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Ceylon Cinnamon Research
Cinnamon has been studied for decades, particularly in relation to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, antioxidant activity, and other areas of metabolic health.
Not all cinnamon research is the same. Some studies use Ceylon cinnamon, some use Cassia cinnamon, and others simply describe the ingredient as "cinnamon" without clearly identifying the species.
For that reason, we think it is important to separate research on cinnamon in general from research specifically conducted with Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon.
Research on Blood Sugar and Glucose Metabolism
Blood sugar control is one of the most studied areas of cinnamon research.
A 2023 umbrella meta-analysis reviewed 11 previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials involving people with type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome.
The analysis reported statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR, and HbA1c among participants receiving cinnamon supplementation.
The pooled reduction in fasting plasma glucose was approximately 10.93 mg/dL.
This does not mean every person taking cinnamon will experience the same result. The studies included different populations, doses, cinnamon preparations, and treatment periods.
2023 Umbrella Meta-Analysis
Journal: Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
Published: 2023
Included: 11 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Key findings: Cinnamon supplementation was associated with reductions in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c.
PubMed: PMID 37316893
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01057-2
24 Randomized Controlled Trials
A separate systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis published in 2024 evaluated 24 randomized controlled trials involving people with type 2 diabetes.
The researchers reported statistically significant improvements in fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c compared with control groups.
Serum insulin itself was not significantly changed in the pooled analysis.
This is useful evidence for cinnamon as a category, but it is important to understand that the trials did not all use the same cinnamon species or preparation.
2024 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Phytotherapy Research
Published: 2024
Included: 24 randomized controlled trials
Key findings: Significant reductions were reported in fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c compared with control groups.
PubMed: PMID 37818728
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8026
Research Specifically Using Ceylon Cinnamon
One limitation of the broader cinnamon literature is that many studies use Cassia cinnamon or do not clearly identify the cinnamon species.
More recent clinical trials have specifically investigated Cinnamomum zeylanicum, another botanical name commonly used for Ceylon cinnamon.
2025 Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in 2025 studied a standardized Ceylon cinnamon extract in adults.
Participants received 1,000mg per day of Ceylon cinnamon extract or placebo.
The researchers evaluated blood lipids, glucose levels, blood pressure, body measurements, and safety outcomes.
The study is particularly useful because the cinnamon species was specifically identified as Cinnamomum zeylanicum rather than simply being described as cinnamon.
Journal: PLOS One
Published: 2025
Form used: Ceylon cinnamon extract
Dose: 1,000mg per day
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317904
2025 Ceylon Cinnamon Trial in Type 2 Diabetes
Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial specifically evaluated Ceylon cinnamon extract in people with type 2 diabetes.
A total of 210 participants were assigned to receive either 250mg of Ceylon cinnamon extract, 500mg of Ceylon cinnamon extract, or placebo.
After four months, the researchers reported improvements in fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c in the Ceylon cinnamon groups compared with baseline, along with changes in insulin resistance and beta-cell function.
The 500mg group also showed reductions in total and LDL cholesterol.
The researchers concluded that the results were promising but that further research is warranted.
Journal: Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome
Published: 2025
Participants: 210 adults with type 2 diabetes
Study groups: 250mg extract, 500mg extract, or placebo
PubMed: PMID 41412108
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2025.103357
Cinnamon and Cholesterol
Cinnamon has also been studied for possible effects on cholesterol and other markers of cardiovascular health.
A 2023 umbrella meta-analysis reviewed 11 previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials examining blood lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers.
The analysis reported small statistically significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, while triglycerides were not significantly changed.
As with glucose research, the included studies varied in cinnamon type, dose, study population, and duration.
2023 Lipid and Metabolic Health Umbrella Analysis
Journal: Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases
Published: 2023
Included: 11 meta-analyses
PubMed: PMID 37500345
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.03.010
Ceylon Cinnamon and Coumarin
One of the clearest chemical differences between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon is their coumarin content.
Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound found at substantially higher levels in Cassia cinnamon.
A study analyzing authenticated cinnamon samples and cinnamon products sold in the United States found only trace amounts of coumarin in Cinnamomum verum bark, while the Cassia species tested contained substantially higher concentrations.
This difference is one reason the botanical species matters when choosing cinnamon intended for regular consumption.
Coumarin Analysis
Published: 2013
Finding: Authenticated Ceylon cinnamon contained only trace amounts of coumarin, while the tested Cassia species contained substantially higher levels.
PubMed: PMID 23627682
Antioxidant Compounds in Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon contains a range of naturally occurring compounds including cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamic acid, and other plant compounds.
Laboratory studies have demonstrated antioxidant activity in extracts from Cinnamomum verum.
A 2020 scientific review of Ceylon cinnamon summarized research into its phytochemical composition and biological activity, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects.
It is important to distinguish laboratory findings from clinical outcomes. Demonstrating antioxidant activity in a laboratory does not automatically mean that taking a cinnamon supplement will produce the same effect in the human body.
Cinnamomum verum Scientific Review
Journal: Food Chemistry
Published: 2020
PubMed: PMID 32829297
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127773
Why Cinnamon Studies Can Give Different Results
It is normal for cinnamon studies to produce different results.
Several factors can affect the outcome:
the cinnamon species used
whether the study uses powder or an extract
the extraction method
the dose
the length of supplementation
the health of the participants
other medications being used
diet and lifestyle differences
the outcome being measured
This is why a single cinnamon study should not be treated as definitive proof of a health outcome.
Ceylon Cinnamon Research vs Cinnamon Research
A study that simply says "cinnamon" should not automatically be presented as evidence specifically for Ceylon cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, and other cinnamon species have different chemical profiles.
We therefore give greater weight to research that clearly identifies the botanical species when making statements specifically about Ceylon cinnamon.
What the Research Does Not Prove
Scientific research on cinnamon is promising in several areas, but it has limitations.
Current research does not mean that Ceylon cinnamon can replace prescribed medication, medical treatment, a healthy diet, or professional healthcare.
It also does not mean that every Ceylon cinnamon supplement will produce the same effects seen in a clinical trial.
Clinical studies may use different extracts, doses, formulations, and populations than commercially available supplements.
Our Approach to Research
We prefer to show the research and its limitations rather than turn every scientific result into a marketing claim.
When reviewing a study, we look at:
whether the research involved humans
whether it was randomized and controlled
which cinnamon species was used
the type of cinnamon preparation
the amount used
the study duration
the number and type of participants
the measured outcomes
the limitations reported by the researchers
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses can provide a broader view of the evidence, while well-designed randomized controlled trials can provide more specific information about a particular preparation or population.
Research Summary
Current evidence suggests that cinnamon supplementation may influence several markers related to glucose metabolism, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance.
Research specifically using Ceylon cinnamon is smaller than the overall cinnamon literature, but recent randomized controlled trials have added useful Ceylon-specific evidence.
Ceylon cinnamon is also clearly different from Cassia cinnamon in its coumarin content, which is an important consideration when comparing cinnamon species.
Research continues to develop, and future studies should help clarify which preparations, doses, and populations are most relevant.
Important Information
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only.
Ceylon cinnamon is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medication or medical care.
If you have diabetes or another medical condition, take blood glucose lowering medication, take blood thinners, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have concerns about using cinnamon supplements, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before use.