logo
Common Household Spice Could Mess With Your Medications

Common Household Spice Could Mess With Your Medications

Newsweek04-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A new study suggested that certain types of cinnamon products could interfere with some medications due to their metabolic impacts.
Researchers from the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at the University of Mississippi illustrated this by testing the absorption of medications following cinnamon intake in a material simulating fasting gastric fluid.
"People who suffer from chronic diseases – like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV, AIDS or depression – should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements," Shabana Khan, a principal scientist in the natural products center, said in the press release, adding "By definition, supplements are not meant to treat, cure or mitigate any disease."
Why It Matters
The common spice is found in many homes, restaurants, and coffee houses and while researchers say having a little of it is harmless, larger quantities could cause potential medication efficacy issues.
It has long been known to have good metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties and thus has been marketed as supplements in different forms, including oils, powder and capsules.
What To Know
The study from the NCNPR says not knowing the source and quantity of cinnamaldehyde in the cinnamon can create dangerous situations, especially for those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and depression.
When taken in large doses, like those which can be found in some supplements, it can lead to a change in how quickly the large intestine can absorb the medicine, and thus, how effective the treatment will be on an individual.
Researchers tested using cinnamaldehyde, the active component that gives the spice its scent and flavor.
They found that the absorption of medications into the simulated gastric fluid was slowed after adding cinnamaldehyde in comparison to the fluid that did not have it added.
While the results aren't definitive, they do point in a direction of danger, leading researchers to caution medication takers and seek further research.
NCNPR Associate Director Amar Chittiboyina said the issues don't extend to all cinnamon products.
He said cinnamon oil doesn't have the same risk of drug interactions as cinnamon bark, which can have a large amount of coumarin, a blood thinner. This is mostly found in Cassia cinnamon from southern China, according to Chittiboyina.
"In contrast, true cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content," he explained in the press release. "Coumarin's anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners."
In this stock image, cinnamon is seen in Berlin on January 20.
In this stock image, cinnamon is seen in Berlin on January 20.What People Are Saying
Bill Gurley, a principal scientist in the Ole Miss center and co-author of the study, said: "We know there's a potential for cinnamaldehyde to activate these receptors that can pose a risk for drug interactions. That's what could happen, but we won't know exactly what will happen until we do a clinical study."
Shabana Khan, a principal scientist in the natural products center, said in the press release: "Health concerns could arise if excessive amounts of supplements are consumed without the knowledge of health care provider or prescriber of the medications. Overconsumption of supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective."
What Happens Next?
Gurley said a clinical study is needed to further study the effects of cinnamaldehyde on patients' medication consumption and efficacy of those medications.
While those studies are not yet completed, researchers say people should talk to their doctor before adding any cinnamon supplements to their diet in addition to medications.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Every Morning Rooster Does One Thing Guaranteed To Send Dog Into 'A Frenzy'
Every Morning Rooster Does One Thing Guaranteed To Send Dog Into 'A Frenzy'

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Every Morning Rooster Does One Thing Guaranteed To Send Dog Into 'A Frenzy'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A rooster in Florida has found the perfect way to troll his owner's dog each and every morning without fail. Footage of Bob the rooster's surefire technique for ensuring Kristin's dog, Scrappy Doo, more than lives up to his name was captured on a Ring camera device, with the video later shared with Newsweek. Kristin, who only gave her first name, lives with Scrappy Doo, Bob and the rest of his chicken flock in Callahan, told Ring: "Every morning, our rooster Bob struts up to the Ring camera to trigger an Alexa alert that sends our dog Scrappy Doo into a frenzy, only to find Bob and his chicken crew menacingly staring through the glass, laughing." Dogs rank among the most naturally friendly animal species, but that wasn't always the case. A rooster has found a unique way to troll his owner's dog. A rooster has found a unique way to troll his owner's dog. Ring In 2017, a study in the journal Science Advances concluded this friendliness may have been a result of genetic changes over an extended period of time. Researchers reached that conclusion following a study comparing the behavior of domestic dogs and grey wolves, which canines evolved from tens of thousands of years ago. The tests centered on problem-solving and sociability, throwing up some interesting results. While the wolves were better at problem solving and an experiment involving the retrieval of sausage pieces from a lunchbox, canines were much friendlier to humans, compared to wolves who were seen as more aloof. DNA tests conducted as part of the study also identified a potential link between genetic changes and improvements in social behavior. But while dogs might be friendly enough, Bob, who is a 2-and-a-half-year-old who is a mix of Polish and Aseel chickens, appears to relish his role as chief antagonizer around the house. "This taunting and harassment has been occurring for over 2 years now," Kristin said. "Bob also encourages our chickens, Karen, Flo, Eunice, and Matilda to participate." Kristin does her best to try and put a stop to the harassment. "I still tell Bob to stop being naughty through the Two-Way Talk feature," she said. Kristin also makes a point of speaking to Bob directly through the camera saying: "Good morning, and to leave Scrappy alone and stop being naughty" Unfortunately for both Scrappy Doo, and Kristin, Bob's behavior shows no signs of abating, which is a shame, given the number of sweet relationships between dogs and feathered friends that have previously been caught on camera. There was the golden retriever filmed enjoying a little playtime with his owner's chickens in what has become a regular occurrence. Then there was the dog who went viral after somehow convincing a rooster and a flock of chickens to come home with him from an outdoor adventure. On a similar note, in July last year a farm dog struck up the most unusual of friendships with a fawn, sparking delight in the process. Given these examples and many more besides. Kristin may not have given up hope of Bob and Scrappy Doo bonding quite yet.

Stray Cat Steals Bread—Refuses To Give It Back in Hilarious Clip
Stray Cat Steals Bread—Refuses To Give It Back in Hilarious Clip

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Stray Cat Steals Bread—Refuses To Give It Back in Hilarious Clip

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A former stray cat was caught stealing bread from his owners' kitchen, but once confronted, he refused to give it back, hanging on to it as if it was his most-prized possession. The hilarious theft was caught on camera and shared on TikTok. In the now-viral clip, shared in May, under the username @carlykfuller, the tuxedo cat, Corbin, from Denver, Colorado, can be seen holding the bread between his paws and his fangs, hanging on to it as his mom tries to take it away with tongs. "Side effects of taking in a stray cat: the demons come out," reads layover text in the clip, as the cat growls at his mom nonstop, managing to snatch a piece of bread while she takes it away form him. "Someone save me from this cat (he's actually a sweet boy until the demons come out)," the poster writes in the caption. While bread itself isn't necessarily toxic or dangerous to cats, it offers no nutritional values, and so they shouldn't really be eating it. Pet MD says that cats are "obligate carnivores," which means that they obtain most of their nutrients for their diet from meats and meat-based products. Because bread has no meat, it is essentially empty calories, which replace the proteins they need. Carbohydrates are also considered unhealthy for cats. Moreover, flavored breads are a major no for pets. Anything that includes sugar, spices, onions, or garlic is toxic to cats and must be avoided. Rough dough, even if plain, is also toxic. Other human foods that cats should never eat include chocolate, raw meat or eggs, nuts, grapes and raising, bones, yeast, milk, alcohol, and citrus among others. You can read the full list of foods that are toxic to felines here. Stock image: A cat on the grass plays with a baguette in its paws. Stock image: A cat on the grass plays with a baguette in its paws. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 472,000 views and more than 51,800 likes on the platform. One user, Christian S, commented: "Are you planning on eating that bread? If not why can't he just have it? Just saying." Shawnna Marie posted: "God forbid the cat wants a roll with dinner." Brooke.m added: "Our youngest cat came from the streets. He's a dumpster goblin. If I don't share bananas with him he'll murder my face. I literally just found my last banana on the floor in the kitchen …" Newsweek reached out to @carlykfuller for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Puppy Started Acting Strange After Walk—Vet's Diagnosis Leaves Owner Horrified
Puppy Started Acting Strange After Walk—Vet's Diagnosis Leaves Owner Horrified

Newsweek

time2 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Puppy Started Acting Strange After Walk—Vet's Diagnosis Leaves Owner Horrified

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pet owners have been left horrified after their puppy began acting strange after a walk, only for his owner to be told he had likely ingested opiates. Daniela, 34, lives in Cincinnati with her 10-month-old Maltipoo, Louis, who, like many dogs of that age, his owner describes as "a vacuum and will eat anything." And while it is possible to puppy-proof your home, and keep a close watch on them to ensure they don't get at anything they are not supposed to, while out in public, it can be much more difficult. Daniela told Newsweek that she and Louis had just returned from a walk when the puppy began acting strange—he was unsteady on his feet, "stumbling, and falling over," she wrote in a post to Reddit's r/DogAdvice. Posting a video of Louis from her account u/sillygoose1415 showing him swaying on the spot, Daniela said she soon had an appointment with the vet, but asked internet users for advice as she was so worried. "We had a regular morning (walk, breakfast, play). He started becoming uneasy on his feet, swaying back and forth, and has stumbled/fallen a few times," Daniela wrote. "He is 'out of it'—zoning out, staring at nothing, and has very little energy. Daniela said: "We live in a downtown metro area. The only thing I can think of was that he could have eaten something he shouldn't have on our morning walk (a cigarette or joint butt, street food, another animal's waste). I've recently seen empty/discarded Narcan in the park in front of our apartment. He is notorious for trying to eat stuff he sees on the street." Reddit users, giving the post close to 4,000 upvotes, were quick to share theories, with some suggesting Louis could have eaten cannabis outside, and another wondering if Louis could be having an epileptic seizure. Others offered no theories, but instead sent well wishes to the owner and her dog ahead of the vet visit. Daniela told Newsweek she noticed Louis acting strange "about 30 to 60 minutes after our morning walk," and at the veterinarian, received devastating news: Louis had likely ingested opiates. "The vet did a urine test on him, [and] mentioned it's the same strip tests they use for humans. "I don't have opiates in the home, the only place he could have ingested anything was at the park in front of our home. We went straight out for a pee and then straight back home." In a comment, Daniela said Louis had vomited and urinated on himself, his eyes were like pinpricks, and his temperature was low. The vet administered Narcan—a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—gave him IV fluids, and kept him for several hours to keep an eye on him. Daniela's dog swaying and unsteady after returning from their walk. Daniela's dog swaying and unsteady after returning from their walk. Reddit u/sillygoose1415 Narcan is a brand name for medication naloxone, which can reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose, including heroin and other opioids, and prescription pills. A nasal spray version also exists, which requires no special training to administer, according to WebMD. Opiates in dogs causes sedation and weakness, shallow breath, low heart rate and loss of consciousness, according to Ohio State University clinical professor and veterinarian Edward Cooper. Narcan should be given to a dog if it has collapsed, lost consciousness or has shallow breathing, or immediately if it is confirmed the dog has ingested opiates. The use of Narcan can reverse opioid effects in dogs within minutes, but the animal should be kept under close watch for several hours. In an update posted the following day, Daniela shared that Louis had perked up following the Narcan—while she herself had gone to the park and found multiple "needles and other drug paraphernalia," with her vet saying this was an "increasing problem for local pets." Daniela said: "The area has been overrun recently with anti-social behavior. Our car was broken into last night, along with about 20 other cars in the local parking garage for our apartment. The local Chinese restaurant and the local corner shop have also been burgled. The police have told me that the good weather brings out crime." In Louis' case, Daniela said in her update post that he was now "home resting," but still appeared "loopy," and would have a follow-up appointment with the vet. "Please watch all your doggos in public parks this summer," she said. "We are gobsmacked this happened to our little guy." She added that, for now, she had ordered Louis a "soft muzzle for walks, until he learns the command 'drop' and 'leave it'."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store