Cinnamon and the heart: simple spice or health ally?

By Ana Espino | Published on December 18, 2025 | 3 min read


Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, largely driven by metabolic risk factors such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and overweight. Although pharmacological treatments are well established, they may be associated with side effects or poor tolerance, particularly in patients with chronic conditions or those receiving multiple medications.  
 
In this context, interest in complementary, natural, and low-cost approaches is increasing. Cinnamon, used for centuries in traditional medicine, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects in preclinical studies. However, clinical evidence has remained fragmented, with sometimes contradictory results depending on populations, doses, or formulations used (extracts, powder, oils).  

This study was initiated to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical relevance of cinnamon supplementation on major cardiovascular risk factors in adults.    

Can cinnamon improve your cardiovascular markers?  

Thirty-five randomized controlled trials, including 2,240 adult participants, were selected. The included studies compared cinnamon supplementation with placebo or no intervention, over durations ranging from 4 to 16 weeks, and across diverse settings (patients with diabetes, obesity, or overweight). Cinnamon was administered in various forms (capsules, powder, aqueous or alcoholic extracts), with doses generally ranging from 1 to 6 g/day.  

The results show a significant improvement in several metabolic parameters among supplemented subjects. Cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. In contrast, no notable effect was observed on HDL cholesterol or on systolic or diastolic blood pressure. These effects were generally more pronounced in patients with type 2 diabetes or those with metabolic syndrome, particularly when supplementation exceeded 8 weeks.    

A small natural boost, but under certain conditions  

Cardiovascular diseases represent a major public health challenge and are closely linked to metabolic imbalances such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and overweight. Given the limitations of some pharmacological treatments, integrating complementary nutritional approaches, such as cinnamon supplementation, is attracting growing interest.  

This study aimed to rigorously assess its effectiveness on the main cardiovascular risk factors in adults. The findings demonstrate a significant improvement in several metabolic parameters, particularly glycemic and lipid markers, thereby reinforcing the therapeutic potential of cinnamon within a comprehensive prevention strategy.  

However, limitations remain and justify further research. Future studies should include more homogeneous and larger-scale clinical trials conducted over longer durations, with standardized formulations, dosages, and outcome measures. It will also be essential to explore long-term safety, precise mechanisms of action, and the identification of patient profiles most likely to benefit from this intervention.  

Read next: Cinnamon: more than just a spice?