A
team of scientists elevated the prized spice, cinnamon, from its
culinary applications to a loftier stratum as a promising molecular
weapon for combating chronic diseases. Researchers from various fields,
including Kiram Panickar, Heping Cao, Bolin Qin and Richard A.
Anderson, collaborated in making this significant breakthrough. The
results revived ancient interest in the therapeutic benefits of common
cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as the
"true cinnamon," to modern genomic medicine. Compounds found in
cinnamon revealed multiple utility in terms of enhancing the effects of
insulin, its antioxidant function, efficacy against inflammation, and
its neuroprotective benefits.
Cinnamon polyphenol
extract (CPE) regulates a number of genes and exerts a significant
influence on the metabolism of glucose. Various studies conducted on
human subjects afflicted with metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary
syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus also showed the beneficial
effects of whole cinnamon and its aqueous extract on the glucose,
insulin, lipid profile and anti-oxidant status of the patients.
Experts also posited possible effects of cinnamon compounds on body composition, lean body mass and inflammatory response.
Cinnamon Extract Helps against Dyslipedemia
Patients
with metabolic syndrome develop resistance to insulin action, which in
turn causes dyslipedemia or abnormal level of lipids in the blood. In
most cases, the problem is hyperlipedemia. Cinnamon presents a good
potential in lowering lipid levels in both animal and human subjects.
Cinnamon Extract Lowers Systolic Blood Pressure
Agents that are typically employed as an intervention for
insulin
resistance and/or lower circulating insulin concentration in the blood
also tend to lower blood pressure. Such agents include nutrients,
nutritional supplements, and drugs. Research conducted on spontaneously
hypertensive rats fed with sucrose-containing diet showed that elevated
systolic blood pressure (SBP) is lowered when the rats were given
dietary
cinnamon.
This presents a promising development highlighting the efficacy of
cinnamon not only for sucrose-induced high SBP but also for hypertension
caused by genetic factors.
Molecular Targets
Based
on the aforementioned link between chronic diseases and genetic
influences, research is now pursuing genomic targets for therapy.
Quantitative research on polymerase chain reaction was performed to
examine the effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on the expression of
genes coding for the glucose transporter (GLUT) and anti-inflammatory
tristetrapolin (TTP) families, components of the insulin signal
transduction pathway, etc. So far, there are tell-tale signs that the
medical hypotheses on selected targets are leaning towards positive
results.
Age-Old Super Spice
From its basic
ancient uses as treatment for toothache, anti-halitosis or bad breath,
medication for the nasty common cold and digestion aid, cinnamon has
gone quite a long way. Recent studies also showed that even just the
smell of cinnamon or chewing cinnamon gum improves brain function from
memory to visual-motor speed, recognition, and attention and focus.
In Closing: Cinnamon Now a Certified "Super" Food
It's no wonder that cinnamon is now a "super"
spice
being painstakingly developed through genomic medicine to neutralize
stubborn chronic diseases that have plagued the modern world. There is
voluminous research evidence for its medicinal value and health
benefits. Cinnamon doesn't just spice up the gustatory sense. It spices
up your health for a better life ahead.
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