Effects of cinnamon supplementation on body weight and composition in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials

The role of tele-herbal consultations in workplace wellness

BACKGROUND

 Musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among sedentary office workers, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. There is increasing interest in incorporating herbal interventions as part of a holistic approach to address these challenges, blending traditional and culturally relevant treatments with modern techniques to enhance overall health and wellness.

OBJECTIVE

 This commentary aims to highlight the role of utilizing electronic platforms to provide consultations regarding herbal medicine (or tele-herbal consultations) in managing musculoskeletal disorders and impacting pain relief, changes in psychological well-being, and improvements in workplace productivity among sedentary office workers.

METHODS

 This study discusses the influence of herbal treatments on both physical and psychological dimensions of musculoskeletal disorders, offering insights into holistic healing approaches, based on previously published papers. It also highlights the feasibility and acceptance of tele-herbal consultations.

RESULTS

 The data gathered from previous studies shows that herbal interventions can enhance both subjective physical performance and psychological well-being in office workers. Tele-herbal consultation may be a culturally sensitive solution to provide pain relief and improvements in workplace productivity.

CONCLUSION

 Although the findings of previous studies are encouraging, further research is needed to establish standardized tele-herbal protocols that can effectively relieve pain, boost well-being, and promote a more active, health-conscious lifestyle for office workers. Ultimately, these interventions could lead to improvements in workplace productivity.

Cinnamon for Metabolic Diseases and Their Cardiovascular and Hepatic Complications: A Mechanistic Review

Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest and most popular spices, and is derived from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. During the last two decades, cinnamon has demonstrated beneficial metabolic effects not only in animal experiments but also in clinical trials. Even recent meta-analyses have shown the protective effects of cinnamon on different components of metabolic syndrome and their complications. In the last 5 years, several experimental studies have unraveled the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, lipid-lowering, weight-lowering, and cardioprotective properties of cinnamon. This review paper will discuss how cinnamon and its active components, particularly cinnamaldehyde, suppress inflammation and oxidative stress, modulate mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulate glucose uptake, insulin resistance, lipogenesis, beta-oxidation, Ca2+ signaling, and other cellar events at the molecular level. Specifically, we will delve into the molecular mechanisms involved in the metabolic effects of cinnamon to provide a deeper insight into how cinnamon can bring such beneficial effects. This review hopes to encourage the use of cinnamon in clinical settings, guide the combination of cinnamon with other drugs used to treat different components of metabolic syndrome based on their mechanism of action, and support the concept of complementary medicine for metabolic diseases.

Effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers in adults: An umbrella review of the meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

Cinnamon has positive effects on markers of cardiometabolic health, including blood pressure (BP), oxidative stress, and inflammation. Despite the evidence accumulated from meta-analysis studies on the effects of cinnamon on these markers, the reported findings are still controversial. This umbrella review was conducted to evaluate the evidence and provide a definitive clarification.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We conducted a systematic search in four scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases, up to March 2024 to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials investigating the impact of cinnamon on blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The findings revealed that cinnamon might exert favorable effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (ES = -2.36 mmHg; 95% CI: 3.86, -1.40), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (ES = -1.65 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.41, -0.90), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.64), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD = -1.48; 95% CI: 2.96, -0.01). However, the results did not show any significant effect of cinnamon on malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD = -0.47; 95% CI: 0.99, 0.05), C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = -1.33; 95% CI: 2.66, 0.00), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (WMD= 1.53, 95% CI: 12.03, 15.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the studies included in this umbrella review support the usefulness of cinnamon consumption in modulating BP as well as improving TAC and IL-6 in metabolic disorders. Due to the limited number of studies, clinical diversity, and other limitations, more high-quality studies must be conducted to provide more precise and comprehensive recommendations.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO, CRD42023487350.

Suppression of the postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes by a raw medicinal herb powder is weakened when consumed in ordinary hard gelatin capsules: A randomized crossover clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Contradictory claims about the efficacy of several medicinal plants to promote glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been explained by divergences in the administration form and by extrapolation of data obtained from healthy individuals. It is not known whether the antidiabetic effects of traditional herbal medicines are influenced by gelatin capsules. This randomized crossover trial aimed to evaluate the acute effect of a single dose of raw cinnamon consumed orally either dissolved in water as a beverage or as ordinary hard gelatin capsules on postprandial hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL; >7.8 mmol/L) in T2DM patients elicited by a nutritionally-balanced meal providing 50 g of complex carbohydrates.

METHODS

Fasting T2DM patients (n = 19) randomly ingested a standardized meal in five experimental sessions, one alone (Control) and the other after prior intake of 3 or 6 g of crude cinnamon in the form of hard gelatin capsules or powder dissolved in water. Blood glucose was measured at fasting and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 hours postprandially. After each breakfast, its palatability scores for visual appeal, smell and pleasantness of taste were assessed, as well as the taste intensity sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness and creaminess.

RESULTS

The intake of raw cinnamon dissolved in water, independently of the dose, decreased the meal-induced large glucose spike (peak-rise of +87 mg/dL and Δ1-hour glycemia of +79 mg/dL) and the hyperglycemic blood glucose peak. When cinnamon was taken as capsules, these anti-hyperglycemic effects were lost or significantly diminished. Raw cinnamon intake did not change time-to-peak or the 2-h post-meal glycaemia, but flattened the glycemic curve (lower iAUC) without changing the shape that is typical of T2DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This cinnamon's antihyperglycemic action confirms its acarbose-like property to inhibit the activities of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylases/α-glucosidases, which is in accordance with its exceptionally high content of raw insoluble fiber. The efficacy of using raw cinnamon as a diabetes treatment strategy seems to require its intake at a specific time before/concomitantly the main hyperglycemic daily meals. Trial registration: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), number RBR-98tx28b.

Cinnamon: a nutraceutical supplement for the cardiovascular system

Common therapies for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are associated with wide side effects. Thus, herbal medicines have been regarded due to fewer side effects, availability, cultural beliefs, and being cheap. For thousand years, herbal medicine has been used for bacterial infections, colds, coughs, and CVDs. Cinnamon bark contains phenolic compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid with protective properties which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cardiac ischemia and hypertrophy, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits beneficial effects on the complications of diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension which cause CVDs. Although the protective effects of cinnamon on the heart have been reported in many studies, it needs more clinical studies to prove the pharmaceutical and therapeutic efficacy of cinnamon on risk factors of CVDs.

Development of a Functional Acceptable Diabetic and Plant-Based Snack Bar Using Mushroom (Coprinus comatus) Powder

Consumers' growing concern about health and well-being has led to increased interest in functional foods. This research aims to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of a functional plant-based (PB) snack bar enriched with Coprinus comatus powder. The snack bar formulations exhibited a wide range of flavor and textural characteristics. Two PB snack bars and four commercial bars were evaluated by a consumer panel of healthy volunteers (n = 20). The PB snack bar scored 'like extremely' on the 9-point hedonic scale. External preference mapping determined that sweetness, flavors, cohesiveness, gumminess, and adhesion had the greatest influence on consumer acceptability. Water content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, resistant starch, and dietary fiber were measured. Nutritional content was enhanced (omega 3, fiber and protein), and samples were shelf life stable (aw < 0.29; moisture content < 10%). In addition, the PB snack bar underwent simulated digestion according to the INFOGEST protocol, and from the comparative evaluation, the PB snack can be seen to control the post-prandial glycemic responses, as observed by the different degree of reducing sugars released via the matrix. The PB snack bar can be further functionally enhanced by the addition of their unique ingredients such as Coprinus comatus. Coprinus comatus powder is claimed to benefit glycemic control in diabetes and has attracted growing interest in terms of its potential use in natural products with possible health benefits.

Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease

Cinnamon, a member of the Lauraceae family, has been widely used as a spice and traditional herbal medicine for centuries and has shown beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. However, its effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention for chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unproven. The bioactive compounds within cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate, can mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperglycemia, gut dysbiosis, and dyslipidemia, which are common complications in patients with CKD. In this narrative review, we assess the mechanisms by which cinnamon may alleviate complications observed in CKD and the possible role of this spice as an additional nutritional strategy for this patient group.

A comparison of the effects of cinnamon, ginger, and metformin consumption on metabolic health, anthropometric indices, and sexual hormone levels in women with poly cystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women that can alter blood glucose, lipid profile and sexual hormonal level. Therefore, the evaluation of potential therapeutic agents in this population is important. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of cinnamon, ginger, and metformin intake on improvement of sex hormones level, metabolic health (lipid profiles, insulin level and fasting blood glucose) and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index (BMI), etc.) in women with PCOS.

METHODS

A total of 100 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: cinnamon (500 mg of cinnamon, 3 × day), ginger (500 mg of ginger, 3 × day), metformin (500 mg of metformin 3 × day) or placebo. However, 17 participants were excluded for various reasons and consequently, 83 participants were considered for analysis. Sexual hormones, anthropometrics, glycemic and lipid markers were evaluated before and after the 8-week intervention.

RESULTS

Weight and BMI decreased significantly in all intervention groups. The consumption of metformin and cinnamon significantly decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in comparison to the placebo and ginger groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease in FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) levels were observed in the ginger compared to the placebo group. While metformin and cinnamon significantly lowered testosterone levels (P < 0.05), none of the groups experienced a significant change in DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that in women with PCOS, cinnamon supplementation causes similar reductions in insulin resistance and testosterone level to that of metformin. Ginger supplementation decreased FSH and LH, hormonal effects not seen following metformin consumption. Overall, cinnamon and ginger supplementations may potentially be used as alternative treatment in women with PCOS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

[https://www.irct.ir/trial/28548], identifier [IRCT20171227038105N1].

Cinnamon, an effective anti-obesity agent: Evidence from an umbrella meta-analysis

The evidence provided by meta-analyses on the beneficial impacts of cinnamon supplementation on anthropometric indices are still conflicting. Present study's aim was to evaluate the effects of cinnamon on obesity indices by an umbrella meta-analysis. The electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus were systematically searched up to March 2021. Data for the effects of cinnamon on anthropometric indices were collected from the meta-analyses. An umbrella meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The pooled effects of 7 meta-analyses showed that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced body weight (ES: -0.67 kg; 95% CI: -0.99, -0.35, p ˂ .001), body mass index (ES: -0.45 kg/m² ; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.33, p ˂ .001) in comparison to control group. However, the effects of cinnamon on waist circumference (ES: -1.05 cm; 95% CI: -2.26, 0.15, p = .087) were not considerable. According to results, cinnamon could be suggested as a complementary weight loss agent. Favorable results were obtained at a dose of ≥3 g/day. In this study, a comprehensive study was performed on meta-analyses performed on the effect of cinnamon on anthropometric indices. This study could be considered as a final conclusion about the effect of cinnamon on anthropometric indices. The results of this study showed that supplementation with cinnamon significantly reduces BMI and body weight. The impacts were greater in doses of ≥3 g/day and in PCOS patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, a comprehensive study was performed on meta-analyses performed on the effect of cinnamon on anthropometric indices. This study could be considered as a final conclusion about the effect of cinnamon on anthropometric indices. The results of this study showed that supplementation with cinnamon significantly reduces BMI and body weight. The impacts were greater in doses of ≥3 g/day and in PCOS patients.

Effect of cinnamon on blood sugar and anthropometric measurement in type two diabetes patients

There is some emerging evidence that suggests certain supplements help lower blood sugar levels. One of these is cinnamon, which exhibits characteristics that mimic insulin, such as the activity of biologically active substances to activate insulin receptor kinase, increasing glucose uptake, autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor, and glycogen synthase activity. To assess the effect of the cinnamon substance on lowering fasting blood sugar, modifying body weight, body mass index (B.M.I.), and waist circumference in type two diabetics. A randomized controlled intervention clinical trial. The study was conducted on 60 patients with type II diabetes mellitus; the study followed both gender patients for four weeks. The contributors were allocated randomly into a group that receives 2 g/d cinnamon substance (intervention group), and a group without cinnamon substance is given (control group). Fasting plasma glucose (F.P.G.) and anthropometrics measurement at the beginning (beforehand cinnamon supplementation and 4week at the end of the study duration). After 4 weeks of cinnamon taken, serum F.P.G. levels significantly improved (P≤0.0001). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, B.M.I.) were reduced significantly (change mean ≤ P=0.001) for all. The Present study disclosed that supplementation of 2 gm cinnamon improves F.P.G. and has a good role in anthropometric indices (weight, waist circumference, B.M.I.).

The effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases: a review of human clinical trials

Herbs and spices are recommended to increase flavor and displace salt in the diet. Accumulating evidence suggests herbs and spices may improve risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. In this narrative review, an overview of evidence from human clinical trials examining the effect of herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases is provided. Human clinical trials examining supplemental doses of individual spices and herbs, or the active compounds, have yielded some evidence showing improvements to lipid and lipoprotein levels, glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, cautious interpretation is warranted because of methodological limitations and substantial between-trial heterogeneity in the findings. Evidence from acute studies suggests intake of mixed herbs and spices as part of a high-saturated fat, high-carbohydrate meal reduces postprandial metabolic impairments, including lipemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Limited studies have examined the postprandial metabolic effects of incorporating mixed herbs and spices into healthy meals, and, to our knowledge, no trials have assessed the effect of longer-term intake of mixed herbs and spices on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. To inform evidence-based guidelines for intake of herbs and spices for general health and cardiometabolic disease risk reduction, rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials are needed, particularly trials examining herb and spice doses that can be incorporated into healthy dietary patterns.

The beneficial effects of cinnamon among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize and conclude the clinical evidence regarding the use of cinnamon among patients with metabolic diseases. A comprehensive literature search without any limitation on language was conducted using the following bibliographical databases: ISI Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Search was conducted up to 23 January 2020. A total of 35 clinical trials were included for final analysis. Pooling of results showed a significant reducing effect of cinnamon on total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -11.67 mg/dL; P = 0.010), triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -16.27 mg/dL; P < 0.001), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -6.36 mg/dL; P < 0.001), serum glucose (WMD = -11.39 mg/dL; P < 0.001), serum insulin (WMD = -1.27 μIU/mL; P = 0.028), and waist circumstance (WC) (WMD = -1.68 cm; P = 0.016). These lowering effects on TG, TC, LDL-C, and serum glucose levels were robust in studies that used cinnamon supplementation dose ≤1.5 g. Also, our findings of the present meta-analysis showed that cinnamon supplementation could have favorable effects on high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C, WMD = 1.35; P = 0.038) as well as systolic (WMD = -3.95 mmHg; P = 0.018) and diastolic (WMD = -3.36; P = 0.001) blood pressure among patients with metabolic diseases. The present meta-analysis suggests that cinnamon might exert beneficial effects on various cardiometabolic risk factors among patients with metabolic diseases.

The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to November 2020. We used a random effects model to estimate pooled effect size of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs (9 treatment arms) fulfilled the eligibility criteria of the present meta-analysis. Overall, meta-analysis could not show any beneficial effect of cinnamon supplementation on AST, ALT, and ALP. Subgroup analyses showed that the effect of cinnamon supplementation on ALT was significant at the dosages of <1500 mg/day (Hedges's: -0.61; 95 % CI: -1.11, -0.10; P = 0.002), in trials lasting>12 weeks (Hedges's: -0.83; 95 % CI: -1.36, -0.30; P = 0.01), and in trials conducted of both gender (Hedges's: -0.72; 95 % CI: -1.45, -0.01; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In summary, cinnamon supplementation had no significant effect on liver enzymes in adults. However, the effect of cinnamon on ALT levels was significant at the dosages of <1500 mg/day, in trials lasting>12 weeks, and in trials conducted of both gender. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to confirm our results.