, when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, may help maintain healthy levels of fat, cholesterol, and glucose healthy body weight. Cinnamon bark extract may also help fortify the immune system.

Dosage

Ground cinnamon is generally given at dosages of 1 to 3 g/day (range, 120 mg/day to 6 g/day) in studies of diabetes without reported adverse effects. The standard dose for anti-diabetic purposes is 1-6g of cinnamon daily, taken with carbohydrate-containing meals. Ceylon cinnamon is always a better option. A maximum of 2.2 tsp. of Cinnamon powder per day for 5 days, followed by 2 days of rest is recommended.

Side Effects

Cinnamon bark extract is generally safe when used in recommended doses. However, taking large amounts of coumarin, a chemical found in cinnamon, can cause liver damage in some people, especially those who have liver disease. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin (about 7–18 milligrams per teaspoon) and Ceylon cinnamon does not. Research has shown that some people are sensitive to high doses of coumarin, suggesting it could cause liver damage. Other potential side effects of consuming too much cinnamon include respiratory problems, allergies, dizziness, digestive problems, and mouth sores. It is important to note that cinnamon supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and antibiotics. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking cinnamon supplements

Case Studies

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial found that cinnamon supplementation reduced inflammation as well as the frequency, severity, and duration of headache in patients with migraine.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32638445/
2. https://www.drugs.com/npp/cinnamon.html
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
4. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-330/ceylon-cinnamon
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069
6. https://www.rxlist.com/cinnamon_bark/supplements.htm
7. https://examine.com/supplements/cinnamon/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4466762/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
10. https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/
11. https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/lifestyle/diet-and-nutrition/cinnamon-side-effects