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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BHNRC) » Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center » Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #197299
Title: The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syncrome: a pilot study

Author
item WANG, JEFF - COLUMBIA U., NEW YORK,NY
item Anderson, Richard
item CHU, MICHELINE - COLUMBIA U., NEW YORK, NY
item SAUER, MARK - COLUMBIA U., NEW YORK,NY
item GUARNACCIA, MICHAEL - COLUMBIA U., NEW YORK, NY
item LOBO, ROGERIO - COLUMBIA U., NEW YORK, NY

Submitted to: Fertility and Sterility
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2006
Publication Date: 7/1/2007
Citation: Wang, J.G., Anderson, R.A., Graham, G.M. 3rd, Chu, M.C., Sauer, M.V., Guarnaccia, M.M., and Lobo, R.A. 2007. The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syncrome: a pilot study. Fertility and Sterility. 88(1):240-243.

Interpretive Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age, affecting 5-10% of the population. In the absence of other hormone disorders, it is characterized by irregular menstruation, increased levels of male hormones and the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries. It is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and improvements in insulin sensitivity have been shown to lead to decreased signs and symptoms of the disease. We have shown previously that compounds found in cinnamon improve insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if components found in cinnamon would lead to increased insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. We demonstrated that consuming an extract of cinnamon for as little as 8 weeks led to very significant improvements in insulin function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This should be of direct benefit to the 5 to 10% of the population of child bearing age as well as the medical and scientific communities.

Technical Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effects of oral cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters. Methods: 15 women with polycystic ovary syndrome were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Fasting glucose and insulin levels, homeostasis model insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check indices (QUICKI), and insulin sensitivity indices by the Matsuda method were measured at baseline and compared to those after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and inulin sensitivity index remained unchanged in the placebo group. In the cinnamon extract group, mean fasting glucose decreased significantly from 95.83 to 79.67 mg/dl (-16.9%, p<0.03),QUICKI increased from 0.35 to 0.38 (7.7%, p<0.03), HOMA-IR decreased from 2.57 to 1.43 (-44.5%, p<0.03), and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index increased from 4.69 to 10.44 (p<0.05). All indices were consistent with improved insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Oral administration of cinnamon extract for eight weeks was well tolerated and improved insulin-sensitivity in non-diabetic women with PCOS. Larger trials are needed to confirm the findings of this pilot study.