The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon in beverages or foods tickles your taste buds with an amazing array of health benefits. As a prized spice sought after for over 4000 years, Cinnamon cassia continues to be sought after as it is the most popular cinnamon sold in North America. Traditionally used in Asian cultures to promote circulation, general blood flow to the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen, cinnamon does so much more. Read on to learn about this tantalizing spice!

Cinnamon’s Bioactive Compounds and Benefits

Cinnamon cassia is prepared from the dried inner bark of the Cinnamomum cassia evergreen tree. It contains numerous bioactive compounds including essential oil, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenes that provide extensive health benefits.

These compounds promote comfort and relaxation to tissues like muscles and blood vessels. They are involved with immune surveillance and activity for microbial support. They strengthen “yang”, support detoxification, activate and promote cellular clean-up, provide strong antioxidant actions, promote glucose sensitization, and much more.

Cinnamon and the Gut Microbiome

Although used for thousands of years, only recently have researchers discovered some of the reasons for cinnamon’s effectiveness and it starts with the gut microbiome.  A July 2025 research publication provides great insights into the beneficial effects of cinnamon extract on gut microbiome health and lipid metabolism.

On a cellular level, cinnamon increases the abundance of two beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia and Ligilactobacillus) while it decreases the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B). The F/B ratio is a critical indicator of gut health as it measures the balance between two major groups of bacteria that influence metabolism, hormone regulation, and immunity. It is considered a hallmark for metabolic health and weight.

Furthermore, cinnamon extract promotes short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and increases the “tight junction protein compounds” which helps safeguard the intestinal mucosal barrier from increased permeability.

Cinnamon also supports bile acid metabolism and leads to reduced production of LPS, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the gut. The latter compounds can impair the intestinal barrier and adversely influence metabolism, whereas SCFAs and bile acids activate signaling pathways and cellular receptors in the gut, liver, and pancreas that support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.

Cinnamon extracts decrease starch digestion in the gastrointestinal tract which helps protect against more sugars entering the bloodstream. It also supports the normal metabolism of cholesterol from foods.

Antioxidant for Pancreas

Cinnamon provides antioxidant protection for the pancreas and revitalizes beta cells. It also quenches reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals that are formed as blood glucose levels increase upon eating. Glucose uptake into tissues may be enhanced as it promotes various gene and enzyme signals associated with glucose transport and utilization. Cinnamon is shown to support healthy glucose metabolism.

Supports Muscle Energy

Boosting energy and muscle health is another benefit of cinnamon. A recent cellular and animal study suggests that cinnamon extract increases mitochondrial biogenesis which upregulates muscle energy and helps burn lipids for healthy weight and metabolism.

Bone Health

Cinnamon extract antioxidant activity aids in protecting bone strength. Research shows it supports healthy osteoclast and osteoblast function, the cells that break down and build up bones.

Blood Brain Barrier Protection

Cell studies demonstrate that cinnamon has a positive effect on the endothelial lining of the blood brain barrier. This cutting-edge research found that the antioxidant effects of cinnamon improved cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (electrical activity) and protected cells from oxidative stress. Protection of the blood brain barrier is an essential element for brain vitality and longevity.

Liver Antioxidant Protection

Another animal study combined cinnamon with the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea evaluating the effects in the liver. Results showed increased activities of several glutathione and SOD enzymes providing antioxidant protection for lipids and blood sugar health. Glutathione is the master antioxidant system for all organs but is critical for detoxification, mitochondria, liver, immune, and brain health.

Cinnamon combined with probiotics, berberine, Rhodiola rosea and other nutrients shows enhanced synergistic effects for metabolic, antioxidant, gastrointestinal, and blood brain barrier health.

The sprinkle of cinnamon on your latte or toast is a tasty treat but is far from the dosages needed for meaningful health benefits. Consider adding Cinnamon Plus to your supplement routine. It features Cinnulin PF®, a high purity, water soluble, 20:1 standardized cinnamon extract, along with Svetol® Green Coffee Bean Extract and Banaba Extract for healthy insulin function.*

For synergistic support with the above-mentioned nutrients, consider Berberine Ultra, Tributyrin Plus, (for SCFA support) Adrenal Helper (contains Rhodiola), Super Dophilus, or Vital UT.

Eastern medicine has used cinnamon for over 4000 years for numerous health benefits. How about incorporating it into your health routine?

Additional Resources:

Cinnamon Supports Blood Sugar Health, Fat Burning, and Immune Defense

Supplements to Boost GLP-1 Naturally

Strengthen Your Blood Brain Barrier for Sharp Thinking and Healthy Aging

Glutathione: Why This Master Antioxidant Is So Important

Adaptogen Rhodiola Helps Stress Resilience, Cognitive Function, and Mood