The primary compound in
cinnamon has the potential to throttle the efficacy of some
prescription medications, researchers at the
University of Mississippi have found and announced in a new study. Those adding a little bit of
cinnamon to their sugar or hot beverage of choice aren't likely to have any issues, but consuming the spice in high doses could
cause complications, the scientists noted.
“Health concerns could arise if excessive amounts of supplements are consumed without the knowledge of health care provider or prescriber of the medications,” Shabana Khan, a principal scientist involved in the study, said. “Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective.”
The primary compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, can activate receptors in the body that actually breaks down certain medicines, researchers found.
They also noted in the study that cinnamon oil — typically used in cooking and for toiletries — poses no risk.
That is not the same for cinnamon bark. The study found that bark, especially that of Cassia cinnamon, a cheaper Chinese version of the spice, have the potential to cause medicine-related issues.
“True cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content,” the study's co-author Amar Chittiboyina, associate director of the National Center for Natural Products Research, said. “Coumarin’s anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners.”
