Abstract
Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains equivocal, and this may be due to varietal differences which is an aspect that is understudied. This study systematically compared the anti-hyperglycaemic properties of the four major commercial cinnamon types used around the world (Chinese; Cinnamomum cassia [CC], Indonesian; C. burmanii [IC], Vietnamese; C. loureirii [VC], and Ceylon; C. zeylanicum [SC]). LC-MS analysis showed distinct diffrences in the phytochemical profiles of cinnamon with SC showing the lowest coumarin concentration. CC and IC had the highest polyphenol levels and antioxidant potential, and all four types differed significantly in their content (P < 0.001). All cinnamon types showed potent species-specific effects on starch digestion enzyme activity inhibition (P < 0.001), CC was most effective against α-amylase and all four strongly inhibited α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Cinnamon significantly reduced starch breakdown during oral (P = 0.006) and gastric (P = 0.029) phases of gastro-intestinal digestion with IC and SC showing consistent effects. No effects of cinnamon were seen in the intestinal phase. IC, VC and SC showed the greatest potential to inhibit formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) during digestion. In conclusion, cinnamon demonstrates anti-hyperglycaemic properties, however effects are species-specific with best overall properties seen for Ceylon cinnamon.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 544-552 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Plant Foods for Human Nutrition |
| Volume | 74 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 1 Aug 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2019 |
Bibliographical note
The study was funded by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division of the Scottish government (RESAS). The authors are grateful to Phyllis Nicol for assisting with AGE measurements.Keywords
- cinnamon
- species
- anti-diabetic
- enzyme inhibition
- starch digestibility
Access to Document
- Hayward_etal_Cinnamon_Shows_VOR
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