Cassia cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon is a plant. People use the bark and flower for medicine.

Cassia cinnamon is used for many conditions, but so far science has not confirmed that it is effective for any of them. Research does show, however, that it is probably not effective for lowering blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

In addition to diabetes, Cassia cinnamon is used for gas (flatulence), muscle and stomach spasms, preventing nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite.

Some people use it for erectile dysfunction (ED), hernia, bed-wetting, joint conditions, menopausal symptoms, menstrual problems, and to cause abortions. Cassia cinnamon is also used for chest pain, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, cramps, cancer, and as a “blood purifier.”

Cassia cinnamon is used in suntan lotions, nasal sprays, mouthwashes, gargles, toothpaste, and as a “counterirritant” applied to the skin in liniments. A counterirritant is a substance that creates pain and swelling at the point of application with the goal of lessening pain and swelling at another location.

In food and beverages, cassia cinnamon is used as a flavoring agent.

There are a lot of different types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is the type used most commonly in the Western world. Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon) is also commonly used. In many cases, the cinnamon spice purchased in food stores contains a combination of these different types of cinnamon. So far, only cassia cinnamon has been shown to have any effect on blood sugar in humans. However, Cinnamomum verum also contains the ingredient thought to be responsible for lowering blood sugar. See the separate listing for Cinnamon bark.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for CASSIA CINNAMON are as follows:

• Diabetes. Early studies suggested that cassia cinnamon might be effective for controlling type 2 diabetes. But now, there is conflicting research. Some studies show benefit and other studies show no benefit.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle and stomach spasms.
• Bloating.
• Intestinal gas.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Common cold.
• Impotence.
• Bed wetting.
• Menstrual problems.
• Chest pain.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney problems.
• Cancer.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cassia cinnamon for these uses.

Cassia cinnamon contains the chemical cinnamaldehyde, which might have activity against bacteria and fungi.

Cassia cinnamon is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts commonly found in foods and in medicinal doses.

It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in large amounts, long-term. Taking large amounts of cassia cinnamon might cause side effects in some people. Cassia cinnamon can contain large amounts of a chemical called coumarin. In people who are sensitive, coumarin might cause or worsen liver disease.

When applied to the skin, cassia cinnamon can sometimes cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cassia cinnamon during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Cassia cinnamon can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully, if you have diabetes and use cassia cinnamon in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.

Liver disease: Cassia cinnamon contains some chemicals that might harm the liver. If you have liver disease, don’t take cassia cinnamon in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.

Surgery: Cassia cinnamon might affect blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking cassia cinnamon at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Major

Moderate

There is some concern that taking large amounts of cassia cinnamon might cause serious liver damage in some people, especially in people who already have liver disease. Taking cassia cinnamon along with other products that could harm the liver might increase the risk of developing liver damage. Some of the products that might harm the liver include chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, germander, kava, niacin, pennyroyal oil, red yeast, and others.

Cassia cinnamon might lower blood sugar levels. Taking it along with other herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar could lower blood sugar too much in some people. Some herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

There are no known interactions with foods.

The appropriate dose of cassia cinnamon depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for cassia cinnamon. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.methodology (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/methodology.html).

To see all references for the Cassia cinnamon page, please go to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1002.html.

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Page last updated: 27 September 2012