Common kitchen spice could interfere with arthritis and diabetes medications
One popular spice has been found by scientists to interfere with how well prescription drugs work in our bodies. And you've probably got it in your kitchen cupboard right now. The recent study was published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, and was conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi. It found that a compound in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde could potentially reduce the effects of prescription drugs for chronic conditions including arthritis and diabetes. The compound interferes with medication by activating receptors that control the metabolic clearance of drugs from the body. In other words, consuming large amounts of cinnamon could potentially reduce how well the drugs work, the study from the National Centre for Natural Products Research suggested. Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most commonly used spices in the world, known for its warm, sweet flavour that can add a tasty kick to both sweet and savoury meals. Aside from its use in food, cinnamon has a long history of being used in traditional medicine, and has been known to help manage blood sugar and heart health, as well as reduce inflammation. But how the spice actually functions in the body is largely unknown. Scientists have suggested that sprinkling cinnamon on your morning coffee is unlikely to interfere with medication, but using highly concentrated cinnamon as a dietary supplement might. Cinnamon supplements are often promoted for their potential to manage blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce bad cholesterol. But researchers recommend taking caution before taking them. Shabana Khan, a principal scientist in the centre said: ' Health concerns could arise if excessive amounts of supplements are consumed without the knowledge of a 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.' But not all forms of cinnamon will gave the same effects. Cinnamon oil is commonly used as an antifungal or antibacterial, as well as a flavouring agent in food and drinks. It was found to present almost no risk of herb-drug interactions, said Amar Chittiboyina, the centre's associate director. However, cinnamon bark, particularly Cassia cinnamon, which is a cheaper variety of cinnamon that originates in southern China, contains high levels of the compound coumarin, a blood thinner that the experts say could be dangerous for individuals already on blood thinning medication. Ground Cassia cinnamon bark is the form of the spice that's usually found in supermarkets. In contrast, cinnamon from Sri Lanka was thought to carry a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content. Until more clinical studies are complete, the researchers recommend anyone interested in using cinnamon as a dietary supplement to check with their doctor first. Khan conlcuded: '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.'
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Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Expert issues warning over deadly risk of three popular spices - millions could be at risk
Three popular household spices used in everything from cakes to curries may make life-saving drugs useless, a medicines expert has warned. Cinnamon, turmeric and ginger—said to naturally reduce inflammation and boost the immune system—can affect how the body metabolises a range of drugs, including those used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and common infections. A recent study found that the main compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, which gives the spice its unique smell and taste, also activates receptors that trigger the body to process drugs much more rapidly, reducing their effectiveness. While people who sprinkle cinnamon on their porridge should be safe, people who take cinnamon supplements could be at risk. 'Overconsumption could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective', scientist Shabana Khan explained. Studies have shown that for some medications, such as blood thinners, therapid metabolism spurred by cinnamon can exacebate the drug's effect. In the case of aspirin and warfarin, this means a risk of potentially deadly bleeding, according to Professor Dipa Kamdar, a pharmacist from Kingston University. Experts now say the type of cinnamon matters too. 'True' cinnamon, a more expensive version of the spice originating from Sri Lanka, has been linked to a range of health benefits: it's rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, helps regulate blood sugar levels and has even been found to lower the risk of heart disease, according to Dr Kamdar. Cinnamon bark, however, which is usually found in supermarkets, contains high levels of coumarin, which can cause liver damage in high doses. Research also suggests that cinnamon could interact with other medications, like statins and antidepressants, making them more potent or less effective. Another household staple with adverse side effects is turmeric, which has previously been linked with liver failure. Turmeric has long been lauded for its anti-inflammatory properties, found in everything from immune boosting shots to curries. 'There's evidence that curcumin [the active incredient in turmeric] can affect how some drugs are metabolised by interfering with liver enzymes [that process drugs],' Prof Kamdar explained. Curcumin is a compound that naturally occurs in turmeric, giving it its bright yellow colour. Experts warn that taking multiple supplements at one time carries potential dangers due to unknown interactions that can make prescription drugs more potent or less effective Prof Kamdar continued: 'This means it could potentially interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics.' In extreme cases, high doses of curcumin taken with black pepper—which helps the body absorb the spice—have been linked to severe liver damage. Prof Kamdar also speculated that, because turmeric has been found to lower blood sugar levels in animals, it could have the same effect in humans. 'This means it could increase the effects of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin. 'Additionally, turmeric has been shown to reduce blood pressure, which when combined with blood pressure medications could cause an excessive drop', the pharmacist explained. However, she stressed: 'As with cinnamon, these effects are most often linked to high dose supplements, not the small amounts used in food.' Ginger is another common spice lauded for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. But, Prof Kamdar warns, its active compounds could interfere with the body's ability to process medication. Some studies suggest high doses of ginger may lower blood sugar, potentially increasing the impact of diabetes medication, risking deadly hypoglycemia. Ginger can also act as a mild blood thinner, Dr Kamdar added. She said: 'If you're taking medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or chemotherapy drugs, it's worth having a quick chat with your doctors or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplements.' 'But for most people, using spices in typical culinary amounts is safe. So go ahead: sprinkle, pinch, or dash—just be mindful of what's in your medicine cabinet—and be wary of taking any herbal supplement in high doses.'
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Doctors issue urgent warning over common condiment that could makes life-saving drugs 'less effective'
A common spice found in everything from coffee to soup may reduce the effectiveness of life-saving drugs, a study warns. Researchers found the main compound in cinnamon interferes with the body's process of clearing drugs from its system. The compound, cinnamaldehyde, gives cinnamon its unique taste and smell. It also activates receptors that cause the body to process drugs much more rapidly, possibly reducing the effectiveness of medications. People who sprinkle cinnamon on their oatmeal in the morning or into a festive beverage should be safe, researchers said. But people who take cinnamon supplements, which contain higher concentrations of the compound found in cinnamon bark, could be at risk. Principal scientist Shabana Khan said: 'Overconsumption... could lead to a rapid clearance of the prescription medicine from the body, and that could result in making the medicine less effective.' Cinnamon is already known to interact with at least 47 drugs, including blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin — where it raises the risk of bleeding. But now, scientists suggest the spice could affect a much wider array of drugs, although they said further tests were needed. Many people in both the UK and US take cinnamon supplements, which are lauded for their alleged ability to reduce blood pressure and prevent blood sugar spikes. The spice has also been revered by homeopathic enthusiasts for centuries because of its medicinal properties. But, Professor Khan warned, very few studies have been able to pinpoint the effects of cinnamon's primary component, cinnamaldehyde. She said: 'Understanding its bio-accessibility, metabolism and interaction with xenobiotic receptors was important to evaluate how excess intake of cinnamon would affect the prescription drugs if taken at the same time.' Scientists believe cinnamaldehyde - which is found in the oils of the dried plant - is responsible for much of the spice's health benefits. Cinnamon is also high in antioxidants, and has also been linked to reducing triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar, according to studies reviewed by Healthline. Longevity expert Dr Michael Aziz wrote in his book that cinnamon was one of the 'superstar' spices in his longevity routine. He believes it may reduce the risk of someone developing Alzheimer's disease - pointing to lab studies showing cinnamon could prevent the formation of tau proteins, which form clumps in the brain. There is little evidence to support this claim, however, and scientists say more research is needed. It is the spice's cinnamaldehyde that poses a risk to your daily medication regime as it can activate receptors in the body that break down certain drugs, researchers found. But the team noted not all cinnamon is created equal. Cinnamon oil — which typically is used in cooking and hygiene products — poses no risk, but cinnamon bark — which is usually found on spice shelves in grocery stores — does. The team found cinnamon bark also contains high levels of coumarin, a blood thinner. This could cause problems for people who are already on blood thinning medications, known as anticoagulants. Conversely, cinnamon oil - which is typically used for its antibacterial properties - poses almost no risk at all. Whilst more research needs to be done to fully understand the role that cinnamon plays in the body, Professor Kahn urged people who suffer from chronic diseases to proceed with caution. She said: '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. 'Our best advice is to talk to a health care provider before using any supplements along with the prescription medicine. By definition, supplements are not meant to treat, cure or mitigate any disease.'
The Sun
28-04-2025
- The Sun
Warning as popular kitchen cupboard ingredient could make common life-saving drugs ‘less effective'
A POPULAR spice could be meddling with how your body processes prescription drugs, scientists have warned. People with chronic health conditions have been urged to "be cautious" when using cinnamon, as the popular kitchen ingredient could make certain medicines"less effective". 2 Researchers at the University of Mississippi investigated how cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon's main active compound, behaves in the body. Their findings suggest while the spice is safe in small doses, higher concentrations could affect how some medicines are processed. The study demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde can activate receptors that may accelerate the breakdown of certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. 'Health concerns could arise if excessive amounts of supplements are consumed without the knowledge of health care provider or prescriber of the medications,' said Shabana Khan, a principal scientist involved in the study. '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.' The study found cinnamon oil poses almost no risk of drug interactions. But cinnamon bark, particularly Cassia cinnamon that's found in supermarkets as ground cinnamon, contains high levels of coumarin - a blood thinner. "In contrast, true cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content," said Amar Chittiboyina, an associate director at the university. "Coumarin's anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners." Billy Gurley, a principle scientist at the university and co-author of the study, said more research is needed to fully understand how cinnamon might interact with certain drugs. How to save money when buying medicine "We know there's a potential for cinnamaldehyde to activate these receptors that can pose a risk for drug interactions," he said. "That's what could happen, but we won't know exactly what will happen until we do a clinical study." Cinnamon has been linked to several potential health benefits, including managing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, protecting against heart disease, and potentially improving memory. Those interested in using it as a dietary supplement should check with their doctor first. "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," Khan said. "Our best advice is to talk to a health care provider before using any supplements along with the prescription medicine." CERTAIN foods can interact with medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing side effects. Common examples include grapefruit, leafy green vegetables, and certain dairy products. It's important to be aware of potential interactions and consult with a doctor or pharmacist for guidance. Here are some key food interactions: Grapefruit Grapefruit and its juice can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of many medications, including statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and some blood pressure medications. Leafy green vegetables Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamin K, which can affect the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin). Dairy products Dairy products, especially those high in calcium, can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin) and some iron supplements. Alcohol Alcohol can interact with many medications, potentially enhancing their effects (like drowsiness) or reducing them.
