Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Rou Gui work as a warming herb in the body?

Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark) works primarily through its active compound cinnamaldehyde, which acts as a vasodilator to improve circulation and generate warmth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this mechanism addresses kidney yang deficiency and cold bi-syndrome by dispersing cold and invigorating blood flow. Pharmacologically, its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate arthritis caused by cold dampness. Evidence Level C supports these biological activities, though specific clinical trial data remains limited.

Can I take Rou Gui while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, Rou Gui is considered unsafe during pregnancy. As a warming herb that invigorates blood circulation, it stimulates uterine contractions and may induce miscarriage, particularly at therapeutic doses (1–5 g). Traditional use contraindicates it for pregnant women. While data on breastfeeding is limited, caution is advised due to potential transfer of active compounds like coumarin. Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid this herb entirely unless directed by a qualified practitioner.

What is the correct dosage for Rou Gui bark?

The standard adult dosage for Rou Gui bark is 1–5 grams as a decoction. Because heat destroys volatile oils, it should be added only during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. For standardized extracts, 200–500 mg is common. Dosage depends on the specific formulation and condition severity. Long-term use should be monitored to avoid coumarin accumulation. Always follow a qualified herbalist's guidance rather than self-prescribing.

Does Rou Gui interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Rou Gui has significant drug interaction potential. Due to its coumarin content, it may potentiate anticoagulant drugs like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Additionally, cinnamaldehyde may enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia. Patients with liver disease should avoid it due to hepatotoxicity risks. Evidence Level C supports these interactions based on pharmacological data. Always consult a physician before combining with blood thinners or diabetes medication.

What are the side effects of taking Cinnamomum cassia bark?

Common side effects arise from its warming nature, causing 'heat' symptoms like dry mouth, sore throat, or constipation in those with yin deficiency. The most serious concern is hepatotoxicity (liver damage) due to coumarin content, particularly with long-term use or high doses. Contraindications include yin deficiency with heat signs and existing liver disease. Evidence Level C indicates these risks are pharmacologically plausible. Discontinue use if jaundice or abdominal pain occurs.

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

Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark) is a traditional medicinal herb used for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties [PMID:38688144, 34408931, 36255521].

Contexte

Cinnamomum cassia Presl, also known as Chinese cinnamon or cassia, is a member of the Lauraceae family used as a spice and in traditional medicine [PMID:38308239, 26873449]. It is distinct from Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and contains high amounts of coumarin [PMID:40986675].

Usages traditionnels

Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine (recorded in 'Shennong's Herbal Classic') to treat respiratory diseases, inflammation [PMID:38688144], cardiovascular diseases [PMID:26119954], and rheumatoid arthritis [PMID:30591891]. It has also been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine as a galactogogue [PMID:40986675].

Composés actifs

Major components include cinnamaldehyde [PMID:36255521, 10554188], coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, and various terpenoids [PMID:26873449, 38308239]. Other identified compounds include syringaresinol (a lignan) [PMID:40780474], a purified polysaccharide (CCP1A) [PMID:42282441], and procyanidin oligomers such as cinnamtannin D1 [PMID:25530780].

Mécanisme d'action

C. cassia bark essential oil may ameliorate acute lung injury by regulating macrophage polarization through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway [PMID:38688144]. Syringaresinol may ameliorate cognitive deficits via AMPK activation [PMID:40780474]. It has also been shown to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by up-regulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 [PMID:26119954].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BType 2 Diabetes / Elevated Serum Glucose

A placebo-controlled double-blind trial of a spray-dried water extract (250 mg twice daily for two months) showed beneficial effects on circulating glucose, lipids, and insulin [PMID:27774415]. A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of 1-2 gm/day of ground bark powder for 90 days on plasma glucose and lipids [PMID:34408931].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Generally well tolerated, though occasional bloating, dyspepsia, heartburn, and nausea are reported [PMID:40986675]. High doses in animal models (5000 mg/kg BW) showed significant elevation of AST, ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine [PMID:33849352]. It contains coumarin, which is described as a toxic ingredient [PMID:40986675].

Grossesse et allaitement

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

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence consists primarily of in vitro and animal studies (D) and a limited number of human clinical trials and systematic reviews (A, B) focusing on glycemic control.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40986675 (2006) — Anti-diabetic nephropathy compounds from Cinnamomum cassia. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 34408931 (2021) — Impact of Cassia Bark Consumption on Glucose and Lipid Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Cureus
3.PMID: 33849352 (2022) — Acute toxicity studies and protective effects of Cinnamon cassia bark extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. · Drug and chemical toxicology
4.PMID: 38688144 (2024) — Essential oil from Cinnamomum cassia Presl bark regulates macrophage polarization and ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
5.PMID: 32985927 (2023) — Anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Cinnamon cassia bark extracts: an in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approach.

Rou Gui

Sources et citations

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