# Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cinnamon
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Cinnamomum verum, Ceylon cinnamon, True cinnamon, Canela, Dalchini, Twak, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Sweet cinnamon

## Overview

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and proanthocyanidins as primary bioactive compounds. These components demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity and may influence [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through insulin signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity demonstrated in vitro against bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (preliminary evidence only)
• Potential antidiabetic properties mentioned in reviews (no human clinical trials provided)
• Possible anti-anxiety effects referenced in pharmacological reviews (no human data available)
• Anti-HIV activity noted in reviews (no clinical trial evidence)
• Potential anti-Parkinson's properties mentioned (no human studies detailed)

## Mechanism of Action

Cinnamaldehyde disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria. Proanthocyanidins may enhance [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by activating AMPK pathways and glucose transporter proteins. The compounds also modulate [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses through NF-κB pathway inhibition.

## Clinical Summary

In vitro studies demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, though human trials are lacking. Review articles suggest potential antidiabetic properties, but controlled clinical trials with adequate sample sizes have not been conducted. Pharmacological studies reference possible anti-anxiety effects, but clinical evidence remains preliminary. Most current evidence is limited to laboratory and animal studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of ground cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum): Energy ~247 kcal; Carbohydrates ~80.6 g (dietary fiber ~53.1 g, sugars ~2.2 g); Protein ~3.9 g; Fat ~1.2 g. Key minerals: Calcium ~1002 mg, Iron ~8.3 mg, Magnesium ~60 mg, Phosphorus ~64 mg, Potassium ~431 mg, Zinc ~1.8 mg, Manganese ~17.5 mg (exceptionally high, ~875% DV per 100 g; even a 1 tsp/2.6 g serving provides ~0.46 mg or ~20% DV). Vitamins: Vitamin A ~15 µg RAE, Vitamin K ~31.2 µg, small amounts of B-vitamins (B1 ~0.02 mg, B2 ~0.04 mg, Niacin ~1.3 mg, B6 ~0.16 mg), Vitamin C ~3.8 mg. Primary bioactive compound: trans-Cinnamaldehyde (~45–65% of essential oil; essential oil content ~0.5–2.5% of dry bark weight in C. verum), responsible for much of the [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and metabolic activity. Eugenol (~5–18% of essential oil in C. verum, notably higher than in C. cassia). Cinnamate esters and cinnamic acid present in smaller quantities. Proanthocyanidins (type-A procyanidins): ~8,100–9,000 mg/100 g total polyphenols (ORAC value among highest of all spices, ~131,420 µmol TE/100 g). Coumarin content in C. verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is notably low (~0.004% or ~0.04 mg/g), in contrast to C. cassia (~0.3–0.5%), making C. verum significantly safer for regular consumption with respect to hepatotoxicity risk from coumarin. Other minor compounds: Linalool, β-caryophyllene, camphor (trace). Bioavailability notes: Cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to cinnamic acid and hippuric acid; oral bioavailability is moderate but highly dose-dependent. Polyphenols have limited systemic bioavailability due to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), though gut-level effects ([microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) modulation) may be relevant. Manganese from cinnamon appears reasonably bioavailable. Typical culinary serving size is 1–6 g/day, so actual nutrient contributions are modest except for manganese and polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) intake. Fiber content per typical serving is negligible despite the high percentage in bulk powder.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Cinnamomum verum in any form (extracts, powder, or standardized preparations). Essential oil compositions show 71.5% (E)-cinnamaldehyde in bark oil, but human dosing information is absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ceylon cinnamon is generally well-tolerated in culinary amounts, but high doses may cause mouth irritation or allergic reactions. Coumarin content is significantly lower than cassia cinnamon, reducing liver toxicity risk. May enhance hypoglycemic effects of diabetes medications, requiring blood sugar monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to food amounts due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a significant gap in human clinical evidence for Cinnamomum verum, with no PubMed PMIDs for randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses provided. While reviews mention various pharmacological effects, these lack specific trial designs, sample sizes, or clinical outcomes, limiting evidence to in vitro studies only.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cinnamomum verum has been documented in English since 1000 AD for aromatic and herbal uses, with extensive application across global traditional medicine systems. The herb features in pharmaceutical preparations, candies, gums, mouthwash, and toothpaste, valued for its volatile oils.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Clove, Cardamom

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) contains significantly lower coumarin levels (0.004%) compared to cassia cinnamon (up to 1%). This makes Ceylon cinnamon safer for regular consumption and reduces liver toxicity risk.

### How much cinnamon should I take daily?

Clinical studies typically use 1-3 grams of cinnamon powder daily, though optimal dosing remains undefined. Start with 0.5 grams daily to assess tolerance before increasing dosage.

### Can cinnamon lower blood sugar levels?

Laboratory studies suggest cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity through AMPK pathway activation. However, large-scale human clinical trials demonstrating significant blood sugar reduction are currently lacking.

### Does cinnamon interact with medications?

Cinnamon may potentiate the effects of diabetes medications like metformin or insulin, potentially causing hypoglycemia. It may also interact with blood thinners due to coumarin content, though this is less concerning with Ceylon varieties.

### What are cinnamon's proven antimicrobial effects?

In vitro studies show cinnamaldehyde effectively inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. However, these effects have not been confirmed in human infection studies.

### Is cinnamon safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cinnamon is generally recognized as safe in culinary amounts during pregnancy, but high-dose supplementation should be avoided due to limited safety data and potential uterotonic effects. Cassia cinnamon is of particular concern during pregnancy due to its higher coumarin content, which may pose risks to the fetus. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before taking cinnamon supplements beyond normal dietary intake.

### What does the clinical research actually show about cinnamon's health benefits?

Most cinnamon benefits are supported primarily by in vitro studies and animal research rather than rigorous human clinical trials. While some small human studies suggest modest effects on blood glucose and lipid profiles, the evidence quality is generally low to moderate and results are often inconsistent. Claims about anti-anxiety, anti-HIV, and antimicrobial effects remain largely theoretical and lack adequate human clinical trial evidence to support therapeutic use.

### Which form of cinnamon supplement has better absorption: powder, extract, or whole stick?

Standardized cinnamon extracts may offer more consistent dosing of active compounds like cinnamaldehyde compared to whole powder, but human bioavailability studies are limited. Cinnamon powder mixed with fat or taken with meals may improve absorption of fat-soluble components, while water-soluble extracts may have different absorption kinetics. The optimal form for therapeutic benefit remains unclear due to insufficient comparative bioavailability research in humans.

## Hermetica Products Containing Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

- **[Cozy](https://hermeticasuperfoods.com/products/cozy)** — Warming adaptogenic blend for comfort and calm.

> [hermeticasuperfoods.com](https://hermeticasuperfoods.com)

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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