Does cinnamon raise blood pressure
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
The Impact of Cinnamon on Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Cinnamon and Blood Pressure
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 effects on blood pressure (BP), with mixed results. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research papers to determine whether cinnamon raises or lowers blood pressure.
Cinnamon Supplementation and Blood Pressure Reduction
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the impact of cinnamon on blood pressure. A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 641 participants found that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced both systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 5.17 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 3.36 mmHg. Another meta-analysis corroborated these findings, reporting reductions in SBP by 6.23 mmHg and DBP by 3.93 mmHg. These studies suggest that cinnamon can have a modest but significant hypotensive effect.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
The duration of cinnamon supplementation appears to influence its effectiveness. Short-term studies, such as one focusing on patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, showed significant reductions in SBP and DBP by 5.39 mmHg and 2.6 mmHg, respectively. Long-term studies also support these findings, with significant reductions in DBP and modest reductions in SBP observed in trials lasting eight weeks or longer.
Specific Populations and Dosages
Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Cinnamon's effects on blood pressure have been particularly noted in type 2 diabetic patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs involving diabetic patients found significant reductions in both SBP and DBP following cinnamon supplementation. Another study confirmed these results, highlighting cinnamon's potential as a complementary treatment for managing hypertension in diabetic patients.
Dosage and Administration
The effectiveness of cinnamon appears to be dose-dependent. Studies have shown that dosages of up to 2 grams per day are effective in reducing blood pressure, especially when administered for periods longer than eight weeks . However, no significant non-linear associations were found between dosage and the extent of blood pressure reduction, indicating that higher doses do not necessarily lead to greater effects.
Contradictory Findings and Limitations
Mixed Results in Different Studies
Not all studies have found significant effects of cinnamon on blood pressure. For instance, a study on middle-aged obese adults found no significant short-term effects of cinnamon on blood pressure. Another pilot study on patients with stage 1 hypertension reported only moderate reductions in SBP and no significant changes in DBP. These mixed results highlight the need for further research to clarify the conditions under which cinnamon is most effective.
Need for Larger, Well-Designed Trials
Despite promising results, the current body of research is limited by small sample sizes and short study durations. Many studies call for larger, long-term RCTs to better understand the clinical potential of cinnamon in blood pressure management .
Conclusion
Overall, the majority of studies suggest that cinnamon supplementation can lead to modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in type 2 diabetic patients and when administered at appropriate dosages and durations. However, the evidence is not entirely consistent, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal usage guidelines.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic