Last verified: today
Cinnamon Extract
Also known as: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum cassia, Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde extract, water-soluble cinnamon extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Spice-derived extract with moderate evidence for lowering blood sugar, especially in type 2 diabetes.
-
What it does
Cinnamon extract is a concentrated form of the spice derived from the bark of Cinnamomum trees. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce fasting blood sugar levels, particularly in people...
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
500-1000 mg daily based on clinical trials
-
Found in
What the Science Says
Cinnamon extract is a concentrated form of the spice derived from the bark of Cinnamomum trees. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce fasting blood sugar levels, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes, with effects seen at doses of 500–1000 mg per day over 8–12 weeks. It has also been studied for cholesterol reduction, though the evidence for that benefit is less convincing.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't significantly lower LDL cholesterol — a well-designed RCT found no meaningful difference vs. placebo. Not a replacement for diabetes medication. No solid human evidence it fights cancer or allergies. Animal and lab studies on Alzheimer's and anti-tumor effects don't translate to proven human benefits yet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Lowers fasting blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes at 1000 mg/day over 12 weeks.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 1000 mg/day
Reduces blood sugar spikes after meals in people with type 2 diabetes.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Does not cause harmful changes to heart rhythm (ECG) in prediabetic adults.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
May reduce inflammatory signaling in lab models, potentially useful alongside standard anti-inflammatory therapies.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — the provided studies do not report pharmacokinetic data. Water-soluble extracts are used in several trials, suggesting formulation matters for absorption.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Cassia cinnamon (the most common type) contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage at high doses — look for Ceylon cinnamon or coumarin-free extracts
- Can interact with diabetes medications and potentially cause dangerously low blood sugar if combined
- Many products don't specify which cinnamon species is used — Ceylon and cassia have different safety profiles
- Lab and animal study results (cancer, Alzheimer's, allergy) are frequently overhyped in marketing without human clinical backing
Products Containing Cinnamon Extract
See how Cinnamon Extract is used in these analyzed products:
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