How does Cinnamomum burmannii lower blood sugar?

Cinnamomum burmannii primarily affects blood sugar through cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols, which may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells. These compounds appear to activate insulin receptors and enhance signaling pathways. Evidence level C suggests potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, though the high coumarin content differentiates it from Ceylon cinnamon. The mechanism focuses on metabolic regulation rather than insulin production.

Can I take Indonesian cinnamon with blood thinners?

You should avoid taking Cinnamomum burmannii with blood thinners like warfarin. This species contains high levels of coumarin, a compound with anticoagulant properties that can potentiate the effects of anticoagulant medications. This interaction increases the risk of bleeding. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should consult a physician before using cinnamon supplements, as this combination is contraindicated.

What is the safe dosage for Cinnamomum burmannii?

The standard adult dosage for Cinnamomum burmannii capsules is 500mg to 1 gram per day. For tea, use half a teaspoon of dried bark per cup. Because this species has the highest coumarin content among cinnamons, long-term high-dose use is discouraged to prevent liver toxicity. Traditional use typically involves smaller culinary amounts rather than concentrated therapeutic doses.

Is Cinnamomum burmannii safe during pregnancy?

Cinnamomum burmannii is considered unsafe during pregnancy when taken in medicinal amounts. The high coumarin content poses risks for liver toxicity and potential pregnancy complications. While trace amounts in food are generally tolerated, therapeutic supplementation is contraindicated. Pregnant women should opt for Ceylon cinnamon if supplementation is necessary, but should always consult a healthcare provider first.

What are the side effects of Indonesian cinnamon?

The primary side effect of Cinnamomum burmannii is liver toxicity caused by its high coumarin content. Other potential side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and skin sensitization due to cinnamaldehyde. Individuals with liver disease are at higher risk for hepatotoxicity. Evidence level C indicates these risks are significant enough to warrant caution with prolonged or high-dose consumption.

Cinnamomum burmannii (Cinnamomum burmannii)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Cinnamomum burmannii is a traditional Indonesian plant used as a spice and medicinal herb, demonstrating antibacterial, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties [PMID:23055638, 40201834].

Background

Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume, also known as Indonesian cassia, is a member of the genus Cinnamomum used as a condiment, food preservative, and flavoring [PMID:23055638, 35193750, 31872114].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used as a spice and in traditional medicine [PMID:23055638, 38731569, 35193750].

Active compounds

Key constituents include cinnamaldehyde (trans-cinnamaldehyde), coumarin, cinnamyl acid, and cinnamyl alcohol [PMID:23055638, 31872114]. Its essential oil is rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, specifically D-borneol, linalool, and caryophyllene [PMID:35193750, 38731569, 36135200]. Other compounds include polyphenols (tannins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and (epi)catechins), catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and protocatechuic acid [PMID:40201834, 17567030, 32919354].

Mechanism of action

Antibacterial action against S. aureus involves inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress [PMID:38474323]. It has shown inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) [PMID:22645080]. In fungal inhibition (A. flavus), it disrupts the antioxidant and energy systems and alters cell wall/membrane integrity [PMID:40002124].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Postprandial Glycemia)

Aqueous cinnamon extract (6 g/100 mL) did not show a significant difference in incremental area under the curve or maximum glucose concentration during an OGTT [PMID:35458138].

Evidence BPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A bioactive fraction (DLBS3233) combining C. burmannii and Lagerstroemia speciosa was evaluated for efficacy and safety in improving metabolic parameters in insulin-resistant women [PMID:37424700].

Evidence DHyperlipidemia (Animal Model)

C. burmannii extract helped lower total cholesterol levels in mice fed high-fat diets [PMID:32566138].

Evidence DGastric Damage (Animal Model)

Bioactive fraction DLBS2411 significantly reduced ulcerative lesion index and surface area in ethanol-induced rats [PMID:32256127].

Evidence DHepatoprotection (Animal Model)

Ethanolic extract showed activity in inhibiting oxidative stress in the livers of rats on high-fat and cholesterol diets [PMID:35698494].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

A standardized methanol extract (MECB) showed no toxicity, mortality, or abnormalities in organ histopathology in rats at oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg) [PMID:23827665]. However, long-term use of cinnamon bark in larger doses may negatively affect health [PMID:35698494].

Evidence summary

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with limited clinical trials (Level B) showing mixed or specific results for metabolic conditions. Strong evidence exists for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties in laboratory settings.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35458138 (2022) — Effect of Aqueous Cinnamon Extract on the Postprandial Glycemia Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial. · Nutrients
2.PMID: 38731569 (2024) — Application of Cinnamomum burmannii Essential Oil in Promoting Wound Healing. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 38454977 (2023) — Antioxidant and antiaging activities of Cinnamomum burmannii, Michelia champaca and their combinations. · Narra J
4.PMID: 40201834 (2025) — Effect of cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum burmannii) on the histological kidney of male diabetic rats (Rattus norvegicus). · Open veterinary journal
5.PMID: 35193750 (2022) — Elucidation of the essential oil biosynthetic pathways in Cinnamomum burmannii through identification of six terpene synthases.

Cinnamomum burmannii

Sources & Citations