Cinnamon is normally identified as being an essential spice to make some of our favorite sweet desserts such as churros and cinnamon rolls. However, cinnamon is also becoming known for its anti-inflammatory properties through the chemical compound, cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil that can be extracted from the leaves of C. osmophloeum, an evergreen tree. This extracted chemical compound contains anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of cytokines. In a recent 2008 study, Cinnamaldehyde was shown to suppress the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (Chao, Louis et al). In order to trigger an inflammatory response that encouraged the release of these pro-inflammatory mediators by macrophages, murine J774A.1 macrophages were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the study found Cinnamaldehyde to also reduce reactive oxygen species release from these stimulated J774A.1 macrophages. These findings that Cinnamaldehyde also contains anti-inflammatory properties in a dose-dependent manner give high hopes that this compound has the potential of having a pharmaceutical application in the future.
Chao, Louis et al. “Cinnamaldehyde inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion from monocytes/macrophages through suppression of intracellular signaling.” Science Direct (2008): 220–231. Print.
I had no idea cinnamon had anti inflammatory properties! I know cinnamon increases your metabolism when taken small amounts. Do you have any idea how the cinnamon is administered, whether it is a pill/capsule form, or possibly just adding cinnamon to food? Or is there some other way to administer the cinnamon?
ReplyDeleteAlong these sames lines, these studies look good, however it is not clear that this could feasibly become a therapeutic. How much would one have to ingest to gain any potential anti-inflammatory potential? Also, can you eat too much cinnamon? (http://www.livestrong.com/article/519947-can-you-eat-too-much-cinnamon/)
ReplyDeleteThis article says that too much cinnamon can be estrogenic, which may not be good for women at risk of reproductive cancers.
Kbreseke, there are actually cinnamon capsules in 500 mg supplements however, these are not FDA approved or regulated as the effectiveness of cinnamon isn't set in stone. Cinnamon capsules taken at your own risk and some people with diabetes take them because studies have shown it regulate blood glucose levels. Cinnamon can be used as a normal spice that can be added to daily normal food by sprinkling it on cereal, tea, coffee, toast, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting cinnamon has these anti-inflammatory properties, but it seems like most people would normally get cinnamon in their diet by eating sweets (like you mentioned at the beginning of the post). We talked about a high fat diet inducing pro-inflammatory processes today in class. This makes me wonder about the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes when eating cinnamon containing sweets. Of course if cinnamon was used by an informed person who was using cinnamon specifically because of its anti-inflammatory properties, they would be more likely to find it in healthier forms.
ReplyDeleteHealing from organic dietary foods is pretty cool. I did some research on cinnamon and cinnamaldehyde consists of a high amount of manganese metal that “acts by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes and reducing the formation of an inflammatory messaging molecule called thromboxane A2.)” (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68).
ReplyDeleteTo answer Jana’s question, in this website, “cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties, causing lower blood sugar levels.” I understand that most cinnamon comes on cinnamon rolls but to find a way to digest this spice without the sugar is truly beneficial.
My mom actually takes cinnamon capsules, not for diabetes or to reduce inflammation but to ease her hot flashes... Do you know if this is actually any sort of remedy for that? I haven't actually looked into it but I believe she had read it somewhere and thus decided to give it a try. Although she could just be falling victim to one of the many not so factual lay articles we have read in class.
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ReplyDeleteApparently cinnamon has many uses; I found an article that says that cinnamon is also antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic. I learned in basic training that if you get injured in the field you can ground cinnamon and place it over the wound to prevent infection. Here is the article:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thehealthysnacksblog.com/2007/11/12/the-top-5-health-benefits-of-cinnamon/
I like cinnamon and i usually have it with my tea or in cinnamon rolls. I consume it because I like it but was excited to know about all these anti-inflammatory properties hidden in it and the benefits from it. And Sergio I looked up the site you provided above and its very interesting. But was wondering how it helps with Type 2 diabetes control blood sugar ?
ReplyDeleteSergio, I can see how cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties could make it useful in promoting a Th2 response against parasitic infections, but if it prevents activation of M1 macrophages, I might assume that this would be detrimental for protection against a bacterial or viral infection at the wound site.
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