Cinnamon and Reduced Blood Glucose Levels

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 review-level studies, all reported beneficial moderate-sized effects of cinnamon on reducing blood glucose levels, with 3 of 3 showing statistically significant findings. The evidence draws from reviews covering multiple clinical trials, but no specific dose or form was consistently reported. The aggregate findings are positive but preliminary given the limited number of reviews available.

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). No specific dose or form data could be extracted, limiting practical applicability.

Generated Jun 12, 2026

3 of 3 papers

A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.
- 2023-11-22
- Review · n = 1,738
- Nutrients 15(23)
- - Marion Mackonochie
  - Ana Rodriguez-Mateos
  - Simon Mills
  - Vivien Rolfe
- PubMed: 38068725
- DOI: 10.3390/nu15234867
3 Insights on
- Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
- High evidence
- Rigorous Journal
Cinnamon, fenugreek and ginger were the herbs/spices with the most published trials on them and that showed promise for glycaemic control.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Dose
culinary doses
Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review.
- 2023-03-30
- Review
- Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) 16(4)
- - Marisol Cortez-Navarrete
  - Karina G Pérez-Rubio
  - Miriam de J Escobedo-Gutiérrez
- PubMed: 37111272
- DOI: 10.3390/ph16040515
1 Insight on
- Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
- Low evidence
Among these, fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have demonstrated different degrees of hypoglycemic activity in clinical studies and animal models.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Complementary and alternative medicine for glycemic control of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.
- 2022-07-08
- Review
- Journal of public health research 11(3)
- - Erni Setiyorini
  - Mochammad Bagus Qomaruddin
  - Sony Wibisono
  - Titik Juwariah
  - Anggi Setyowati
  - Ning Arti Wulandari
  - Yeni Kartika Sari
  - Levi Tina Sari
- PubMed: 35911428
- DOI: 10.1177/22799036221106582
1 Insight on
- Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
- Low evidence
The results of a systematic review showed the effectiveness of natural products as CAM for glycemic control of DM, namely Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, fenugreek seed, bitter melon, cinnamon or whortleberry supplements, a combination of herbal plants (C. spinosa, R. canina, and S. securigera), Nigella sativa, Mulberry juice, chicory, chamomile tea, and bell pepper juice combined with an integrated approach of yoga therapy.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes

Cinnamon and Reduced Blood Glucose Levels

A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.

Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review.

Complementary and alternative medicine for glycemic control of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.