Cinnamon's Infection and Diabetes-Fighting Properties Revealed

Cinnamon's medicinal potential is as rich and complex as its flavor and aroma, with blood sugar balancing and infection fighting top on the list.

Cinnamon is a familiar spice, but few are aware of just how diverse are its medicinal properties.  TheUS National Library of Medicine houses well over 1300 abstracts on the subject of the various forms of cinnamon's potential health benefits.

GreenMedInfo.com has gathered together research on no less than 60 potential health benefits of this highly valued spice on our research page dedicated to the topic: Cinnamon Medicinal Properties.

First, it must be clarified that there are a wide range of plants whose bark are sold as cinnamon. The first though less used form is known as Cinnamomum verum (literally "true cinnamon") and is sometimes called Ceylon (the ancient name of Sri Lanka) cinnamon, as it is named after the geographic region where it was first commonly cultivated.  Due to its rarity, it is more expensive and harder to find on the market.

Other forms include:

•  C. cassia (Cassia or Chinese cinnamon)
•  C. burmannii ( Indonesian cinnamon)
•  C. loureiroi (Vietnamese cinnamon)

One of the major differences between C. verum and varieties such as C. burmannii and C. cassia is that the latter types contain much higher levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring phytochemical with blood-thinning properties.  This has prompted European health agencies to warn against consuming large amounts of cinnamon varieties such as cassia.[i]  Natural blood-thinning activity, of course, within the proper context can be life-saving, but when mixed with already dangerous blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin, can be a recipe for disaster - all the more reason why folks using spices and herbs in 'pharmacological' or heroic doses should consult a medical herbalist, or physician with a nuanced understanding of the benefits and potential harms of using high-dose herbal therapies.

Another issue that the US buyer of spices must be fully aware of is the likelihood that unless explicitly labeled USDA certified organic the cinnamon they are purchasing was exposed to toxic levels of gamma irradiation in a controversial process known as "electronic" or "cold" pasteurization. To learn more about this serious threat to our food supply read: The Invisible Nuclear Threat in Non-Organic Food.

Lastly, be mindful of the differences between the powdered whole herb, various water or alcohol extracts, and the oil itself. Some of the studies below focus on solely the oil component (90% of the oil is the therapeutic substance known as cinnamaldehyde) whereas others use water soluble components. The information listed below is not provided as medical advice but to illustrate the vast potential natural substances have to be used in a therapeutic manner. 

Blood Sugar Disorders

Probably the most well-known health benefit of cinnamon is for blood sugar disorders.  And this is for good reason. There is now a rather substantial body of clinical and preclinical research showing that it may help to improve the condition of both type 2 and type 1 diabetics in the following ways:

•  Type 2 diabetics:  Improve fasting blood sugar,[ii] reduce glycated hemoglobin (A1C) and blood pressure,[iii] increase glucose optimization in a manner similar to metformin,[iv] [v]improve insulin signaling and sensitivity,[vi] [vii] and improve blood lipid profiles.[viii]
•  Type 1 diabetics: Protect against hypertension,[ix] protect against diabetes-associated kidney damage,[x] suppress post-meal blood sugar elevations,[xi] and contribute to ongoing reduction in blood sugar.[xii]

Infections

While there is extant folk medical lore indicating that honey mixed with cinnamon can help relieve a sore throat, or fight off infection, few realize it has been confirmed to have extensive anti-infective properties against a wide range of bacteria, viruses and fungi.

It makes sense that cinnamon bark would protect against infection, as one of the major biological functions of plant bark is defense against predation (i.e. infection).  

What follows is an impressive range of pathogens that appear to succumb to cinnamon:

•         Aspergillus niger[xiii]
•         Campylobacter Infections[xiv]
•         Candida Infection[xv]
•         Coronaviridae (SARS-associated) Infections[xvi]
•         Escherichia coli Infections[xvii]
•         H1N1 Infection[xviii]
•         Head Lice[xix]
•         HIV Infections[xx]
•         Insect Bites: Repellent[xxi]
•         Klebsiella Infections[xxii]
•         Legionnaires' disease[xxiii]
•         MRSA[xxiv]
•         Pseudomonas aeruginosa[xxv]
•         Staphylococcal Infections[xxvi]

Like many natural spices that have been used for thousands of years, we are only now just beginning to comprehend through scientific research how important they are in not simply flavoring our foods but helping keep us free of disease. For an impressive list of traditional spices and herbs that have now been confirmed to have medicinal properties by empirical science, view our article on the topic:When Science Confirms Tradition.

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[i] Harris, Emily. German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger. National Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-05-01

[ii] Paul A Davis, Wallace Yokoyama. Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sep ;14(9):884-9. Epub 2011 Apr 11. PMID: 21480806

[iii] R Akilen, A Tsiami, D Devendra, N Robinson. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Photochem Photobiol. 2004 Nov-Dec;80(3):579-82. PMID: 20854384

[iv] Wei Zhang, Yan-cheng Xu, Fang-jian Guo, Ye Meng, Ming-li Li. Anti-diabetic effects of cinnamaldehyde and berberine and their impacts on retinol-binding protein 4 expression in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Nov 5;121(21):2124-8. PMID:19080170

[v] Richard A Anderson, C Leigh Broadhurst, Marilyn M Polansky, Walter F Schmidt, Alam Khan, Vincent P Flanagan, Norberta W Schoene, Donald J Graves. Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. Mol Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(3):1013-21. Epub 2007 Mar 5. PMID: 14709014

[vi] Bolin Qin, Masaru Nagasaki, Ming Ren, Gustavo Bajotto, Yoshiharu Oshida, Yuzo Sato. Cinnamon extract (traditional herb) potentiates in vivo insulin-regulated glucose utilization via enhancing insulin signaling in rats. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2003 Dec;62(3):139-48. PMID:14625128

[vii] Bolin Qin, Kiran S Panickar, Richard A Anderson. Cinnamon: potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2010 May;4(3):685-93. Epub 2010 May 1. PMID: 20513336

[viii] P Subash Babu, S Prabuseenivasan, S Ignacimuthu. Cinnamaldehyde--a potential antidiabetic agent. Phytomedicine. 2007 Jan;14(1):15-22. Epub 2006 Nov 30. PMID: 17140783

[ix] Hany M El-Bassossy, Ahmed Fahmy, Dina Badawy. Cinnamaldehyde protects from the hypertension associated with diabetes. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Aug 5. Epub 2011 Aug 5. PMID: 21840367

[x] Awanish Mishra, Rajbir Bhatti, Amarjit Singh, Mohan Paul Singh Ishar. Ameliorative effect of the cinnamon oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum upon early stage diabetic nephropathy. Planta Med. 2009 Oct 29. Epub 2009 Oct 29. PMID: 19876811

[xi] H Mohamed Sham Shihabudeen, D Hansi Priscilla, Kavitha Thirumurugan. Cinnamon extract inhibitsα-glucosidase activity and dampens postprandial glucose excursion in diabetic rats.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2011 ;8(1):46. Epub 2011 Jun 29. PMID: 21711570

[xii] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's Hypoglycemic Properties

[xiii] V C Pawar, V S Thaker. In vitro efficacy of 75 essential oils against Aspergillus niger. Mycoses. 2006 Jul;49(4):316-23. PMID: 16784447

[xiv] Sadhana Ravishankar, Libin Zhu, Bibiana Law, Lynn Joens, Mendel Friedman. Plant-derived compounds inactivate antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni strains. J Food Prot. 2008 Jun;71(6):1145-9. PMID: 18592739

[xv] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's Anti-Candida Properties

[xvi] Min Zhuang, Hong Jiang, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Xiaoguang Li, Peng Xiao, Takashi Tanaka, Hong Ling, Baofeng Yang, Hiroki Saitoh, Lianfeng Zhang, Chuan Qin, Kazuo Sugamura, Toshio Hattori.Procyanidins and butanol extract of Cinnamomi Cortex inhibit SARS-CoV infection. Antiviral Res. 2009 Apr;82(1):73-81. Epub 2009 Feb 11. PMID: 19428598

[xvii] Rosina Khan, Barira Islam, Mohd Akram, Shazi Shakil, Anis Ahmad, S Manazir Ali, Mashiatullah Siddiqui, Asad U Khan. Antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts against multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria and fungus of clinical origin. Molecules. 2009 Feb 4;14(2):586-97. PMID: 19214149

[xviii] K Hayashi, N Imanishi, Y Kashiwayama, A Kawano, K Terasawa, Y Shimada, H Ochiai. Inhibitory effect of cinnamaldehyde, derived from Cinnamomi cortex, on the growth of influenza A/PR/8 virus in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res. 2007 Apr;74(1):1-8. Epub 2007 Jan 26 PMID:17303260

[xix] Young-Cheol Yang, Hoi-Seon Lee, Si Hyeock Lee, J Marshall Clark, Young-Joon Ahn. Ovicidal and adulticidal activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil compounds and related compounds against Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculicidae). Int J Parasitol. 2005 Dec;35(14):1595-600. Epub 2005 Sep 15. PMID: 16188263

[xx] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-HIV potential

[xxi] Adrian Martin Pohlit, Norberto Peporine Lopes, Renata Antonaci Gama, Wanderli Pedro Tadei, Valter Ferreira de Andrade Neto. Patent literature on mosquito repellent inventions which contain plant essential oils--a review. Planta Med. 2011 Apr ;77(6):598-617. Epub 2011 Feb 15. PMID:21328177

[xxii] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-Klebsiella properties.

[xxiii] Ching-Wen Chang, Wei-Lung Chang, Shang-Tzen Chang. Influence of pH on bioactivity of cinnamon oil against Legionella pneumophila and its disinfection efficacy in hot springs.Brain Res. 2006 Nov 20;1120(1):183-90. Epub 2006 Sep 20. PMID: 18945470

[xxiv] GreenMedInfo.com, Cinnamon's anti-MRSA properties

[xxv] Y K Ibrahim, M S Ogunmodede. Growth and survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in some aromatic waters. Pharm Acta Helv. 1991;66(9-10):286-8. PMID: 1758905

[xxvi] Titik Nuryastuti, Henny C van der Mei, Henk J Busscher, Susi Iravati, Abu T Aman, Bastiaan P Krom.Effect of cinnamon oil on icaA expression and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2009 Nov;75(21):6850-5. Epub 2009 Sep 11. PMID:19749058

Less Than 1 Tsp Ginger and Cinnamon Daily Relieves Muscle Soreness In Athletes

Many well-intentioned workout resolutions have been thwarted by the first signs of sore, stiff muscles in the days following a visit to the gym.  A new study finds that two common kitchen spices help relieve that post-workout muscle pain.

Researchers at Iran's Isfahan University of Medical Sciences studied the effects of ginger and cinnamon on the muscle pain of 60 fit female competitive Taekwondo players, aged 13-25 years.  The women were divided into three groups. For six weeks, each group took three grams (1 tsp = 4 grams) of either powdered ginger, cinnamon or placebo every day.

During the study, the women were tested for an indicator of inflammation and for muscle soreness.  The results, published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that women in both the ginger and cinnamon groups had significantly less muscle soreness after exercising than the placebo group.  A similar study from the University of Georgia, also confirmed ginger's ability to relieve muscle soreness after strenuous exercise.    

The researchers did not find any difference in the inflammation marker among the three groups despite other studies showing strong anti-inflammatory qualities of ginger and cinnamon.  They speculated that the three gram dose may have been insufficient to make a measurable difference.      

Both ginger and cinnamon have been used medicinally for thousands of years.  Each contains a wide range of compounds shown to curb inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and modulate other healing mechanisms within the body. 

Ginger has a long list of amazing health benefits.  It's been proven more effective against bacterial staph infections than antibiotics; can kill cancer cells; eases ulcerative colitis and acid reflux; and alleviates the effects of gamma radiation. 

Ginger has been shown to be helpful in a relieving stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea due to seasickness, motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.  It also relieves pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Its anti-viral properties help in the prevention and treatment of the common cold.
Cinnamon, the most popular spice, has been used for millennia both for its flavoring and medicinal qualities. The many health benefits of cinnamon include lowering blood sugar levels; improving insulin sensitivity; relieving inflammation from arthritis; alleviating menstrual cramps; supporting healthy blood clotting; fighting the overgrowth of bacteria, fungus and yeast; preventing colds and flu; boosting memory; and improving digestion.       

Ginger and cinnamon go together naturally, sharing the ingredient list in many healthy recipes.  Add fresh ginger to teas, marinades, stir-fries and salad dressings. 

Add cinnamon to a daily smoothie, applesauce or yogurt.  You can also drop a cinnamon stick into your steeping tea or a pot of coffee. 

Then hit the gym.

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Margie King is a holistic health coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®. A Wharton M.B.A. and practicing corporate attorney for 20 years, Margie left the world of business to pursue her passion for all things nutritious. She now works with midlife women and busy professionals to improve their health, energy and happiness through individual and group coaching, as well as webinars, workshops and cooking classes. She is also a professional copywriter and prolific health and nutrition writer whose work appears as the National Nutrition Examiner. To contact Margie, visitwww.NourishingMenopause.com.

36 Natural Alternatives for Infection

Most people have issues with bacterial or viral infections from time to time. Unnecessary antibiotics ARE dangerous! Antibiotics damage the integrity of the microbial balance in the gut. The healthy gut microflora is 70-80% of the immune system. Impaired immune systems are less effective at healing the body.

Plant products have historically been consumed and utilized for their anti-microbial and health boosting benefits. Many plant materials are being researched for their therapeutic value for our immune health.

Here are 36 natural substances which have been studied to help to support our body's immune system to heal itself!

1. Manuka honey fights serious infection caused by MRSA
2. The inhalation of tea catechin appears to suppress MRSA infection in the elderly.
3. Tea tree topical preparations are superior to standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization.
4. Garlic and tea have antibacterial activity against Klebsiella, as well as drug resistant strains of Saphylococci, Enterococci and Psedomonas aeruginosa.
5. Water extract of garlic has antimicrobical activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and Candida species, and many other microbials.
6. The compound found within garlic known as allicin has antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
7. Probiotic therapy has therapeutic value in treating Klebsiella infection in children.
8. Susceptibility to ear disease in children may be a result of deficiencies of zinc and vitamin A.
9. Topical nanocrystalline silver dressing may provide an alternative treatment for MRSAinfected wounds to oral antimicrobials.
10. Cranberry may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by inhibiting biofilms in the bladder.
11. Probiotic strains from breast milk are superior to antibiotics in the treatment of infectiousmastitis.
12. Honey may have a therapeutic role in treating refractory chronic rhinosinusitus.
13. Honeydew and manuka honey has strong antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens.
14. Cinnamon verum bark has the highest antimicrobial activity, particularly against antibiotic resistant strains, of 13 essential oils tested.
15. A number of plant oil extracts inhibit multi-resistant strains of bacteria and yeast.
16. Clove, guava and lemongrass exhibit the highest synergism rate with antimicrobial drugs.
17. Thyme and Eucalyptus oil have antibacterial activity against MRSA isolates.
18. Compounds isolated from Bay leaf have anti-MRSA activity.
19. The essential oil of dill and peppermint enhances the antimicrobial activity of nitrofurantoin against enterobacteria.
20. Grape seed extract has bactericidal effects on MRSA.
21. A combination of Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) and geranium oil showed the greatest anti-bacterial effects against MRSA.
22. Rosemary has activity against drug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens.
23. Propolis exhibits antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to various antibiotics and some microorganisms.
24. Cumin essential oil exhibits anti-Klebsiella activity.
25. Green tea exhibits anti-MRSA activity.
26. Mango seed kernel extract may potentially be useful as an alternative therapeutic agent or an adjunctive therapy along with penicillin G in the treatment of MRSA infections.
27. Wormwood, tarragon and eucalyptus contain the compound pipertone which reduces antibiotic resistance against Enterobacter cloacae.
28. Alpinia galanga contains a compound with activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
29. Elecampane (Inula helenium) has potent antisaphylococcal activity, including against MRSA.
30. Lavender oil has antimicrobial activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
31. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG inhibits invasion of cultured human respiratory cells by macrolide-resistant group A streptococci.
32. Lime has potent antibacterial activity against multiple drug resistant E. coli.
33. Nigella sativa has anti-bacterial activity against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
34. Nutmeg contains a compound with potent anti-biofilm activity against oral bacteria.
35. Olive leaf extract demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus [including meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)].
36. Cinnamon and Oregano, containing cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol, respectively, exhibit powerful antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni isolates.