Effect of Aqueous Cinnamon Extract on the Postprandial Glycemia Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Cinnamon is a spice used in traditional cuisine that has been investigated due to hypoglycemic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous cinnamon extract on postprandial glycemia levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) adults. This clinical trial enrolled 36 adults with DM2, randomly allocated in two groups: the control group (n = 18) took only an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the intervention group (n = 18) took OGTT immediately followed by aqueous cinnamon extract (6 g/100 mL) ingestion. Blood glucose levels were measured on fasting and after 30, 60, 90 and 120 min in both groups. The chemical analysis of the aqueous cinnamon extract included total phenols content determination and antioxidant activity assessment through FRAP and DPPH methods. The data reveal that aqueous cinnamon extract ingestion did not show a significant difference in the incremental area under the curve (p = 0.834), maximum glucose concentration (p = 0.527) and glucose concentration variation (p = 0.873) compared with the control group. Cinnamon extract possess a total phenol content of 1554.9 mg/L gallic acid equivalent and a strong antioxidant capacity, revealed by the DPPH (5125.0 µmol Trolox/L) and FRAP (3658.8 µmol Trolox/L) tests. Aqueous cinnamon extract did not significantly influence postprandial glucose response in diabetic patients during an OGTT.

Cinnamon as a Complementary Therapeutic Approach for Dysglycemia and Dyslipidemia Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Molecular Mechanism of Action: A Review

“…The main compounds identified in cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, procyanidin type-A polymers, cinnamic acid, and coumarin. The polyphenol-rich cinnamon has been demonstrated to be a potential source of natural antioxidants, exhibiting strong free radical scavenging properties in vitro, which may contribute to protecting against oxidative stress [27].…”

“…During an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the ingestion of Cinnamomun burmanni aqueous extract did not significantly influence postprandial glycemia [27]. Table 1 summarizes the effects of cinnamon on glycemia and lipid profile in T2DM and impaired glycemia subjects.…”

Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease

“…Diabetes is one of the leading causes of CKD, manifesting as diabetic kidney disease. Several studies ( Table 3 ) [ 51 , 55 – 78 ] have proposed that cinnamon therapy can improve insulin action and glucose metabolism, with procyanidin type-A polymers and cinnamaldehyde being the primary components associated with the antidiabetic effects [ 79 ].…”

Role of natural products and intestinal flora on type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment

“…In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the potential of pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx) to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress in T2DM patients, PoPEx administration for 8 wk had beneficial effects on the inflammatory status and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic patients. In addition, the PoPEx group had a substantial improvement in lipid profile[ 28 ].…”