Cinnamon may have many uses in the kitchen, but its popularity is surging for other reasons. In the past, research has shown it could reduce blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes, as well as improve other conditions.
A new study, published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, shows overconsumption of cinnamon could interfere with some medications. Researchers found that cinnamon oil and its components – particularly cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, can activate certain receptors which control drug metabolism. When taken alongside other medications, it could reduce its effectiveness, by metabolizing them too quickly.
Additionally, cinnamon contains coumarin, a plant compound that can be toxic to the liver in high doses. ACSH experts chime in here to say 'the dose makes the poison.'
In the past, we've warned against the dangerous of cinnamon challenges, which circulated on the internet several years ago.
Clinical trials of the findings would give us a better idea of risk associated with "overconsumption," which has yet to be defined by the study, but ACSH experts say mega doses of the spice are never a good idea.
