In the last decade, in vitro studies revealed that water-extracted cinnamon might help support healthy blood sugar levels by improving the effectiveness of insulin action. An animal study showed that cinnamon extract activates insulin and glucose transport, enhancing glucose utilization. Another study evaluated the possible effects on insulin function with 49 herb, spice and medicinal plant extracts. Cinnamon was found to be the most bioactive of the herbs, which suggests a possible role in improving glucose and insulin metabolism. A 40-day human study with 60 people, given 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon daily, found that all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18-29%), triglycerides (23-30%), LDL cholesterol (7-27%), and total cholesterol (12-26%) levels. The most significant results were found with 3 grams of whole cinnamon bark, the equivalent amount provided daily in Planetary Formulas FULL SPECTRUM™ CINNAMON EXTRACT. In addition to improving cellular glucose metabolism, cinnamon may provide other benefits through its antioxidant activity. Cinnamon contains flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants and may be synergistic with vitamins and trace elements. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that water-soluble polyphenolic polymers in cinnamon may function as antioxidants, potentiate insulin action, and may be beneficial in the control of glucose intolerance.
