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Cassia cinnamon supplements can sweep prescription drugs out of the human body too rapidly and make common medications significantly less effective, according to laboratory findings published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences by researchers at the University of Mississippi. While people have used herbs and spices for thousands of years to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and support healthy blood sugar levels, scientists warn that concentrated spice components can trigger unintended herb-drug interactions.
How University of Mississippi Researchers Tested Cinnamon Interactions
To evaluate bioaccessibility and metabolism, researchers simulated an intestinal environment in a laboratory using stomach acid, liver and intestinal cells, and digestive enzymes, according to the study. The team tested cinnamon components—including cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamic acid—across both fasting and fed states to account for changing digestive conditions. According to the study results, cinnamaldehyde moderately activated xenobiotic receptors, which are specialized receptors in the body that sense and respond to foreign chemicals.
“Overconsumption of [cinnamon] supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective,” Shabana Khan, Ph.D., one of the study’s authors, said in a press release. Bill Gurley, Ph.D., another one of the researchers, noted in the press release that while the work demonstrates a potential for cinnamaldehyde to activate these receptors that can pose a risk for drug interactions, verifying the exact clinical outcome requires a clinical study [on humans].
Cassia Cinnamon Versus Ceylon Cinnamon Risks
Real-world risk depends heavily on the specific type and form of cinnamon consumed. According to the researchers, cinnamon oil used as a flavoring poses almost no risk of herb-drug interactions, and Ceylon cinnamon—sometimes called “true cinnamon” and originating from Sri Lanka—does not have the same effects. However, cassia cinnamon, which is cheaper, has a stronger cinnamon flavor, and is the type most commonly sold in the U.S. after originating in Asia, requires caution in large amounts.
Pro Tip: Patients taking anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin face heightened dangers because cassia cinnamon contains elevated levels of coumarin, a natural blood-thinning compound that can intensify these drug effects. Experts recommend checking product labels for the word “Ceylon” or keeping cassia consumption to under 1 teaspoon per day.
Medical professionals advise individuals managing chronic conditions—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV, AIDS or depression—to consult a doctor prior to utilizing cassia cinnamon supplements or consuming heavy amounts in their diet. Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, senior nutrition editor, clarifies that moderate culinary use remains generally safe. “You don’t need to completely avoid using cinnamon in your meals if you’re on medications,” Ball explains, while emphasizing that investigation into cinnamon’s impact on drug absorption primarily focused on cinnamon oils or cinnamaldehyde concentrations far exceeding standard dietary spice amounts.
Broader Supplement Risks Highlighted by Cleveland Clinic
The cinnamon findings align with broader clinical concerns regarding dietary supplements and prescription drug safety. Dr. Michael Roizen, the chief wellness officer for the Cleveland Clinic, reported that patients frequently take uncoordinated combinations of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that alter pharmaceutical efficacy. According to Roizen, taking calcium or iron supplements alongside thyroid drugs significantly reduces drug effectiveness, while the combination of estrogen and St. Johns Wort so greatly accelerates the enzymatic breakdown of estrogen that individuals relying on birth control pills experienced unintended pregnancies.
Conversely, certain supplements provide necessary nutritional support when paired with specific drugs, such as adding some extra vitamin D for patients taking a protein pump inhibitor, adding Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) for statin patients, or taking a probiotic alongside antibiotics to manage gut bacteria changes, Roizen explains. To catch these interactions, Roizen advises patients to tell not only your doctor, but also your pharmacist, noting that professional pharmacy databases are more inclusive than what consumers might find on an internet search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ordinary cooking with cinnamon interfere with prescription drugs?
According to nutrition experts, normal culinary use of cinnamon poses a very low risk. Laboratory trials demonstrating how quickly drugs clear the system relied on cinnamon oils or cinnamaldehyde levels substantially higher than typical food flavoring amounts.
What is the difference between cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon?
Cassia cinnamon is cheaper, has a stronger cinnamon flavor, and has a higher amount of coumarin. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon”, originates from Sri Lanka, has lower coumarin levels, and does not have the same effects.
Should I stop taking cinnamon supplements if I have a chronic condition?
Individuals dealing with chronic health issues—including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, HIV, AIDS or depression—are advised by researchers to consult a healthcare provider before using cassia cinnamon supplements or incorporating heavy amounts into their regular diet.
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