Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and other disorders. Control of glycemia can be a key modulator that reduces the risk of these disorders. A number of animal studies have been performed to assess the effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum syn. C. cassia) on glycemic control. In addition, it has been used for this purpose in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The putative active ingredient is cinnamaldehyde; however, its mechanism of action regarding lowering glycemia is not clear but may involve increasing serum insulin levels, hepatic glycogen storage, improving insulin-receptor signaling, an insulinomimetic effect, or a reduction in intestinal alpha-glucosidase activity. This meta-analysis, conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, sought to evaluate the effects of cinnamon on glycemic control in humans.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 23:53:57 +0000