Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is the 'true' cinnamon variety studied for metabolic outcomes. Evidence remains limited compared with cassia.
Overview
What is Ceylon cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon ("true cinnamon") is a less common form of cinnamon derived from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. It contains active compounds including cinnamaldehyde, which help to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity.
Dosage
A typical dose is 0.5 to 3 grams per day.
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SupplementDEX Database
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Database Snapshot
Most ceylon cinnamon research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Diabetes accounts for 5 of 7 studies (71%).
- Obesity accounts for 2 of 7 studies (29%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Obesity.
Safety
Oral Ceylon cinnamon is likely safe at doses of up to 3 grams per day. Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible amounts of coumarin.
References
Sources7 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
5 references1.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Efficacy of Young Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume Bark on Hyperglycemia and PTPase Activity in Type 2 Diabetes2023
In 154 type 2 diabetes patients, 1.5 g/day Ceylon cinnamon for 120 days reduced fasting glucose by 35.5% versus a 5% rise with placebo and inhibited PTP1B expression in peripheral blood cells.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of Cinnamon Consumption on Glycemic Indicators, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Antioxidant Status in Type 2 Diabetic Patients2017
In 44 type 2 diabetes patients, 3 g/day cinnamon for 8 weeks did not significantly change fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, or inflammatory markers versus placebo.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus with herbal medicines: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety2016
In 105 type 2 diabetes patients, 1 g/day cinnamon for 90 days improved BMI versus placebo but did not differ from whortleberry on glucose, insulin sensitivity, or lipids between herb groups.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients2014
In 204 type 2 diabetes patients, 3 g/day cinnamon with black tea for 8 weeks improved cholesterol markers versus controls, but only within-group cinnamon intake significantly lowered fasting blood sugar.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Effects of cinnamon consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients2012
In 44 type 2 diabetes patients, 3 g/day cinnamon for 8 weeks improved fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, weight, BMI, and body fat within the treatment group, with no significant between-group differences at endpoint.
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
2 references6.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Evaluation of pharmacodynamic properties and safety of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) in healthy adults: a phase I clinical trial2017
A phase I trial in 30 healthy adults found escalating Ceylon cinnamon doses up to 500 mg/day for 3 months lowered total and LDL cholesterol and blood pressure without hepatotoxicity or serious adverse events.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Effect of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and ginger consumption on blood pressure and a marker of endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial2016
In 204 type 2 diabetes patients, 3 g/day cinnamon for 8 weeks did not differ from other herbal arms on blood pressure or endothelial markers, though ginger reduced systolic blood pressure within group.