Cinnamon helps improve lipid profile

The polyphenol-rich spice cinnamon has the potential to modulate imbalances in lipid profile for certain individuals with metabolic disorders, particularly those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to the results of an umbrella meta-analysis.

Researchers searched multiple online databases for meta-analyses in which the effects of cinnamon on markers of cardiometabolic health (lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammation) were examined. A total of 11 meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria and were included.

Pooled data showed that intake of cinnamon produced significant reductions in total cholesterol (weighted mean difference [WMD], –1.01 mg/dl, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], –2.02 to –0.00; p=0.049) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (WMD, –0.82 mg/dl, 95 percent CI, –1.57 to –0.07; p=0.032) but not triglyceride (WMD, –0.13 mg/dl, 95 percent CI, –0.58 to 0.32; p=0.570).

Cinnamon intake was also associated with significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD, 0.47 mg/dl, 95 percent CI, 0.17–0.77; p=0.002).

Results were not significant for malondialdehyde levels (WMD, –0.47, 95 percent CI, –0.99 to 0.05; p=0.078) and C-reactive protein (WMD, –1.33, 95 percent CI, –2.66 to 0.00; p=0.051).

Of note, cinnamon significantly improved total antioxidant capacity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and PCOS (WMD, 0.34, 95 percent CI, 0.04–0.64; p=0.026). There was also a remarkable effect on interleukin-6 (WMD, –1.48, 95 percent CI, –2.96 to –0.01; p=0.049).

The findings support the usefulness of cinnamon in modulating imbalanced lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, and interleukin-6.