Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum)
Metabolic Health · Spice / glycemic modifier
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum) as C+ (5.2/10) based on moderate evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.
Trials report a modest glycemic effect, smaller than effects reported in metformin treatment studies.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-6 g/day; Ceylon cinnamon contains substantially less coumarin than cassia; chronic cassia exposure… — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Trials report a modest glycemic effect, smaller than effects reported in metformin treatment studies. Cassia and Ceylon differ materially in coumarin exposure; supermarket cinnamon is commonly cassia, and high-dose cassia supplement exposure has been associated with liver-enzyme elevations.
Mechanism
Cinnamaldehyde and methylhydroxychalcone polymer; activates insulin receptor autophosphorylation, inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase, slows gastric emptying
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
1-6 g/day; Ceylon cinnamon contains substantially less coumarin than cassia; chronic cassia exposure rises with dose and about 1 tsp/day is a commonly cited upper-use context
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.2/10). Trials report a modest glycemic effect, smaller than effects reported in metformin treatment studies.
- What safety findings are reported for Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum)?
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum) has a med risk profile in the database. Med (Cassia variety contains coumarin — chronic high-dose intake is hepatotoxic; EFSA TDI 0.1 mg/kg/day; Ceylon or verum contains substantially less coumarin than cassia) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum)?
- 1-6 g/day; Ceylon cinnamon contains substantially less coumarin than cassia; chronic cassia exposure rises with dose and about 1 tsp/day is a commonly cited upper-use context This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia / verum) work?
- Cinnamaldehyde and methylhydroxychalcone polymer; activates insulin receptor autophosphorylation, inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase, slows gastric emptying
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.