Edema from Taking Cinnamon for Treatment of Diabetes: Similar Biochemistry and Pathophysiology to Thiazolidinedione Medications

Abstract

We present a report of cinnamon bark powder 1000 mg daily associated with edema that resolved after stopping the supplement in an adult male. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) cause fluid retention in those with diabetes or prediabetes. Some medications in this class have been implicated in increased cardiac deaths from this side effect. While medications are effective for diabetes, many people have turned to natural remedies to treat their diabetes instead of conventional pharmaceuticals. Cinnamon is a common agent used, and it has received extensive lay press attention. Chemically, cinnamon bark powder activates peroxisome proliferated activated receptors similar to TZDs. It is reasonable to hypothesize that cinnamon bark powder can cause edema. This case demonstrates that cinnamon bark powder may have a similar side effect profile. Physicians should be aware that consumption of cinnamon bark powder could cause fluid retention and possibly worsen congestive heart failure.

Cinnamon: A potent nutraceutical agent for the protection of the cardiovascular system

“…The most biological effects of extracts or supplements isolated from the cinnamon bark leaves, fl owers, fruits, roots, twigs, stems, and branchlets, can potentially exert biological effects [79]. According to a case study, daily consumption of 1 g cinnamon powder /kg body weight for 16 months in male type 2 diabetes patients reduced the complications of diabetes, it caused fl uid retention and edema in the knee which probably increased the progressive congestive heart failure [80].…”

Need-Based Apatarpana (Depleting) and Santarpana (Nourishing) Interventions in Managing Prameha with special reference to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…[12] Few studies have examined the adverse effects of Cinnamomum verum L. (Cinnamon, Twak), a drug with a pungent taste, including dyspepsia, allergic contact dermatitis, stomatitis, hepatitis, exacerbated rosacea, and peripheral edema. [13] These symptoms may be seen in diabetic individuals who are on medications for a long time, in clinical practice, not found in research publications, and need further evaluation.…”

Cinnamon

“…1,17,68,88 Of note is a recent case report of an adult man with diabetes in which chronic cinnamon consumption (1 g/d) was associated with fluid retention symptoms similar to those of thiazolidinedione medications. 89…”