Cinnamon and Reduced Blood Glucose Levels

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, all 4 reported beneficial effects on reducing blood glucose levels, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The most robust evidence comes from a 2023 scoping review (n=1738) showing moderate promise for glycemic control with culinary doses. Limited evidence also supports benefit in clinical populations such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Studied populations: subjects with PCOS

Caveats: 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). Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated Jul 5, 2026

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReported
The results showed that increased high-density lipoprotein and insulin sensitivity were increased by the cinnamon supplementation while low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and blood glucose were decreased in patients with PCOS.
from: Mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effects of cinnamon in polycystic ovary syndr

4 of 4 papersPopulation:

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
Mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effects of cinnamon in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.
- 2021-10-09
- Systematic Review
- Journal of ovarian research 14(1)
- - Vahid Maleki
  - Amir Hossein Faghfouri
  - Fatemeh Pourteymour Fard Tabrizi
  - Jalal Moludi
  - Sevda Saleh-Ghadimi
  - Hamed Jafari-Vayghan
  - Shaimaa A Qaisar
- PubMed: 34627352
- DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00870-5
8 Insights on
- Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
- High evidence
- Clinical
low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and blood glucose were decreased in patients with PCOS
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes
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.

Mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effects of cinnamon in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.

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.