Latest news with #ShabanaKhan
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- 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.'
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.
Jordan News
30-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Warning: Popular Spice May Interfere with Medications and Harm Your Health - Jordan News
In a surprising twist for lovers of Eastern flavors, a new scientific study from the University of Mississippi has revealed that cinnamon, widely praised for its health benefits, may negatively affect the effectiveness of certain prescribed medications. اضافة اعلان According to researchers, cinnamaldehyde—the main compound in cinnamon—can activate receptors in the body that speed up the breakdown of medications, reducing their therapeutic impact. A Little Is Fine—But Caution Is Key While small amounts of cinnamon—like a sprinkle on your coffee—aren't considered dangerous, the study warns against high doses, especially when taken as dietary supplements without medical supervision, as reported by the New York Post. 'Overuse of cinnamon supplements can push the body to metabolize medications too quickly, reducing their therapeutic benefit significantly,' said Dr. Shabana Khan, lead researcher of the study. Cassia vs. True Cinnamon Not all cinnamon is the same. Cinnamon oil, used in flavorings and personal care, poses little risk. Cassia cinnamon—the common, cheaper type sold in stores—contains coumarin, a compound known to thin the blood and potentially dangerous in large quantities. 'True cinnamon from Sri Lanka is safer, as it contains much lower levels of coumarin,' said Dr. Amir Chitepalli, Deputy Director of the National Center for Natural Products Research. 'It's a better option for people taking blood thinners.' Special Warning for People with Chronic Conditions The study recommends extra caution for individuals with chronic illnesses such as: Diabetes Hypertension Obesity Cancer Asthma Depression 'The best advice is to consult your doctor before combining any supplement with medications,' Dr. Khan emphasized. 'Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe.' Final Takeaway While cinnamon still holds valuable health benefits when consumed in moderation, this study highlights the importance of medical awareness and caution even with the most common natural ingredients.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Health
- 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.'
