Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does cinnamon leaf essential oil work for pain relief?

Cinnamon leaf essential oil works primarily through its high eugenol content (70-85%), which acts as a natural analgesic and antimicrobial agent. Eugenol inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation. It also modulates TRPV1 receptors and voltage-gated sodium channels, producing a local anesthetic effect similar to clove oil. The beta-caryophyllene component contributes additional anti-inflammatory effects through CB2 receptor activation. This mechanism makes it effective for dental pain and topical muscle relief. Evidence Level: C (preclinical studies).

Does cinnamon leaf interact with any medications?

Cinnamon leaf may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. The eugenol content has mild blood-thinning properties that could increase bleeding risk when combined with these drugs. Eugenol may also affect cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of certain prescription medications. People with diabetes should monitor blood glucose closely, as cinnamon may enhance the effects of hypoglycemic medications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription drugs. Evidence Level: C (theoretical interactions).

What is the recommended dosage for cinnamon leaf tea?

For adults, the traditional dosage is 2-4 grams of dried cinnamon leaf prepared as a tea, consumed up to three times daily for digestive complaints. For topical applications, cinnamon leaf essential oil should be diluted to a maximum of 1% concentration (approximately 5-6 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) to prevent skin irritation. Internal use of the essential oil is not recommended without professional supervision. These recommendations are based on traditional use and limited clinical evidence. Evidence Level: C.

Is cinnamon leaf safe during pregnancy?

No, cinnamon leaf is not safe during pregnancy. The high eugenol content has uterotonic properties, meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage or premature labor. This risk applies to both the dried leaf and especially the concentrated essential oil. Pregnant women should avoid cinnamon leaf products entirely, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Breastfeeding women should also avoid therapeutic doses. Evidence Level: C (traditional knowledge and pharmacological data).

What are the side effects of cinnamon leaf essential oil?

The most common side effect is skin irritation, contact dermatitis, or allergic reactions, particularly when applied undiluted. Eugenol is a known skin sensitizer that can cause redness, burning, and blistering in sensitive individuals. Internal use may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or liver strain with prolonged high doses. People with pre-existing liver disease should avoid cinnamon leaf essential oil entirely due to potential hepatotoxicity. Always perform a patch test before topical application and use proper dilution. Evidence Level: C (case reports and traditional use).

What is the difference between cinnamon leaf oil and cinnamon bark oil?

Cinnamon leaf oil and bark oil differ significantly in chemical composition and traditional uses. Leaf oil contains 70-85% eugenol with only trace cinnamaldehyde, making it primarily antimicrobial and analgesic. Bark oil contains 60-80% cinnamaldehyde with lower eugenol, giving it stronger antifungal properties but higher skin sensitization potential. Leaf oil is generally considered safer for topical use when properly diluted. In Sri Lankan and Siddha medicine, the leaf is preferred for dental and antimicrobial applications, while bark is used for digestive purposes. Evidence Level: C (analytical studies and traditional use).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) is a medicinal plant used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and blood glucose-lowering properties [PMID: 29282046, PMID: 24817901].

Contexte

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as 'true cinnamon' or Ceylon cinnamon, is an indigenous tree of Sri Lanka belonging to the Lauraceae family [PMID: 21929331, PMID: 24817901]. It is used globally as a spice and aromatic crop in flavoring, perfumery, and medicines [PMID: 21929331].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional medicine, it is considered a remedy for respiratory, digestive, and gynaecological ailments [PMID: 24148965]. It has also been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese traditional, and folk medicine as a galactogogue [PMID: 40986675].

Composés actifs

The leaf oil's major component is eugenol [PMID: 21929331, PMID: 363362]. Other active compounds include (E)-cinnamaldehyde (72.98% in leaf oil), benzyl benzoate, trans-Cinnamyl acetate, polyphenols, and cinnamic acid [PMID: 36676085, PMID: 40986675].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms for improving glycemic control include insulin-mimetic effects in-vitro [PMID: 41412108], inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase [PMID: 22671971], and modulation of hepatic glucose metabolism via changes in Pyruvate kinase (PK) and Phosphenol Pyruvate Carboxikinase (PEPCK) [PMID: 26475130]. It may also increase expression of lipolysis-related proteins (AMPK, p-ACC, CPT-1) and reduce lipid-synthesis proteins (SREBP-1c, FAS) [PMID: 38140369].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AInflammation

Pooled analysis showed significant reductions in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) [PMID: 30670254]

Preuve BType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Clinical trials have evaluated C. zeylanicum extract for effects on HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose [PMID: 41412108, PMID: 39854533]

Preuve BHyperlipidemia

Studied for its effect on serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other lipid parameters [PMID: 39854533]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Ceylon cinnamon is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA for use as a flavoring [PMID: 40986675]. It is generally well tolerated, though occasional bloating, dyspepsia, heartburn, and nausea have been reported [PMID: 40986675].

Grossesse et allaitement

No data exist on the safety of cinnamon in nursing mothers or infants [PMID: 40986675].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence ranges from high-level meta-analyses for inflammatory markers to ongoing randomized controlled trials for glycemic and lipid control; however, some systematic reviews note a historical lack of human-specific studies for C. zeylanicum compared to C. cassia [PMID: 30670254, PMID: 22671971].

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39854533 (2025) — Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) extract on lipid profile, glucose levels and its safety in adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. · PloS one
2.PMID: 40986675 (2006) — Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from tangerine (Citrus reticulata L.), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi L.), lemon (Citrus lemon L.) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). · Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences
3.PMID: 41412108 (2025) — Efficacy and Safety of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) for diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. · Diabetes & metabolic syndrome
4.PMID: 27771918 (2016) — Cinnamon and Chronic Diseases. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
5.PMID: 29319361 (2018)

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf

Sources et citations

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