Effects of a Cinnamon, Curcumin/Turmeric Dietary Supplement on Glucose, Lipid, and Cognitive Measures

Abstract

Objectives The study examined the long-term effects of a botanical supplement containing cinnamon, turmeric/curcumin, chromium and alpha-lipoic acid on blood glucose (BG), blood lipids and cognitive measures of healthy, older adults. Methods Healthy, older adults aged 51 to 79 years (N = 30, 16 females, 14 males) were randomized to consume either 4 tablets/day of the active dietary supplement (1400 mg blend of cinnamon [Cinnamomum cassia bark extract], curcumin, turmeric [Curcumin Longa L. root extract and powder]; chromium and alpha-lipoic acid) or a placebo for three months in a double-blind between-subjects trial. At monthly intervals participants completed a 3.0-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). BG and blood lipids were measured at baseline and half-hour intervals, and subjects performed a battery of cognitive tests. Results After the two- and three-month time point there was a trend for a greater fall in BG in those taking the supplement. However, at completion of the study there were no statistically significant overall effects of supplementation on either BG levels or hemoglobin A1c. There was a positive effect of the supplement on total cholesterol and for individuals who had poorer glucose control (F(1, 16) = 12.86, P < 0.002). Results from the cognitive assessments indicated significant differences in word recall for the participants consuming the active dietary supplement (F(1, 26) = 5.74, P < 0.02). Measures of focused attention revealed significant improvements in reaction times in the group receiving the supplement (F(1, 26) = 4.48, P < 0.04). Conclusions These findings suggest that the chronic ingestion of a dietary supplement containing cinnamon and curcumin/turmeric extracts, chromium and alpha-lipoic acid positively impacts blood lipids as well as aspects of cognitive performance in healthy individuals assessed during an OGTT. Funding Sources NeoLife International, LLC, Fremont, CA, USA.

The Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB Underlies the Neuroprotective Capacity of a Cinnamon/Curcumin/Turmeric Spice Blend in Aβ-Exposed THP-1 Cells

“…The effects of this supplement have been studied in a series of pilot human trials in which the acute and chronic effects were investigated. Alongside certain metabolic effects, there were indications of improvements in aspects of cognitive performance in individuals [19]. This is consistent with other reports of cognitive benefits of cinnamon and curcumin/turmeric [20,21].…”

“…In this study, we focused on a spice blend composed of a combination of cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia (bark) and two different root extracts of turmeric, Curcuma longa. This blend was originally formulated to be employed in a dietary supplement, as part of a holistic approach to whole body glucose management [19]. The effects of this supplement have been studied in a series of pilot human trials in which the acute and chronic effects were investigated.…”

Oxidativestress‐Adirect bridge to central nervous system homeostatic dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease

“…For example, green tea suggested daily administration may serve as a potent antioxidant by decreasing TLR‐4 triggered activity 108 . Curcumin and cinnamon may also be beneficial by lowering or inhibiting the expression of TLR‐4, activated MyD88 and NF‐κB translocation, in addition to acting as antioxidant agents 109 . Furthermore, the frequent administration of ginger and licorice may also be considered valuable by acting as a potent anti‐inflammatory, decreasing the release of pro‐inflammatory cascades and inhabiting STAT3/MAPK signalling pathways 110 …”