C. zeylanicum is particularly effective in lowering FBS among individuals with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating that its impact is closely linked to an individual’s glycaemic status, said researchers in Sri Lanka.
“A notable finding from our study is the significant interaction between the supplement (C. zeylanicum vs Placebo) and participant’s glycaemic status on FBS level,” wrote researchers in PLOS One.
“Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes experienced the greatest decrease in FBS when given C. zeylanicum extract. Thus, the effect of the supplement on the fasting blood sugar value depends on the glycaemic status of the participant,” researchers added.
Managing diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Cinnamon has been studied as a possible way to control blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. However, there are no well-conducted randomized controlled trials that can accurately measure the lipid and glucose-lowering effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) extract.
Researchers are studying C. zeylanicum because it has been traditionally used for various health conditions and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Unlike Cinnamomum cassia, which has high coumarin content linked to liver toxicity, C. zeylanicum has lower coumarin levels, making it potentially safer.
The study therefore focuses on its effects on glycaemic control and lipid profiles, particularly in South Asians who have a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risks, including dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes, which are major contributors to cardiovascular disease.
Effects of cinnamon on lipids and fasting blood sugar
Researchers recruited 150 participants for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
They were patients with an LDL-C level between 100–190 mg/dL and were aged 18 to 70 years.
Participants were equally randomised to either the C. zeylanicum extract or placebo group. Those in the C. zeylanicum group were told to take two capsules per day for 12 weeks. This is equivalent to 1000 mg C. zeylanicum extract a day – a dose based on prior clinical studies suggesting potential efficacy and safety.
The Ceylon cinnamon extract tested in this study was manufactured by SDS Spices, which funded this study.
The placebo capsule was composed of pharmaceutical grade wheat flour. It was identical in shape, size, weight and texture to the C. zeylanicum capsule. To mask the distinctive aroma of cinnamon, cinnamon quills were placed in the packets containing both the placebo and the cinnamon capsules.
At the end of the study, 127 participants completed the intervention.
Results
After 12 weeks, those who took C. zeylanicum extract showed a slight decrease in LDL-C compared to the placebo group, but the difference of 6.05 mg/dL was not statistically significant.
However, participants in this group had a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, with an adjusted mean difference of 8.59 mg/dL.
The most significant effect was seen in participants with type 2 diabetes, who experienced a marked drop in FBS levels.
Notably, the study revealed a significant interaction between C. zeylanicum supplementation and participants’ glycaemic status in influencing fasting blood sugar levels.
The effect of the supplement varied across different glycaemic groups – normoglycemic, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetes.
Among normoglycemic individuals – those with normal blood glucose levels – fasting blood glucose levels remained relatively stable with minimal change for both the placebo and C. zeylanicum groups, staying close to 0 mg/dL.
In the prediabetic group, those taking C. zeylanicum experienced a modest decrease of approximately -5 mg/dL in FBS, compared to little to no change in the placebo group.
The most significant impact was observed in participants with type 2 diabetes. Those receiving C. zeylanicum experienced a substantial reduction of about -80 mg/dL in FBS, while the placebo group showed a much smaller decrease of roughly -20 mg/dL.
This indicates that C. zeylanicum is particularly effective in lowering FBS among individuals with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating that its impact is closely linked to an individual’s glycaemic status.
“In conclusion, this trial did not find C. zeylanicum supplementation to have any significant effect on LDL-C. But it significantly reduced FBS levels. Our results did not identify any significant adverse effects or toxicity of C. zeylanicum extract. Further studies with larger samples and longer durations are likely to provide more definitive evidence on the effects of C. zeylanicum,” said researchers.
Source: PLOS One
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317904
“Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) extract on lipid profile, glucose levels and its safety in adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial”
Authors: Dimuthu Muthukuda,Chamini Kanatiwela de Silva et al.
