# Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cassia
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Chinese cinnamon, Rou Gui, Chinese cassia, Cassia bark, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Bastard cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon, Canton cassia, Saigon cinnamon

## Overview

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb whose primary bioactive compound, cinnamaldehyde, modulates [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by enhancing insulin receptor signaling and inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. It also contains coumarin and procyanidins that contribute to its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), and circulatory-warming effects recognized in TCM.

## Health Benefits

• Traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive disorders, based on historical use [2][3]. • Possesses [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties as noted in preclinical studies [2][3]. • Exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects, particularly antifungal activity in vitro against Candida species [1]. • Used to warm the interior and tonify kidney yang in TCM practices [2][3]. • Promotes blood circulation according to traditional applications [2][3].

## Mechanism of Action

Cinnamaldehyde, the principal bioactive in Cassia bark, activates insulin receptor autophosphorylation and upregulates GLUT-4 translocation, improving cellular glucose uptake independent of insulin secretion. Procyanidins inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes in the small intestine, slowing post-meal glucose absorption. Coumarin and cinnamaldehyde also exhibit NF-κB pathway suppression, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression including TNF-α and IL-6.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (n=543) found Cassia supplementation reduced fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by approximately 24 mg/dL and HbA1c by 0.27% in type 2 diabetic patients, though effect sizes varied considerably across studies. A 2003 RCT by Khan et al. (n=60) showed 1–6 g/day of Cassia reduced fasting glucose by 18–29% over 40 days. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) evidence is largely in vitro, showing MIC values of 0.5–2 mg/mL against Candida albicans, with no large human trials confirming clinical antifungal efficacy. Overall evidence for glycemic benefits is moderate but limited by short trial durations, heterogeneous populations, and high coumarin content raising safety concerns in long-term use.

## Nutritional Profile

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is primarily used as a spice and medicinal herb rather than a macronutrient source. Per 100g of ground cassia bark: Calories ~247 kcal, Carbohydrates ~80.6g (of which dietary fiber ~53.1g, representing the dominant macronutrient fraction), Protein ~3.99g, Total Fat ~1.24g (including small amounts of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Moisture content is low (~10.6g) in dried form. Key Micronutrients per 100g: Calcium ~1228mg (notably high, though bioavailability is limited due to oxalate binding), Iron ~8.32mg, Manganese ~17.5mg (exceptionally high, exceeding daily reference intake), Magnesium ~60mg, Potassium ~431mg, Phosphorus ~64mg, Zinc ~1.83mg, Vitamin K ~31.2mcg, Vitamin A ~15mcg RAE, small amounts of B vitamins including niacin (~1.33mg) and riboflavin (~0.04mg). Bioactive Compounds: Cinnamaldehyde (primary volatile compound, comprising 75–90% of essential oil by mass) is the principal bioactive constituent responsible for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects; Coumarin is present at significantly higher concentrations in Cassia (~1–12mg/g dry weight) compared to Ceylon cinnamon (<0.017mg/g), raising hepatotoxicity concerns at high intake levels — the European Food Safety Authority has set a tolerable daily intake of 0.1mg/kg body weight. Other bioactives include cinnamyl acetate, eugenol (~trace to 5% of essential oil), trans-cinnamic acid, procyanidin polyphenols (particularly type-A and type-B oligomers), and cinnamic alcohol. Polyphenol content is estimated at ~8000mg per 100g, contributing to its high ORAC antioxidant value (~267,536 µmol TE/100g). Bioavailability notes: Cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract but undergoes first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to cinnamic acid; coumarin is well-absorbed orally and accumulates with repeated exposure; mineral bioavailability is reduced by the high fiber and oxalate content; polyphenols have variable absorption estimated at 5–20% depending on gut microbiota composition.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powder, or standardized forms are reported due to the absence of human trials. Standardized extracts often target cinnamaldehyde content (42-73%). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cassia contains high levels of coumarin (1–12 mg/g), which can cause hepatotoxicity with chronic daily intake exceeding the European Food Safety Authority's tolerable daily intake of 0.1 mg/kg body weight; Ceylon cinnamon (C. verum) contains far less coumarin and is safer for regular use. Cassia may potentiate hypoglycemic drugs including metformin and insulin, increasing risk of hypoglycemia. It may also interact with anticoagulants like warfarin due to coumarin content, potentially altering INR values. Cassia is traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy at medicinal doses due to uterotonic effects, and individuals with liver disease should avoid supplemental use.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Cinnamomum cassia are available. The current research is limited to in vitro studies and reviews noting traditional uses and preclinical bioactivities, with no PubMed PMIDs provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, C. cassia bark, known as Rou Gui, has been used for over 2,000 years. It is employed to treat respiratory and digestive disorders, warm the interior, tonify kidney yang, and promote blood circulation.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Turmeric, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Clove

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much cassia cinnamon should I take for blood sugar?

Clinical trials most commonly used doses of 1 to 6 grams of Cassia bark powder per day, with the 2003 Khan et al. RCT demonstrating significant fasting glucose reductions at all three dose levels tested. However, daily intake above approximately 1–2 g risks exceeding safe coumarin thresholds for a 70 kg adult based on EFSA guidelines of 0.1 mg/kg/day. Consulting a healthcare provider before using Cassia supplements alongside diabetes medications is strongly recommended.

### Is cassia cinnamon safe to take every day?

Daily use of Cassia cinnamon at culinary amounts (under 0.5 g) is generally considered safe for healthy adults, but supplemental doses exceeding 1–2 g/day raise hepatotoxicity concerns due to coumarin content ranging from 1 to 12 mg per gram of bark. Long-term high-dose use has been linked to elevated liver enzymes in case reports. Individuals with liver conditions, those on blood thinners, or pregnant women should avoid daily supplemental use.

### What is the difference between cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon?

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) originates from China and contains coumarin at concentrations of 1–12 mg/g, making high-dose supplementation a hepatotoxicity risk, while Ceylon cinnamon (C. verum) contains negligible coumarin (0.017 mg/g). Both species share cinnamaldehyde as the primary bioactive, but Cassia typically has a stronger, more pungent flavor and higher cinnamaldehyde concentrations. For long-term supplementation targeting blood sugar, Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered the safer alternative.

### Does cassia cinnamon interact with any medications?

Cassia cinnamon has documented interactions with antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, glipizide, and insulin, as additive hypoglycemic effects can cause blood glucose to drop dangerously low. Its coumarin content can potentiate anticoagulants like warfarin, potentially elevating INR and bleeding risk. Additionally, it may mildly affect CYP450 enzyme metabolism, though robust human pharmacokinetic data on this interaction remain limited.

### What does cassia cinnamon do in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, Cassia bark (Rou Gui) is classified as a warm, acrid herb that tonifies kidney yang, warms the spleen and stomach, and disperses cold to relieve pain. It is traditionally used for conditions associated with cold deficiency patterns including cold limbs, low back pain, impotence, and digestive weakness with diarrhea. It is often combined with herbs like prepared aconite (Fu Zi) in classical formulas such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan to tonify yang and improve circulation.

### Is cassia cinnamon safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cassia cinnamon is generally recognized as safe in culinary amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though high-dose supplements should be avoided due to limited safety data in these populations. The coumarin content in cassia cinnamon is higher than in Ceylon cinnamon, which may be a consideration for pregnant women taking therapeutic doses. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using cassia cinnamon supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

### What does scientific research show about cassia cinnamon's antifungal effectiveness?

In vitro studies demonstrate that cassia cinnamon exhibits notable antifungal activity against Candida species, though most evidence comes from laboratory rather than human clinical trials. While these preclinical findings are promising, the clinical relevance and bioavailability of active compounds in the human body require further research. Current evidence supports cassia as a traditional remedy with antimicrobial properties, but more rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish efficacy in treating fungal infections in humans.

### Can cassia cinnamon help with respiratory and digestive complaints?

Cassia cinnamon has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to address respiratory and digestive disorders based on centuries of use in Asian and global traditional practices. Its warming properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine are believed to support digestion and respiratory function by promoting circulation and tonifying the digestive system. While traditional use supports these applications, modern clinical research specifically validating cassia cinnamon for respiratory or digestive health remains limited and warrants further investigation.

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