Cinnamon Bark Fact Sheet

Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA

11/4/04

Likely Users :

People on restricted blood sugar diets or concerned about blood sugar, People with Syndrome X, also known as Metabolic Syndrome

Key Ingredient:

Cinnamon Bark powder

Main Product Features :

True Cinnamon is one form of the common spice (Cinnaminum verum, bark). “Cinnamon” is the name given to several different species. Experiments conducted by the USDA have shown that the variety we call “True Cinnamon” can lower blood sugar by mimicking insulin, activating insulin receptors and working with insulin in the cells to reduce blood sugar by up to 20%. However, cinnamon has some antioxidant benefits, whereas insulin is oxygen-reactive and can damage tissues.

600mg of Cortex Cinnamomi-True (Ceylon) Cinnamon verum J.S. Presl., synonym C. zeylanicum Nees) (tamalpatra) powder in a gelatin capsule. Common spices such as cinnamon display insulin potentiating activities which is not due to total Chromium (Cr) concentrations. This product supports healthy glucose management.

Other Important Issues:

• COLOR: Reddish brown to variations of brown color with no speckles
• IMPURITIES: Pesticides; Absent (at ppb level)
• ADULTERATION: Absent, esp. with barks of other Cinnamomum species
• Not irradiated
• Cinnamon may inhibit some microbes, such as candida and H. Pylori bacteria
• Studies were done at the USDA-ARS Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory

Amount To Use:

One to six grams a day (2 to 10 capsules). One gram = 1,000 mg. Begin slowly and use caution, as this product may affect blood sugar and blood sugar medications.

Complementary Products:

Chromium, alpha lipoic acid, vanadium, fish oil and flax oil

Cautions:

Some people are sensitive to cinnamon and should not use this product. Discontinue use if it causes any discomfort. Cinnamon may lower blood sugar even in people with normal levels. This effect may last for some weeks after discontinuing a cinnamon supplement or food. This herb may have effects on blood sugar. Anyone using drugs to control blood sugar should notify their physician before using this product, as it may lower the amount of a drug needed to regulate one’s high blood sugar. There would be a significant risk of overdose if cinnamon were used with these drugs without modulating the dosages!

Disclaimer:

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:

Agricultural Research Magazine, July 2000 - Vol. 48, No. 7

Diabetes Care (vol 26, p 3125)

There are cellular and molecular studies being done at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.