What Is Ceylon Cinnamon? Other Names: Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Canela

What is Ceylon Cinnamon?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Ceylon cinnamon, scientifically known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is a spice derived from the inner bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree, native to Sri Lanka. It is often referred to as “true cinnamon” and is distinct from the more commonly available Cinnamomum cassia, or cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is prized for its delicate flavor, lower coumarin content, and potential health benefits. Other names include: Batavia Cassia, Batavia Cinnamon, Canela, Canelero de Ceilán, Cannelier de Ceylan, Cannelle de Ceylan, Cannelle de Saïgon, Cannelle du Sri Lanka, Ceylonzimt, Ceylonzimtbaum, Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamon Bark, Corteza de Canela, Dalchini, Écorce de Cannelle, Echter Ceylonzimt, Laurus cinnamomum, Madagascar Cinnamon, Saigon Cassia, Saigon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka Cinnamon, Thwak, True Cinnamon, Tvak, Xi Lan Rou Gui, Zimtbaum.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Anti-Diabetic Properties

Ceylon cinnamon has been investigated for its potential benefits in managing type-2 diabetes mellitus. A randomized controlled trial is currently underway to evaluate the effects of Ceylon cinnamon extract on glycemic control in diabetic patients. The study aims to measure primary outcomes such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum insulin levels over a four-month period1. This research could provide valuable insights into the use of Ceylon cinnamon as a pharmaceutical agent for diabetes management.

Postprandial Glycemia

Another study explored the acute effects of Ceylon cinnamon extract on postprandial glycemia. The research demonstrated that a hydro-alcoholic extract of Ceylon cinnamon could inhibit pancreatic alpha-amylase activity and reduce post-meal blood glucose levels in both rats and humans. This suggests that Ceylon cinnamon may help manage postprandial hyperglycemia, a risk factor for various metabolic disorders2.

Physiological Parameters in Animals

Ceylon cinnamon has also been studied for its effects on physiological parameters in broiler chicks. The addition of Ceylon cinnamon powder to the diet of broiler chicks resulted in significant improvements in body weight, red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and other physiological traits. These findings indicate that Ceylon cinnamon can positively affect animal health and performance3.

Wound Healing

The wound healing properties of Ceylon cinnamon have been evaluated in animal models. An ethanolic extract of Ceylon cinnamon was found to accelerate the wound healing process in rats, particularly by enhancing epithelialization. This suggests that Ceylon cinnamon could be a valuable natural remedy for promoting wound healing4.

Limitations and Considerations

Inconsistent Effects on Glycemic Control

While some studies have shown promising results, others have reported no significant effects of Ceylon cinnamon on postprandial plasma glucose or insulin levels in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. For instance, a study involving ten subjects with impaired glucose tolerance found that the ingestion of 6 grams of Ceylon cinnamon did not significantly affect glucose levels, insulin response, glycemic index, or insulinemic index5. This highlights the need for further research to fully understand the efficacy and mechanisms of Ceylon cinnamon in glycemic control.

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Adverse Effects of Ceylon Cinnamon

No Adverse Effects Reported in Short-Term Use

In a clinical trial involving healthy volunteers, the intake of 1g of Ceylon cinnamon extract did not result in any reported adverse effects1.

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How has Ceylon Cinnamon Improved Patient Outcomes?

Improvement in Glycemic Control

Ceylon Cinnamon supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood glucose (FBS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes1 3 5 7 8 10.

The reduction in FBS and HbA1C was observed across various dosages and study durations, indicating a consistent hypoglycemic effect1 3 5 7 8 10.

Lipid Profile Enhancement

Studies have demonstrated that Ceylon Cinnamon can improve lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, although changes in HDL cholesterol were not always significant1 3 5 6.

These improvements in lipid profiles suggest a potential benefit in reducing cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes1 3 5 6.

Anthropometric and Insulin Resistance Improvements

Cinnamon supplementation has been associated with improvements in anthropometric parameters such as BMI, body fat, and visceral fat, particularly in patients with higher baseline BMI1.

Significant reductions in insulin resistance markers, such as fasting insulin and HOMA index, were also noted, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity1 4 6.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Ceylon Cinnamon has shown potential anti-inflammatory benefits by reducing markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions6 7.

Antioxidant effects were observed through the elevation of serum glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels, along with a reduction in malondialdehyde levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress8.

Menstrual and Reproductive Health

In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cinnamon supplementation improved menstrual cyclicity and ovulatory function, although it did not significantly change serum androgen levels or insulin resistance markers4.

Wound Healing

Ceylon Cinnamon extract has been found to accelerate wound healing and increase epithelialization in animal models, suggesting potential benefits in wound management9.

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Ceylon Cinnamon Mechanisms of Action

Inhibition of Carbohydrate Digestion

Ceylon cinnamon extract inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase activity, reducing the digestion of carbohydrates and subsequently lowering postprandial blood glucose levels1.

Reduction of Glycemic Response

Ceylon cinnamon extract acutely reduces the glycemic response to starch in a dose-dependent manner without stimulating insulin secretion1.

Anti-Diabetic Effects

Ceylon cinnamon extract is being evaluated for its potential to lower glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum insulin in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus2.

Anti-Obesity Effects

Ceylon cinnamon extract inhibits lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation, increases the expression of lipolysis-related proteins, and reduces the expression of lipid-synthesis-related proteins in both cell and animal models4 5.

Regulation of Lipid Metabolism

Chronic supplementation with Ceylon cinnamon extract attenuates lipogenic processes by regulating the expression of key enzymes and transcriptional factors involved in lipogenesis, potentially preventing lipid accumulation in tissues such as the liver and white adipose tissue5.

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Common Complaints Associated with Ceylon Cinnamon Use

Lack of Adverse Effect Data: The provided study protocol does not mention any specific adverse effects or common complaints associated with the use of Ceylon cinnamon in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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