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Some studies suggest cinnamon supplementation significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults, while other studies indicate it may not be effective in individuals with diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
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Cinnamon, a popular spice derived from the bark of Cinnamomum trees, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Recent studies have explored its potential benefits in managing blood pressure (BP), particularly in individuals with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research papers to provide a clear understanding of cinnamon's effects on blood pressure.
Several studies have investigated the short-term effects of cinnamon on blood pressure in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that cinnamon significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 5.39 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 2.6 mm Hg. These findings suggest that cinnamon can have a notable impact on BP regulation in diabetic patients.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of nine trials involving 641 subjects revealed that cinnamon supplementation led to significant reductions in both SBP (6.23 mm Hg) and DBP (3.93 mm Hg). Another meta-analysis focusing on type 2 diabetic patients confirmed these results, showing significant decreases in SBP and DBP following cinnamon supplementation .
The effect of cinnamon on blood pressure appears to be influenced by the dosage and duration of supplementation. Studies have shown that lower doses (≤2 g/day) and longer durations (≥12 weeks) of cinnamon supplementation are associated with greater reductions in SBP and DBP . However, no significant non-linear associations were found between cinnamon dosage and study duration with both SBP and DBP.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with stage 1 hypertension (S1HTN) found that cinnamon supplementation (1500 mg/day for 90 days) significantly decreased mean ambulatory SBP and improved lipid profiles. Another study involving type 2 diabetic patients reported a significant reduction in SBP from baseline values in the cinnamon group compared to the placebo group, although the change was not statistically significant when adjusted for baseline SBP.
Animal studies have also supported the antihypertensive effects of cinnamon. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, cinnamon supplementation reduced SBP, suggesting that cinnamon may influence genetic components of elevated BP as well.
The collective evidence from various studies indicates that cinnamon supplementation can lead to modest but significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These effects are more pronounced with lower doses and longer durations of supplementation. While the findings are promising, further well-designed, long-term RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the clinical potential of cinnamon in BP management. For now, cinnamon can be considered a complementary treatment option for individuals with hypertension, particularly those with type 2 diabetes.
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