Study Suggests Cinnamon May Influence How the Body Processes Certain Prescription Medications

A new study warns that high consumption of cinnamon—particularly in concentrated supplement form—may interfere with how the body processes some prescription medications, the Washington Post reports.

Published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, the research emphasizes the need for further clinical studies and recommends that individuals consult their healthcare provider before taking cinnamon supplements.

The study explored the interaction between cinnamon and human drug metabolism, citing a growing interest in cinnamon’s potential health benefits, especially for people with conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Researchers noted a surge in cinnamon’s popularity, which has contributed to a projected $412.9 million increase in the global cinnamon market between 2024 and 2028, driven in part by its inclusion in pharmaceutical products.

Despite its health-related appeal, researchers caution that cinnamon’s chemical components—specifically cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid—can activate xenobiotic receptors in the body. These receptors regulate how the body metabolizes foreign substances, including medications. The activation of these receptors could lead to the body eliminating drugs more quickly than intended, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

To investigate this possibility, researchers simulated human digestion and observed that both cinnamon oil and its key compounds triggered a metabolic response that could impact drug absorption. However, the exact dosage of cinnamon that might cause such effects remains unclear.

“We know there’s a potential for cinnamaldehyde to activate these receptors that can pose a risk for drug interactions,” said Bill Gurley, a principal scientist at the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research. “That’s what could happen, but we won’t know exactly what will happen until we do a clinical study.”

The study did not define what constitutes “overconsumption,” but emphasized that moderate intake of cinnamon is not necessarily harmful and may offer benefits. Nonetheless, prolonged or excessive use—especially through supplements—could present risks for individuals taking prescription medications.

As interest in natural health supplements grows, experts advise patients to discuss any use of cinnamon products with a physician to avoid unintended interactions.