Bioactivity of cinnamon with special emphasis on diabetes mellitus: a review.

摘要

Cinnamon is the oldest spice and has been used for several cultural practices for centuries. In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon has experienced rising popularity due to many health benefits. Out of the large number of cinnamon species available, Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia) and C. zeylanicum have been subjected to extensive research. Available in vitro and in vivo evidence has indicated that cinnamon may have multiple health benefits, mainly in relation to hypoglycaemic activity. Furthermore, it is suggested that the therapeutic potential of cinnamon is brought about by its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumour, blood pressure lowering, cholesterol lowering, lipid lowering and gastroprotective properties. This review provides a summary of the scientific literature available on both C. aromaticum and C. zeylanicum. All studies reported had used cinnamon bark and its products. Although almost all the animal models have indicated a pronounced anti-diabetic activity of both cinnamon species, conflicting results were observed with regard to the few clinical trials available. Therefore, the necessity of evaluating the effects of cinnamon for its therapeutic potential, through well-defined and adequately powered randomised controlled clinical trials, is emphasised before recommendations are made for the use of cinnamon as an effective treatment for humans.