Superfoods & Botanicals
Cinnamon Extract (Ceylon / Cassia)
Also known as: Cinnamomum verum · Ceylon cinnamon · Cinnamomum cassia
Cinnamon polyphenols sensitise insulin receptors and inhibit alpha-glucosidase, reducing post-meal blood glucose. Ceylon cinnamon is preferred over cassia (which is high in liver-toxic coumarin).
Effective Dose
1–3g / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Superfoods & Botanicals
Mechanism
Insulin receptor sensitisation, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, GLUT4 upregulation
primary action
Best For
Blood sugar
Insulin sensitivity, Cholesterol
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Cinnamon Extract (Ceylon / Cassia)?
Cinnamon contains procyanidin B-type polymers (A-type polymers in Ceylon cinnamon) that act as insulin sensitisers — activating insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and inhibiting PTPs (protein tyrosine phosphatases that downregulate insulin signalling). Cinnamaldehyde also inhibits alpha-glucosidase, slowing carbohydrate digestion.
How It Works: The Science
Cinnamon polyphenols activate insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, amplifying the insulin signal and increasing GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane for glucose uptake. They also inhibit alpha-glucosidase and amylase (reducing carbohydrate digestion speed) and reduce gluconeogenesis via hepatic PEPCK inhibition.
Primary Mechanism
Insulin receptor sensitisation, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, GLUT4 upregulation
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
1–3g / day
1–3g Ceylon cinnamon powder or extract daily. Cassia cinnamon (Chinese cinnamon, the most common supermarket variety) contains coumarin at potentially liver-toxic levels at these doses — use Ceylon (true cinnamon) for regular supplementation.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Ceylon cinnamon: safe at recommended doses. Cassia: coumarin content causes hepatotoxicity at doses above 0.1mg/kg/day long-term — limit cassia cinnamon to culinary amounts. May lower blood glucose — monitor in diabetics on medication.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals wanting blood sugar support alongside dietary change. Choose Ceylon cinnamon or water-extracted cassia (low coumarin) for supplementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →