Effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) supplementation on serum C-reactive protein concentrations: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

What this study found

Cinnamon supplementation was associated with a modest reduction in serum CRP versus controls. The pooled random-effects estimate showed WMD -0.81 mg/L (95% CI -1.36 to -0.26; p = 0.004), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 79%). Reductions were more apparent in studies lasting > 12 weeks (WMD -0.42 mg/L, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.20; p = 0.0002; I2 = 0%) and in participants with baseline CRP > 3 mg/dL. No adverse effects were observed, but the evidence remains limited by a small number of trials and heterogeneity.

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials in 285 adults with chronic inflammatory or metabolic conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity or pre-diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy adults.

Intervention

Oral cinnamon supplementation was evaluated across 6 randomized controlled trials, using capsules, sticks, or extracts.

Key limitation

The evidence base was small, with only 6 trials and 285 participants.

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