What is Cinnamon extract (bark)?

Cinnamon extract (bark) is a concentrated form of cinnamon obtained from the bark of Cinnamomum trees. It is commonly used for medicinal purposes due to its various health benefits.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Cinnamon extract (bark) works for medicinal purposes primarily through its active compound, cinnamaldehyde, which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These properties contribute to its therapeutic effects in managing various health conditions.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredient in cinnamon extract (bark) is cinnamaldehyde, although other compounds like cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, and coumarin also contribute to its medicinal properties.

What forms does it come in?

Cinnamon extract (bark) is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and powdered forms for ease of consumption.

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

A deficiency in cinnamon extract (bark) may lead to a lack of its beneficial effects, potentially impacting the management of conditions for which it is used medicinally.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, with historical records dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was valued for its medicinal properties.

What does Cinnamon extract (bark) help with?

Cinnamon extract comes from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. It is a kitchen spice and an old remedy at once. Ayurvedic, Chinese and Middle Eastern healers have used it for hundreds of years.

The best human studies look at blood sugar and blood fats. Some of those studies found real changes over a few weeks. Much of the rest rests on lab work or on tradition alone.

• High blood sugar with type 2 diabetes
  Good evidence — multiple human studies of daily use for 4 to 12 weeks. In several human studies, fasting blood sugar fell by about 10% to 29%. People took cinnamon every day for 4 to 12 weeks. Study authors linked this to cells using insulin better, which is how they read their own results.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T3
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
  Good evidence — several trials in people with type 2 diabetes. In these trials, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides went down. HDL cholesterol, the helpful kind, rose a little. The trial authors thought better insulin signals drove the change, not a direct effect on cholesterol.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T3
• Insulin resistance and prediabetes
  Early evidence — human trials in diabetes plus lab work; few trials in prediabetes alone. When cells stop answering insulin well, blood sugar creeps up. Human trials in people with diabetes found a better insulin response. Trials in prediabetes alone are few, so this use is less certain.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  Early evidence — small human trials in women with PCOS. Small human trials found more regular monthly cycles. The same trials found less insulin resistance. The groups were small, so treat these findings as early.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• High blood pressure
  Early evidence — some human trials, with modest effects. Some human trials found small drops in both blood pressure numbers. The drops were modest, not dramatic. Researchers suggested more flexible blood vessels as the reason, but that idea is not proven.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Memory and clear thinking
  Early evidence — one small human study in older adults. In a small study of older adults, attention, working memory and speed improved. Lab work hints that cinnamon compounds may guard nerve cells. One small study is not much to lean on.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T3
• Inflammation and sore, stiff joints
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab work on cinnamon compounds only; no human joint trial on file. In lab studies, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol lowered inflammatory signals. No human trial on joint pain or stiffness is on file. So the effect on aching joints in people is unknown.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Gas, bloating and an unsettled gut
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — traditional use plus lab work on microbes. Healers have long used cinnamon for gas and cramping. In lab studies, it slowed the growth of some microbes. No human trial on bloating is on file, so this rests on tradition.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Yeast overgrowth (Candida)
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab studies only; human trials very limited. In lab studies, cinnamaldehyde broke up Candida biofilms. Human trials on Candida are very limited. So we cannot say what happens in the mouth or gut of a person.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3

What Cinnamon extract (bark) has not been shown to do

• No trial on file tested cinnamon as a stand-in for insulin or diabetes pills.
• It has not been shown to take the place of targeted arthritis care.
• No human trial on file shows that it clears a Candida yeast infection.
• No human trial on file shows that it eases bloating or gas.
• Blood pressure drops in the trials were small; large drops have not been shown.
• No trial on file tested it for dementia or for memory loss caused by disease.

How to read this:

Each grade shows how strong the human evidence is for that one use. A means several good trials in people agree. B means at least one good trial in people. C means small, mixed or early human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study at all, only lab work, animal work or tradition. This page lists options, not advice, and it is not a promise of results. Talk with your own clinician before you change any medicine.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Cinnamon extract (bark) has been demonstrated to help prevent:

1. Cardiovascular diseases
2. Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
3. Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases
4. Gastrointestinal infections and disorders
5. Skin infections and inflammation
6. Dental issues like cavities and gum disease
7. Certain types of cancer
8. Age-related macular degeneration
9. Osteoporosis
10. Premature aging and oxidative damage

Which foods are rich in it?

Foods that are rich in cinnamon extract (bark) include:

1. Cinnamon powder
2. Cinnamon sticks
3. Cinnamon-flavored teas
4. Baked goods like cinnamon rolls and cookies
5. Spiced dishes and curries
6. Oatmeal and breakfast cereals
7. Smoothies and shakes
8. Chai lattes and other beverages
9. Yogurts and desserts
10. Trail mixes and granola bars

What are possible side effects?

Possible side effects of cinnamon extract (bark) include:

1. Allergic reactions (rare)
2. Mouth sores or irritation with high doses
3. Liver toxicity with prolonged use of high doses
4. Lowering of blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
5. Interaction with certain medications
6. Gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of cinnamon extract (bark) for adults is typically between 500 mg to 2000 mg, divided into two or three doses.

How many days does it take to work?

Cinnamon extract (bark) may start showing its effects within a few days to weeks of regular use, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

What time of day is best to take it?

Cinnamon extract (bark) can be taken at any time of the day, but it may be beneficial to take it with meals to aid in digestion and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

It is generally recommended to take cinnamon extract (bark) with food to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and enhance absorption.