Cinnamon- a promising spice with nutraceutcal properties
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Cinnamon- a promising spice with nutraceutcal properties
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
K. R. Anilakumar and S. Naveen
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Cinnamon- a promising spice with nutraceutcal properties
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201611-7259
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cinnamon, derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, is one of the oldest known spices and has a wide range of gastronomic and medicinal applications. It has been revered in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, for its health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties. Research has expanded to investigate the bioactive compounds within cinnamon that contribute to its pharmacological effects, fostering an understanding of its roles in various health conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes, neuroinflammation, and as a potential alternative in poultry diets for enhancing growth and immune responses.
Anti-Diabetic Properties
Cinnamon exhibits compelling anti-diabetic effects, characterized by its ability to potentiate the insulin effect and enhance glucose uptake in cells. Studies have shown that the administration of cinnamon extracts can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in both clinical and animal models. Notably, in controlled trials with type 2 diabetes patients, cinnamon supplementation led to meaningful reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels. These findings suggest that cinnamon’s active components, particularly procyanidin oligomers, play a pivotal role in managing blood glucose levels, thereby highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in diabetes management.
Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Recent research has uncovered the neuroprotective properties of cinnamon, especially against neuroinflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Cinnamon extract has been shown to inhibit the activation of microglia—immune cells in the brain—thereby reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Among its constituents, cinnamaldehyde was identified as the most effective compound for these anti-neuroinflammatory effects. This suggests that cinnamon not only serves as a culinary spice but could also offer therapeutic benefits in conditions characterized by inflammation and neurodegeneration, pointing to its potential in future therapeutic applications.
Radioprotective Properties
Another significant aspect of cinnamon's profile is its radioprotective effects. Studies involving irradiated rats have demonstrated that cinnamon extract protects liver antioxidant systems against oxidative stress inflicted by radiation. Key enzymes and antioxidant markers showed significant improvement in animals treated with cinnamon, indicating its capability to mitigate radiation-induced damage. This protective action could have implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting the adverse effects of radiation in clinical settings, providing another avenue for cinnamon's application in health.
Conclusion
Cinnamon stands out as a multifaceted spice with diverse therapeutical properties supported by scientific investigation. Its active compounds have showcased significant anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and radioprotective effects, promoting its status as a functional food. While evidence continues to grow regarding cinnamon's health benefits, further research is necessary to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and establish optimal dosages for various health conditions. As exploration into its nutraceutical properties expands, cinnamon may become increasingly integral in dietary recommendations and therapeutic interventions for a variety of ailments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the health benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. It may improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose levels, and provide protection against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
How does cinnamon affect blood glucose levels?
Cinnamon enhances glucose uptake in adipocytes and skeletal muscles, mimicking insulin's effects. Studies show it can significantly reduce postprandial blood glucose and improve glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes patients.
Can cinnamon be used to treat any diseases?
Cinnamon has potential therapeutic effects against neurodegenerative diseases and tumors, according to research. Its components, especially cinnamaldehyde, exhibit anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
What is the phytochemical profile of cinnamon?
Cinnamon contains various phenolic compounds like catechin and gallic acid. Its major active ingredients include cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and procyanidin oligomers, contributing to its health benefits.
Is cinnamon safe for regular consumption?
Cinnamon is generally safe for consumption. However, high doses, especially of Cassia cinnamon containing coumarin, should be limited due to potential health risks. Always consult a healthcare provider.
How can cinnamon be incorporated into the diet?
Cinnamon can be added to various foods such as smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, and beverages like tea or coffee. It can also be used as a seasoning in savory dishes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cinnamon- a promising spice with nutraceutcal properties”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum. Known for its distinct flavor and aroma, cinnamon has been utilized in various cultures both for culinary and medicinal purposes. It possesses numerous health benefits, particularly in anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
2) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in the body's circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste products. In the context of cinnamon, studies indicate that certain compounds in cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels and improve metabolic health, making it relevant in managing diabetes and related ailments.
3) Study (Studying):
Research studies are systematic investigations designed to collect data and analyze phenomena. The studies cited in the text explore various properties of cinnamon, including its effectiveness as an antidiabetic agent and its implications for health in both experimental settings and clinical trials, providing insight into its potential benefits.
4) Food:
Food encompasses any substance consumed for nutritional support. Cinnamon is integrated into many culinary dishes worldwide and is valued not only for its flavor but also for its health-promoting properties. Its incorporation as a functional food could enhance dietary practices aimed at preventing chronic diseases.
5) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological actions predominantly resulting from the interaction of substances within biological systems. In the context of cinnamon, its bioactive components demonstrate various activities such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which contribute to health benefits and potential therapeutic applications in managing various health conditions.
6) Diet:
Diet encompasses the total food and drink consumed by an individual, playing a significant role in health and well-being. Incorporating cinnamon into a diet may offer advantages like improved blood sugar levels and enhanced metabolic function, suggesting dietary adjustments can lead to better health outcomes.
7) Disease:
A disease is a pathological condition or disorder affecting the body. Cinnamon has shown potential in addressing lifestyle-related diseases, notably type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions, highlighting its role as a complementary approach in disease management and prevention through dietary means.
8) Species:
Species refers to distinct groups of organisms sharing common characteristics. Different species of cinnamon, such as Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum verum, possess varying levels of bioactive compounds and health benefits, which can influence their effectiveness and applications in medicinal and culinary uses.
9) Garlic:
Garlic is another widely-known spice known for its health benefits and flavor enhancement. Similar to cinnamon, garlic has been linked to improvements in cardiovascular health and immune function. Research shows that combining garlic with cinnamon can yield additive health effects, particularly in boosting immune responses.
10) Powder:
Powder refers to a finely ground form of a substance. Cinnamon powder is commonly used in cooking and baking, offering convenience and enhanced quality in flavoring. Its powdered form retains the spice's bioactive properties, which are crucial in studies exploring its health-promoting benefits.
11) India:
India is one of the primary regions known for cultivating and utilizing cinnamon. The country has a rich culinary tradition that incorporates spices like cinnamon to enhance flavors and health benefits. Furthermore, research efforts are growing to establish the nutritional and therapeutic properties of these spices native to India.
12) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial properties refer to the ability to prevent bacterial growth. Research on cinnamon has uncovered its antibacterial potential against various pathogens, including strains resistant to traditional antibiotics, signifying its role in natural health solutions and enhancing food safety.
13) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. Cinnamon has emerged as a natural medicine in traditional practices, with studies supporting its use in managing health conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, and digestive disorders, emphasizing its significance in integrative health approaches.
14) Meat:
Meat is a rich source of protein consumed in various cuisines. Studies indicate that dietary supplements, including cinnamon, can improve performance and health indicators in poultry. Incorporating cinnamon in animal diets can enhance health outcomes, demonstrating its potential for improving meat production practices.
15) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to an abundance of nutrients or beneficial compounds. Cinnamon is considered rich in antioxidants and bioactive constituents, which contribute to its health benefits. The presence of these nutrients underscores cinnamon's value as a functional food and nutraceutical agent in promoting overall health.
16) Table:
In scientific literature, a table often organizes data systematically for clear interpretation. The referenced table in the text likely summarizes findings related to cinnamon's pharmacological properties, providing an accessible format for readers to compare and analyze the spice's health benefits.
17) Tree:
Cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of certain tree species in the Cinnamomum genus. The growth conditions, species differentiation, and cultivation of these trees affect the quality and characteristics of cinnamon produced, influencing both culinary and therapeutic applications.
18) Cinnamomum cassia:
Cinnamomum cassia, commonly known as Cassia cinnamon, is a popular species known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. Studies highlight its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties, making it significant in research exploring spice-derived health effects and alternative medicinal applications.
19) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds derived from plants that contribute to health benefits. Cinnamon contains various phytochemicals responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antibacterial properties, indicating its potential as a functional food in managing health and preventing chronic diseases.
20) Substance:
A substance is any material with consistent composition. The compounds found in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and procyanidins, act as the active substances that impart its health benefits, reinforcing the importance of understanding their roles in medicinal applications.
21) Camphor:
Camphor is a terpene with various medicinal uses, found in the bark of the cinnamon tree and contributing to its aromatic profile. Its presence in cinnamon emphasizes the spice's multifaceted properties, which can aid in treatment effects including respiratory benefits.
22) Mysore:
Mysore, a city in India, may be significant in cinnamon cultivation and research. The region's agricultural practices and traditional uses of spices like cinnamon align with its rich culinary heritage and contribute to ongoing studies investigating local spices' health implications.
23) Nausea:
Nausea is a common gastrointestinal symptom characterized by the urge to vomit. Cinnamon has been traditionally used to alleviate nausea and digestive disturbances. Its consumption in various forms can provide relief, highlighting its utility in folk medicine for digestive health.
24) Medium:
Medium can refer to the substance or environment in which reactions occur. In scientific studies, cinnamon extracts may be analyzed in different mediums, such as aqueous solutions, to determine their bioactive effects on human health and metabolic functions.
25) Lanka (Lamka, Lànkà):
Lanka often refers to Sri Lanka, known for producing high-quality Ceylon cinnamon, which is revered for its health benefits and flavor. The cultivation practices and unique properties of Sri Lankan cinnamon further contribute to its standing in both culinary and medicinal domains.
26) Water:
Water serves as a universal solvent and is essential for life. In studies involving cinnamon, water extracts are often utilized to examine the spice's health benefits and active components, emphasizing cinnamon's solubility and efficacy in various aqueous formulations.
27) Cina:
China has a long history of using cinnamon both as a culinary ingredient and in traditional medicine. Research focusing on the effects of cinnamon in Chinese populations helps inform the global understanding of its diverse health benefits and nutritional potential.
28) Bird:
Birds, particularly in agricultural contexts, are significant to studies on dietary supplements like cinnamon. The research highlights cinnamon's beneficial effects on poultry health, growth performance, and immune responses, demonstrating its utility in livestock nutrition and husbandry practices.
29) Line:
In scientific literature, a line often refers to a specific argument or direction of research. The various therapeutic claims made about cinnamon create a narrative for its potential health benefits, forming a conceptual line that guides scientific inquiry into its applications.
30) Purification:
Purification refers to the process of isolating specific compounds from a mixture. Cinnamon's bioactive compounds can be purified for research to investigate individual health effects, which helps elucidate the mechanisms behind its therapeutic benefits.
31) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to injury or infection. Cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties are significant as they suggest its potential therapeutic use in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, emphasizing the relevance of dietary components in modulating immune responses.
32) Performance:
Performance refers to how well organisms function, particularly in growth and health metrics. In studies, cinnamon supplementation showed improved performance in broilers and other animals, highlighting its role in enhancing nutritional efficiency and overall health in livestock.
33) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions. Scientific research into cinnamon contributes to the understanding of its health benefits, promoting evidence-based practices in nutrition and herbal medicine.
34) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural remedies for health. Cinnamon is often incorporated into Ayurvedic practices for its myriad health benefits, showcasing the importance of traditional knowledge in modern scientific explorations of this spice.
35) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. While cinnamon is generally safe, studies also assess its potential toxicity and establish guidelines for its safe use, reinforcing the need for caution in its medicinal applications.
36) Learning:
Learning encompasses the acquisition of knowledge or skills. Recent studies suggest cinnamon may have cognitive benefits, potentially improving learning abilities, thus drawing interest toward its implications for brain health and cognitive function.
37) Pungent:
Pungent describes a sharp taste or odor. Cinnamon's pungent flavor is due to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, making it a desirable addition in cooking and baking, while its potency may also contribute to its health properties in traditional remedies.
38) Mineral:
Minerals are essential nutrients necessary for maintaining health. Cinnamon contains various minerals, including manganese and calcium, which contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the spice, enhancing its role in dietary practices aimed at promoting health and preventing deficiencies.
39) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Cinnamon has emerged as a potential agent in cancer prevention and treatment, with research indicating its anti-tumor properties, highlighting its role in nutritional oncology.
40) Indian:
Indian references the cultural and geographical context where spices like cinnamon are deeply embedded in culinary and traditional medicine practices. The use of cinnamon in Indian cooking underscores its health benefits and rich history in herbal medicine.
41) Egypt:
Egypt signifies another region associated with cinnamon cultivation historically. The spice's trade routes included ancient Egypt, where it was valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, drawing attention to its cultural significance throughout history.
42) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma refers to the pleasant scent associated with substances like cinnamon, contributing to its desirability in food preparation. The aromatic properties of cinnamon are rooted in its volatile compounds, which also possess potential health benefits that enhance its appeal.
43) Milk:
Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid essential for many diets. The combination of milk and cinnamon is commonly used both in traditional and medicinal applications, where cinnamon enhances the digestibility and health aspects of milk, showcasing its versatile culinary uses.
44) Gold (Golden):
Gold historically symbolizes wealth and value. Ancient civilizations considered cinnamon more valuable than gold due to its rarity and health benefits, illustrating its importance as both a culinary staple and a sought-after commodity in trade.
45) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical treatment. Cinnamon's bioactive components may contribute to complementary and alternative medicine practices, positioning the spice as a natural adjunct in therapeutic strategies for various health conditions.
46) Cai (Caí):
Chai is a spiced tea that often includes cinnamon, reflecting its culinary significance in beverage preparations. The incorporation of cinnamon in chai emphasizes the spice's flavor profile while showcasing its health benefits when consumed in traditional drinks.
47) Male:
Male indicates the gender of organisms often used in research studies. In studies involving poultry or animal models, male specimens are commonly assessed for growth performance and health impacts of dietary additives like cinnamon, thus offering insights into nutrition's role in livestock production.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cinnamon- a promising spice with nutraceutcal properties’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional medicine, Clinical studies, Phytochemical Profile, Anti-diabetic properties, Glycemic control, Bioactive Phytochemicals, Oxidative damage, Anti-microbial properties, Glucose Uptake, Anti-tumour properties, Neurodegenerative disease, Functional food, Cinnamaldehyde, Nutraceutical industry, Dietary source.