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Cassia Powder

Also known as: Cassia powder, Chinese cinnamon, Chinese cassia, Cassia cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia

Overview

Cassia powder is derived from the bark of *Cinnamomum cassia*, a species of cinnamon distinct from *Cinnamomum verum* (true cinnamon). It is widely utilized as a culinary spice and in traditional herbal medicine. Its primary applications include use as a flavoring agent and as a dietary supplement, often promoted for its purported benefits in metabolic health, particularly in the regulation of glucose and lipid levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The bioactive compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde, are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects. Research on cassia cinnamon is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available, though the evidence regarding its efficacy for metabolic benefits is mixed. Safety data generally indicate a favorable profile, with no significant adverse effects reported in meta-analyses at typical supplemental doses.

Benefits

While often promoted for metabolic health, high-quality evidence from meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicates that cassia powder supplementation (typically 1-2 g/day for approximately 90 days) does not produce statistically significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, or lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, its efficacy for these specific benefits is not strongly supported by current research. Some systematic reviews suggest modest but statistically significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) with cinnamon supplementation; however, the clinical significance of these changes is limited and often involves mixed types of cinnamon. An umbrella review of meta-analyses concluded that cinnamon, including cassia, does not increase adverse effects compared to placebo, supporting its safety as an adjunctive treatment.

How it works

Cassia cinnamon contains bioactive compounds, primarily cinnamaldehyde and various polyphenols, which are thought to contribute to its potential health effects. These compounds may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose uptake by modulating insulin receptor signaling pathways within cells. Additionally, cassia cinnamon may exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could indirectly contribute to metabolic benefits by reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. While cinnamaldehyde is absorbed, it is metabolized relatively quickly, which might influence its sustained biological activity. The exact mechanisms and the extent to which these mechanisms translate into clinically significant outcomes are still under investigation.

Side effects

Overall, cassia powder is considered safe for consumption at typical supplemental doses, generally ranging from 1 to 2 grams per day. Adverse effects are rare and have not been reported to be significantly different from placebo in controlled clinical trials. A primary safety concern associated with cassia cinnamon is its coumarin content. Coumarin, when consumed in high doses, has the potential to cause liver toxicity. However, the coumarin levels in typical supplemental doses of cassia powder are generally below the thresholds considered harmful. There is no strong evidence in the current literature to suggest significant drug interactions or contraindications for cassia powder when used at recommended dosages. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that affect liver function should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before supplementing with cassia cinnamon, especially at higher doses or for prolonged periods.

Dosage

The typical dosage of cassia powder studied in clinical trials ranges from 1 to 2 grams per day. This dosage is usually administered for a duration of 8 to 12 weeks. Current research does not provide clear evidence that doses exceeding this range offer enhanced efficacy for the purported benefits. The timing of supplementation relative to meals is not well standardized across studies, but it is often taken once daily. There are no specific cofactors known to be required for the absorption or efficacy of cassia powder. It is important to adhere to these recommended dosages, especially considering the coumarin content in cassia cinnamon, to minimize any potential risk of liver toxicity, although this risk is generally low at typical supplemental levels.

FAQs

Is cassia cinnamon effective for diabetes?

Current high-quality evidence from meta-analyses does not support significant improvements in glucose or lipid parameters with cassia powder supplementation in type 2 diabetes patients.

Is cassia powder safe to consume?

Yes, meta-analyses indicate that cassia powder is safe at typical studied doses (1-2 g/day), with no increased risk of adverse effects compared to placebo.

How long does it take to see effects from cassia powder?

Studies typically last 8-12 weeks; however, consistent and clinically significant benefits for glucose or lipid control have not been observed within this timeframe.

Is cassia the same as cinnamon?

Cassia is a type of cinnamon (*Cinnamomum cassia*) but differs chemically and in coumarin content from 'true' cinnamon (*Cinnamomum verum*).

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8804376/ – This umbrella review of meta-analyses concluded that cinnamon, including cassia, does not increase adverse effects compared to placebo, supporting its safety as an adjunctive treatment. It also noted potential adjunctive benefits, though the quality of included meta-analyses was moderate to low.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34408931/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including studies with at least 30 participants per group, found no significant effect of cassia powder on glucose or lipid parameters (p>0.05) in type 2 diabetes patients over 90 days. It highlighted heterogeneity in study designs and doses as a limitation.
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/2021/issue-662/cinnamon-on-body-weight/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated modest but statistically significant decreases in BMI, weight, and waist-hip ratio with cinnamon supplementation. However, it noted that the clinical significance of these findings was limited and involved mixed types of cinnamon, suggesting moderate overall quality.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-effect-of-cinnamon-cassia-powder-in-type-2-Suppapitiporn-Kanpaksi/8abc06b08a604a0141dd86499f77dd8e17de582e – This paper, likely a systematic review or meta-analysis, contributed to the finding that cassia powder did not significantly affect glucose or lipid parameters in type 2 diabetes patients. It is cited alongside another source for this conclusion, suggesting a comprehensive analysis of existing data.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/63465-impact-of-cassia-bark-consumption-on-glucose-and-lipid-control-in-type-2-diabetes-an-updated-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis – This updated systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigated the impact of cassia bark consumption on glucose and lipid control in type 2 diabetes. It concluded that cassia powder did not produce statistically significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, or lipid parameters, reinforcing the lack of strong evidence for these benefits.