ARS | Publication request: Cinnamon, glucose and insulin sensitivity

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: October 5, 2007
Publication Date: January 20, 2008
Citation: Anderson, R.A., Roussel, A. 2008. Cinnamon, glucose and insulin sensitivity. Book Chapter.

Technical Abstract: Compounds found in cinnamon not only improve the function of insulin but also function as antioxidants and may be anti-inflammatory. This is very important since insulin function, antioxidant status, and inflammatory response are closely linked; with decreased insulin sensitivity there is also decreased antioxidant capacity. For example, people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes have both decreased insulin sensitivity and decreased antioxidant status. Type A procyanidin polymers were isolated from cinnamon that function both as antioxidants and also enhance insulin function, but there are also other cinnamon compounds that may be beneficial. Animal and human studies involving subjects with the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome show beneficial effects of whole cinnamon and aqueous extracts of cinnamon on glucose, insulin, lipids, and antioxidant status. There also may be effects of the cinnamon compounds on lean body mass, body composition, and inflammatory response. All of these effects would lead to decreased risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.