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CAN CINNAMON SUPPLEMENTS LOWER BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS?

Abstract

Cinnamon is a common spice obtained from the dried inner bark of several species of the genus Cinnamomum Schaeff (1760) in the Lauraceae family. It is believed to possess insulin-like properties that can aid in the lowering of blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity which can be beneficial in promoting health and as a treatment in individuals with type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) tea on glucose absorption. Six non-diabetic participants were divided into two groups (control and intervention). In the control group, participants ingested glucose solution (237 mL) on one consistent day of the week for six weeks. In the intervention group, participants ingested 235 mL cinnamon tea immediately after consuming the glucose solution (237 mL) also on one consistent day of the week for six weeks. This was done to test whether the intervention group would show a reduction in blood glucose levels during the six-week study, therefore proving that glucose absorption was increased with the consumption of cinnamon. Blood glucose levels were measured at t30 mins, t60 mins, and t90 mins. The glucose levels were statistically determined to have reduced from 108.94 ± 27.79 to 106.44 ± 14.21 mg/dL in the intervention group, while the glucose levels in the control group increased from 111.78 ± 39.96 to 129.22 ± 19.57 mg/dL. Based on the results obtained in this study, it is assumed that cinnamon does contain insulin-like properties and can be used to increase glucose absorption in individuals whose bodies have difficulty producing enough insulin or is insulin resistant. In light of this research, it can be recommended that these individuals incorporate cinnamon in their daily lifestyle with permission from a physician.

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