📝 Common Names (6 Languages)
✅ Evidence-Based Benefits
Evidence-based glycemic control agent. Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs shows cinnamon reduces fasting blood glucose by 24.59mg/dL and HbA1c by 0.36% in type 2 diabetes (PMID: 22241090). Systematic review demonstrates improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles (PMID: 23867208). May reduce postprandial glucose spikes. Antioxidant capacity 20x greater than other spices. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
📚 Want the Complete Guide?
Get our comprehensive Medicinal Herb Profiles PDF Book featuring all 50 herbs with detailed information, clinical trials, safety data, and multilingual names.
- ✅ 50 Complete Herb Profiles
- ✅ 700+ Research Citations
- ✅ Evidence-Based Information
- ✅ Instant Digital Download
Perfect for healthcare professionals, students & herbal medicine enthusiasts
🔬 Clinical Trials & Evidence
⚕️ Evidence-Based Research: Clinical trials provide the highest level of evidence for herbal efficacy and safety. The trials listed below represent peer-reviewed research registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each trial includes detailed protocols, patient populations, interventions tested, and measurable outcomes. Click links to access full trial details and published results.
Meta-analysis: 10 RCTs, significant glucose and HbA1c reduction
Review: Improved insulin sensitivity validated
🔍 Find More Clinical Trials
Search for additional ongoing and completed trials investigating this herb's therapeutic effects:
💡 Research Tip: Use both common name and scientific name when searching for comprehensive results. Filter by "Completed" trials to find published outcomes.
💊 Drug Interactions
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Herb-drug interactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbs, supplements, and medications you are taking. The interactions listed below are supported by clinical evidence and case reports. Citations link to peer-reviewed research on PubMed.
📚 Evidence-Based Interactions: Each interaction below includes research citations (PMID links) documenting the mechanism, clinical significance, and management recommendations. Click citations to access full studies.
⚠️ Antidiabetic Medications (Metformin, Insulin, Sulfonylureas)
Risk: Hypoglycemia - dangerously low blood sugar
Mechanism: Additive glucose-lowering effects
Action: Monitor blood glucose closely. May require medication dose reduction
Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
Effect: Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin - may increase bleeding
Action: Use Ceylon cinnamon only. Monitor INR if using Cassia
Hepatotoxic Medications
Effect: Cassia cinnamon high in coumarin (liver toxic)
Action: AVOID Cassia cinnamon. Use Ceylon variety only
CYP450 Substrates
Effect: May inhibit drug metabolism
Action: Monitor drug levels at high doses
📖 Key Interaction Databases & Resources
- Natural Medicines Database: Professional herb-drug interaction checker
- PubMed: Search for latest interaction research
- Drugs.com: Drug interaction checker
- Micromedex: Hospital-grade interaction database (subscription required)
💡 Clinical Tip: Show your healthcare provider this page and the linked research citations when discussing potential interactions.
⚠️ Safety Information
Adverse Events
Generally safe at culinary doses. High doses (>6g/day) may cause mouth irritation, allergic reactions, liver toxicity (coumarin in Cassia cinnamon). Ceylon cinnamon preferred - lower coumarin content. Rare hypersensitivity reactions. May cause hypoglycemia if combined with diabetes medications. No serious adverse events at recommended doses.
⛔ Contraindications
Caution with antidiabetic medications (may cause hypoglycemia). Avoid high doses in liver disease (coumarin toxicity). May interact with anticoagulants. Pregnancy - safe at culinary doses, avoid therapeutic doses. ALWAYS use Ceylon cinnamon for supplements - Cassia contains hepatotoxic coumarin.
🧬 Mechanism of Action
Cinnamaldehyde and procyanidins provide glycemic effects via: (1) Insulin receptor activation and glucose transporter (GLUT4) upregulation, (2) Inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase (slows carbohydrate digestion), (3) Enhanced insulin signaling pathways, (4) Antioxidant via polyphenols, (5) Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB inhibition.
💊 Dosage & Administration
1-6g daily (approximately 0.5-2 teaspoons) divided into 2-3 doses with meals. For diabetes: 1-3g standardized extract daily. IMPORTANT: Use Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) NOT Cassia cinnamon - Ceylon has 250x less coumarin (hepatotoxin). Capsules: 500mg twice daily. Effects on blood sugar after 40-60 days. Take with food.
⚕️ Note: Consult healthcare provider for appropriate dosing, especially if taking medications.
📖 Additional Resources
🌐 WHO Monograph
Available in WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
🔬 PubMed Search
🧪 ClinicalTrials.gov
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support our educational content.
Data Retrieval Date: November 29, 2025
Compiled by: Sheraz Ahmed
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Citation: Ahmed, S. (2025). Medicinal Herbs Database. Clinical Corner. https://welovelmc.com/medical-tools.htm