Cinnamon for diabetes mellitus.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 22972104 · doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007170.pub2
What was done
A Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials (searched up to January 2012) investigating oral monopreparations of cinnamon (predominantly Cinnamomum cassia) versus placebo, active medication, or no treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data.
What was found
Ten randomized controlled trials involving 577 participants were included, evaluating a mean dose of 2 g cinnamon daily for 4 to 16 weeks. Cinnamon had an inconclusive effect on fasting blood glucose. No statistically significant differences were observed between cinnamon and control groups for HbA1c, serum insulin, or postprandial glucose. Data were insufficient to pool for insulin sensitivity. No trials reported health-related quality of life, morbidity, mortality, or costs. Adverse events were infrequent and mild. The abstract provided no specific numerical values or effect sizes.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes the clinical trial evidence and demonstrates insufficient support for the use of cinnamon supplementation in glycemic management for diabetes.
Limits
The evidence base is limited by a small total sample size (577 participants across 10 trials) and short trial durations (4 to 16 weeks). Risk of bias was high or unclear in 8 of the 10 included trials, and critical long-term clinical endpoints such as diabetic complications, quality of life, and mortality were not reported.
Cited by
- context Scientific research shows that cinnamon has an impact on lowering or regulating blood sugar.