A new study from the University of Mississippi shows that common kitchen spices may interfere with how your body handles certain medications.
Researchers at the National Natural Products Center Research Center found that cinnamon aldehyde (which gives cinnamon a unique flavor and aroma) can activate receptors in the body to control the rate of metabolism and removal of drugs.
“If you consume too much supplement without the knowledge of a health care provider or medication disposal, health problems may arise,” explained Dr. Shabana Khan, chief scientist at the center. “Overdosage of supplements can lead to a rapid clearance of prescribed drugs in the body, which can lead to a reduced drug efficiency.”
The study, published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Science, shows that while there may be no risk in sprinkling cinnamon on your morning coffee, taking highly concentrated cinnamon supplements may affect the efficacy of the drug, especially in patients with chronic health conditions who take prescription medications regularly.
Laboratory tests show that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolized in the human liver, converting more than 90% of people into cinnamic acid in just ten minutes. This rapid treatment demonstrates the potential for interaction with drugs using metabolic pathways.
Dr. Amar Chittiboyina, deputy director of the center, said not all cinnamon varieties have the same risks. He noted: “Cinnamon oil (usually used as an antifungal or antibacterial agent and used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages) has little risk of herbal toxic interactions.” However, the variety Cassia cinnamon, commonly found in grocery stores, contains higher levels of blood-containing agents called coumarin.
The researchers stressed that more research is needed to fully understand these interactions in the human body. “We know that inhibiting these receptors can pose a risk of drug interactions. That’s what can happen. But we don’t know what will happen until we do clinical studies.”
Currently, scientists recommend consulting a healthcare provider before combining cinnamon supplements with prescription medications, especially for people who manage chronic diseases of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, or depression.
Dr. Khan reminds consumers that “supplements are not meant to treat, cure or alleviate any disease,” stressed the importance of medical supervision when incorporating supplements into treatment options.
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