Cinnamon is lovely sprinkled on a latte, baked into banana bread, or used in a tea bag. Because of the spice's active compound, cinnamaldehyde, it's often touted for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, leading many people to take cinnamon supplements. However, a new study found that these supplements can cause serious interactions with four common medications.
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Researchers found that cinnamon interacts with prescription medications.
The new study, published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, looked at how cinnamaldehyde interacts with certain medications via cellular models.
Researchers from the University of Mississippi's National Center for Natural Products Research found that cinnamaldehyde "activates receptors that control the metabolic clearance of medication from the body, meaning consuming large amounts of cinnamon could reduce the effects of drugs," states a press release.
According to Study Finds, the affected medications are:
- Blood thinners
- NSAIDs
- Antidepressants
- Diabetes medications
"Health concerns could arise if excessive amounts of supplements are consumed without the knowledge of health care provider or prescriber of the medications," said study author Shabana Khan, a principal scientist in the natural products center. "Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective."
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How much cinnamon is too much?
The good news is that standard amounts of dietary cinnamon are unlikely to interact with medications. However, the highly concentrated amounts of cinnamon found in supplements might.
More importantly, the researchers found that the type of cinnamon you consume could make all the difference.
Cinnamon oil "presents almost no risk of herb-drug interactions," according to the press release. You'll typically find this in topical antifungal or antibacterial creams, as a flavoring agent in food and drinks such as gum, candy, and baked goods, or in room sprays and candles.
Cinnamon bark, specifically Cassia cinnamon, "a cheaper variety of cinnamon that originates in southern China," could be harmful because of its high levels of coumarin, which is considered a blood thinner. Ground Cassia cinnamon bark is what's used in most cinnamon that you find in grocery stores.
"Coumarin's anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners," cautioned study author Amar Chittiboyina, the natural products center's associate director.
To avoid Cassia cinnamon bark, look for Ceylon cinnamon that comes from Sri Lanka. "True cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content," Chittiboyina explained.
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More research is needed to fully understand the risks of cinnamon.
The researchers say that a clinical trial is needed to fully understand how cinnamaldehyde activates receptors that can cause drug interactions. In the meantime, they advise anyone considering taking cinnamon supplements to speak with their healthcare provider.
"People who suffer from chronic diseases—like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS, or depression—should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements," Khan said. "Our best advice is to talk to a health care provider before using any supplements along with the prescription medicine."
