"Cinnamon": Multipurpose medicine as well as Spice ingredient

   CINNAMON (DALCHINI): MULTIPURPOSE MEDICINE AND SPICE INGREDIENT

1. Introduction

A staple in every home's kitchen because of its unique flavor and scent is cinnamon. It has piqued the curiosity of numerous researchers since our ancestors first used it about 2800 BC for a variety of purposes, including anointing, embalming, and treating various illnesses. [1]

• Cinnamon comes from the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees.
• Ceylon cinnamon, or "true" cinnamon, is primarily grown in Sri Lanka.
• Cassia cinnamon, grown in southeastern Asia, is the most common type in North America.
• Cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cuisine.
• It was believed to help with inflammation, nerve pain, heart disease, cough, etc.
• Today, cinnamon is promoted as a dietary supplement for diabetes and weight loss.
• Ceylon cinnamon is used for allergic rhinitis.

2. Cinnamon Safety and Risks

• Cinnamon is safe when used as a spice or flavoring agent.
• Larger amounts or prolonged use can cause side effects like gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions.
• Avoid the "cinnamon challenge," as it can lead to serious harm.
• Different species and parts of cinnamon can affect product impact.
• Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can interact with the liver.
• Prolonged use of cassia cinnamon may be problematic for sensitive individuals.
• Ceylon cinnamon may contain trace amounts of coumarin. 

• Topical cinnamon powder or oil might irritate skin or lead to contact dermatitis.
• Studies point to possible interactions with nicotine or anticancer medications.
• Before using cinnamon or herbal products, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional.
• Research indicates that using Ceylon and cassia cinnamon during pregnancy is safe, but higher dosages are harmful.

• It's unclear if taking more during nursing is safe. [2]

Constituent of Cinnamon 

Table 1. Chemical constituents of different parts of cinnamon  (Vangalapati et al., 2012 [2])

Part of the plant	Compound
Leaves	Cinnamaldehyde: 1.00 to 5.00% Eugenol: 70.00 to 95.00%
Bark	Cinnamaldehyde: 65.00 to 80.00% Eugenol: 5.00 to 10.00%
Root bark	Camphor: 60.00%
Fruit	trans-Cinnamyl acetate: 42.00 to 54.00% Caryophyllene: 9.00 to 14.00%
C. zeylanicum buds	Terpene hydrocarbons: 78.00% alpha-Bergamotene: 27.38% alpha-Copaene: 23.05% Oxygenated terpenoids: 9.00%
C. zeylanicum flowers	(E)-Cinnamyl acetate: 41.98% trans-alpha-Bergamotene: 7.97% Caryophyllene oxide: 7.20%

3. Antioxidant Cinnamon 

Antioxidants are compounds that shield cells from harm brought on by unstable molecules known as free radicals. They are frequently present in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Oxidative stress and chronic diseases can result from free radicals, which can accumulate from normal metabolism and outside influences like pollution.

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are all found in cinnamon. Potassium regulates heart rate and helps offset the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Additionally, potassium plays a role in nerve function.

Together, calcium and magnesium support a healthy heartbeat. Osteoporosis, or bone weakening, is prevented in large part by these two minerals, which are vital for skeletal health. [4]

Antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, which are abundant in cinnamon, help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These substances possess antioxidant properties that can be enhanced even after digestion, particularly proanthocyanidins and cinnamic acid. Because of its anti-inflammatory and disease-preventive qualities, cinnamon may help minimize the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. One excellent source of polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant properties, is cinnamon bark. Research indicates that certain advantageous chemicals are retained during the digestive process, which enables the extract to sustain its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties at the cellular level. Additionally, cinnamon has the potential to be a natural food preserver by extending the shelf life of food and preventing oxidation.

4. Anti-inflammatory 

Cinnamon is a spice that not only adds flavor to foods but also has health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. According to the studies provided, cinnamon contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This means it might help with reducing swelling and pain.

How Cinnamon Works:

• Cinnamon has antioxidants that fight against damage in the body.
• It helps to lower inflammation by affecting certain pathways that cause swelling.

Ways to Use Cinnamon:

1. In Foods: You can sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, yogurt, or in smoothies.
2. As a supplement, cinnamon supplements are available, but it's important to follow the instructions on the package. [5]

Using cinnamon regularly might help support your body's natural defenses against inflammation. However, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications.

5. Diabetes

For people with type II diabetes, taking 1 g of cinnamon (Ròu Guì; Cinnamomum cassia) every day for 30 and 60 days has no effect on lowering blood glucose levels. Based on the conflicting data regarding cinnamon's ability to lower blood sugar, it may be concluded that factors such as race, lifestyle, body mass index, medication type, and cinnamon use length affect the management of diabetes. Numerous studies have been conducted, with varying findings, and it appears that the effects of cinnamon vary depending on the demographic. It is advised that other studies be conducted in the future using cinnamon at different dosages and treatment durations, as the results of this study demonstrated that its usage at the study dose and period was ineffective. [6]

6. Heart health 

Cinnamon is a spice with cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamate, and eugenol as its main components. It also contains amidone, mucilage, tannin, calcium oxalate, sugar, essential oil, and resin. Cinnamaldehyde has cardiovascular protective properties, while cinnamic acid, coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, and eugenol are used in flavoring and perfumes.[7]

A bioactive phytochemical found in the stem bark of cinnamon, cinnamonaldehyde (CA), has been proposed to have anti-CVD qualities. The protective mechanisms of CA include controlling cell proliferation and death, lipid and glucose metabolism, and inflammation. [8] 

7. Cinnamon Supplementation Effects on Cholesterol Levels

• Cinnamon supplementation did not significantly affect blood LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations.
• However, it significantly reduced blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations.
• HDL-C was significantly elevated after the omission of 1 study.
• A meta-regression analysis found no significant association between changes in lipid parameters and cinnamon dose.
• Changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides were significantly and positively associated with the duration of supplementation.
• No significant association was found between blood HDL-C changes and the duration of supplementation. [9]

References

1. Kawatra P, Rajagopalan R. Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient. Pharmacognosy Res. 2015 Jun;7(Suppl 1): S1-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.157990.

2. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon.

3. Vangalapati M, Sree Satya N, Surya Prakash D, Avanigadda S. A review on pharmacological activities and clinical effects of cinnamon species. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences. 2012;3(1):653–663. 

4. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon.

5. https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/cinnamon-anti-inflammatory-properties-usage. 

6. Hasanzade F, Toliat M, Emami SA, Emamimoghaadam Z. The Effect of Cinnamon on Glucose of Type II Diabetes Patients. J Tradit Complement Med. 2013 Jul;3(3):171-4.

7. Mohammadabadi T, Jain R. Cinnamon: a nutraceutical supplement for the cardiovascular system. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis. 2024 Mar 30;9:e72-e81. doi: 10.5114/amsad/184245.

8. Lu L, Xiong Y, Zhou J, Wang G, Mi B, Liu G. The Therapeutic Roles of Cinnamaldehyde against Cardiovascular Diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Oct 8;2022:9177108.

9. Maierean SM, Serban MC, Sahebkar A, Ursoniu S, Serban A, Penson P, Banach M; Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group. The effects of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Lipidol. 2017 Nov-Dec;11(6):1393-1406