Cinnamaldehyde

PhytochemicalPhenylpropanoidBest with a meal

What is it

Cinnamaldehyde is the organic compound primarily responsible for the flavor and aroma of cinnamon. It is found in the bark of cinnamon trees (Cinnamomum species), particularly in cassia cinnamon (C. cassia), and is often used as a marker compound in standardized cinnamon extracts.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Type 2 diabetes (glucose control, whole cinnamon)

Limited Evidence

Meta-analyses of cinnamon extract suggest modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c (typically 0.1-0.3% HbA1c reduction); evidence is heterogeneous.

Isolated cinnamaldehyde for any indication

Mixed Evidence

No human clinical trial evidence for isolated cinnamaldehyde as a supplement.

How it works

Cinnamaldehyde shows multiple biological activities in laboratory studies: anti-inflammatory (NF-kB inhibition), antimicrobial, antioxidant, and effects on glucose metabolism (possibly through enhancing insulin signaling and slowing gastric emptying). It also activates TRPA1 and TRPV3 channels, which mediates the warming and pungent sensory effects of cinnamon. Most clinical evidence for cinnamon and glucose control is at the level of whole cinnamon extract rather than isolated cinnamaldehyde. Results in type 2 diabetes are mixed: some meta-analyses suggest modest reductions in fasting glucose, others find no significant effect.

Dosage

No established RDA. Cinnamaldehyde content in standardized cinnamon extracts varies; typical clinical doses of whole cinnamon range from 1-6 g/day. Isolated cinnamaldehyde is not a typical consumer supplement.

When and how to take it

Cinnamon extracts marketed for glucose control are often taken with meals to coincide with carbohydrate intake. Culinary use is incorporated into food.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized cinnamon extract

Most common form; standardized to total or specific cinnamaldehyde content.

Cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed and conjugated.

Cinnamon essential oil

Not generally recommended for oral supplementation.

Highly concentrated; oral mucosa irritation risk.

Safety

GRAS as a flavoring agent. At culinary and typical supplement doses, generally well tolerated. Pure cinnamaldehyde and concentrated extracts can cause oral irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, and rarely mouth ulcers. Cassia cinnamon (the most common source) is high in coumarin, which can be hepatotoxic at high chronic intakes; Ceylon cinnamon contains much less.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding compatible with culinary amounts; avoid medicinal doses without medical guidance. People with liver disease should choose Ceylon over cassia cinnamon. Allergic contact dermatitis is a recognized issue with cinnamaldehyde, particularly in cosmetics and oral care products.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with diabetes medications (monitor glucose). Coumarin in cassia cinnamon may add to anticoagulant activity at high intakes.

Food sources

Cinnamon spice (cassia or Ceylon)

Amount
trace to mg per tsp
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Will cinnamon help my blood sugar?⌄

Possibly modestly. Evidence is mixed; cinnamon is not a substitute for medication.

Is cassia cinnamon safe?⌄

Yes in culinary amounts. Daily high-dose supplementation can deliver coumarin levels that may stress the liver; choose Ceylon cinnamon for high-dose use.

References

Cinnamaldehyde on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cinnamaldehyde on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cinnamaldehyde (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.