Cinnamon treatment shows promise for glycemic control but may cause adverse effects in some people

Abstract

Cinnamon has a long history as a treatment for a range of health conditions, and recent studies have provided evidence for its beneficial effects, particularly for hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, cinnamon can contain high amounts of naturally occurring coumarin, a blood thinner. So, its use as a treatment needs to be balanced with its potential anticoagulant effects. We hypothesize that cinnamon treatment may pose a risk for some patients, depending on the dose and duration of treatment and individual characteristics, including age, sex, and use of other medications. In this short article, we provide an overview and discussion of the published literature, as well as our own experiences in the clinic, which raise potential concerns about the safety of cinnamon treatment. In particular, there are concerns about the dose, especially when used in the context of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies.