Supports Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
Much more than a simple flavoring, cinnamon can spice up your health. Derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, cinnamon is one of the oldest remedies used in traditional Chinese herbalism for digestive support. Recent scientific studies have shown cinnamon may support healthy blood sugar levels, when used as part of your diet, by activating insulin and glucose transport and improving glucose metabolism.
Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum ™ Cinnamon Extract provides 300 mg of a 10:1 extract plus 100 mg daily of pure cinnamon bark, determined by the latest research to be optimum levels. Combining the extract and bark results in a premier formulation that yields a full range of cinnamon’s constituents. This formula is an example of herbalism at its best–uniting traditional herbal wisdom with the findings of modern clinical and pharmacological research.
Modern Scientific Research
In the last decade, in vitro studies revealed that water-extracted cinnamon might help support healthy blood sugar levels by improving the effectiveness of insulin action. An animal study showed that cinnamon extract activates insulin and glucose transport, enhancing glucose utilization. Another study evaluated the possible effects on insulin function with 49 herb, spice and medicinal plant extracts. Cinnamon was found to be the most bioactive of the herbs, which suggests a possible role in improving glucose and insulin metabolism.
A 40-day human study with 60 people, given 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon daily, found that all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18-29%), triglycerides (23-30%), LDL cholesterol (7-27%), and total cholesterol (12-26%) levels. The most significant results were found with 3 grams of whole cinnamon bark, the equivalent amount provided daily in Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum ™ Cinnamon Extract.
In addition to improving cellular glucose metabolism, cinnamon may provide other benefits through its antioxidant activity. Cinnamon contains flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants and may be synergistic with vitamins and trace elements. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that water-soluble polyphenolic polymers in cinnamon may function as antioxidants, potentiate insulin action, and may be beneficial in the control of glucose intolerance.
A History of Traditional Use
The Romans believed cinnamon’s fragrance was sacred and burned it at funerals. They even referred to their sweethearts as “my] myrrh” and “my cinnamon,” much as we use the endearment “honey” today. And because cinnamon was one of the first spices sought in the 15th century European explorations,some say it indirectly led to the discovery of America. Also known as Cassia, Sweet Wood, and Gui Zhi, cinnamon is traditionally harvested in Asian countries and used to promote appetite and support digestion.
Clinically Derived Formulas from Michael Tierra
This Planetary Formulas product was selected by licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist Michael Tierra. The result: premier botanicals, unsurpassed for dependability and consumer satisfaction.
References:
• Anderson, R, et al. 2001. A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 20(4): 327-336.
• Khan, A, et al. 2003. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type-2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 26(12): 3215-3218.
• Nir, Y, et al. 2000. Controlled trial of the effect of cinnamon extract on Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter 5(2): 94-7.
• Qin, B, et al. 2003. Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo insulin regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin signaling in rats. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 62: 139-148. |
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