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Fox News
12-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Common household spice may interfere with medicines, study suggests
Cinnamon is a popular spice used in food and drinks. It's also used as a supplement for its claims of helping to reduce inflammation and manage blood sugar and cardiovascular health. Despite its flavorful and potential health benefits, a recent study suggested cinnamon may pose a health risk in some individuals taking certain medications, according to a report in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. "Controlled ingestion of cinnamon-containing foods or supplements may have beneficial effects, but overconsumption could induce PXR (pregnane X receptor) or AhR-dependent (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) herb-drug interactions, which can bring deleterious effects on human health, particularly in individuals with chronic health conditions," University of Mississippi researchers said in the study. The main component of cinnamon – called cinnamaldehyde – activates receptors in the body that metabolize medication, the authors said. But consuming it in large quantities may reduce the effectiveness of some medicines. "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," said Shabana Khan, one of the study authors from the National Center for Natural Products Research in Mississippi. The health risk may depend on the type of cinnamon ingested. Cinnamon bark, especially cassia cinnamon, contains a high level of a blood thinner called coumarin, the report said. "Coumarin's anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners," said Amar Chittiboyina, the center's associate director and one of the study authors. "In contrast, true cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content." Elaena Quattrocchi, a pharmacist and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Long Island University in New York, told Fox News Digital that "consuming half to 1 teaspoon of cassia cinnamon powder or 2.5 teaspoons of eylon cinnamon daily is considered safe for most adults." But Quattrocchi, who was not affiliated with the study, warned that coumarin can cause liver damage with excessive use. People with pre-existing liver conditions should speak with their healthcare providers before consuming cinnamon. Cinnamon oil, used in food and drinks and topically as an antifungal or antibacterial, presents almost "no risk of herb-drug interactions," Chittiboyina said, according to the report. Individuals with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, obesity or depression "should be cautious when using cinnamon or any other supplements," said Khan. Although sprinkling cinnamon on your coffee is "unlikely to cause an issue, using highly concentrated cinnamon as a dietary supplement might," the study said. Researchers acknowledged that more analysis is needed to investigate herb-drug interactions with cinnamon and its role in the human body. For more Lifestyle articles, visit "We know there's a potential for cinnamaldehyde to activate these receptors that can pose a risk for drug interactions … but we won't know exactly what will happen until we do a clinical study," co-author Bill Gurley said in the release. Khan said before using any supplements with prescribed medication, people should talk to their healthcare providers.
Newsweek
04-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Common Household Spice Could Mess With Your Medications
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 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.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Health
- 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.
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning as popular kitchen cupboard ingredient could make common life-saving drugs ‘less effective'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Certain foods can interact with prescription medications Credit: Getty 2 Consuming high concentrations of cinnamon may make medicines less effective Credit: Getty 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."
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
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.'
