Last verified: 17 days ago
Ceylon Cinnamon
Also known as: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum verum, true cinnamon, Sri Lanka cinnamon, CZ extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Spice-derived extract. Clinical trials show it lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes with a good safety profile.
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What it does
Ceylon cinnamon is the 'true' cinnamon species (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), distinct from the more common cassia cinnamon. Clinical trials show it meaningfully reduces fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
250–1000 mg/day extract
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Found in
What the Science Says
Ceylon cinnamon is the 'true' cinnamon species (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), distinct from the more common cassia cinnamon. Clinical trials show it meaningfully reduces fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes, and may modestly lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. A single 1 g dose has also been shown to blunt the blood sugar spike after a starchy meal, likely by slowing carbohydrate digestion.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a replacement for diabetes medication — it's a potential add-on, not a cure. Won't reliably lower LDL cholesterol on its own; one well-designed trial found no significant LDL reduction. No proven cancer-fighting benefit in humans — cell-lab results don't translate to real-world treatment. Not shown to cause meaningful weight loss.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Lowers fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes over 3–4 months.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 250–500 mg/day extract
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces the blood sugar spike after a starchy meal when taken as a single 1 g dose.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 1000 mg single dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May lower total and LDL cholesterol in healthy adults and people with diabetes at higher doses.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 500 mg/day extract
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Modestly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 85–500 mg/day extract
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — active compounds (polyphenols, cinnamaldehyde) have limited water solubility; hydro-alcoholic extracts appear more bioavailable than plain water extracts based on preclinical data. Cyclodextrin formulations may improve absorption but lack human trial data.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Ceylon cinnamon is NOT the same as cassia cinnamon (the common grocery store type) — most older studies used cassia, so results may not fully apply
- Most clinical trials were conducted in Sri Lanka with specific standardized extracts; off-the-shelf supplements may not match study doses or quality
- People on diabetes medications should monitor blood sugar closely — combining with insulin or metformin could cause hypoglycemia
- Two participants in a safety trial dropped out due to digestive upset (dyspepsia), so GI sensitivity is a real concern
- Anti-cancer claims are based entirely on cell-culture lab studies — no human evidence exists
Products Containing Ceylon Cinnamon
See how Ceylon Cinnamon is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ceylon Cinnamon do?
Spice-derived extract. Clinical trials show it lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes with a good safety profile.
What is the effective dose of Ceylon Cinnamon?
250–1000 mg/day extract
Is Ceylon Cinnamon safe?
Ceylon cinnamon is NOT the same as cassia cinnamon (the common grocery store type) — most older studies used cassia, so results may not fully apply
What doesn't Ceylon Cinnamon do?
Not a replacement for diabetes medication — it's a potential add-on, not a cure.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25