Cassia Cinnamon - Kombiglyze (Saxagliptin, metformin XR) Interaction
Herbal: Cassia Cinnamon
Also Known As: Cinnamomum aromaticum, Bastard Cinnamon, Chinese Cinnamon, Ramulus Cinnamomi
Drug: Saxagliptin, metformin XR
Brand names:
Kombiglyze
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Saxagliptin, metformin XR is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
It is important to note that although cinnamon has a mild blood sugar-lowering effect, it is not generally associated with causing hypoglycemia.
This is likely due to how cinnamon purportedly works to lower blood sugar. It does not stimulate the release of insulin, but rather, increases our the body's sensitivity to insulin. This allows insulin to more effectively move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy, which helps reduce blood glucose levels.
Even though it is important to be aware of the fact that, theoretically, cinnamon could interact with other drugs that lower blood sugar due to an additive effect, in general, this interaction isn't overly clinically significant with many drugs used for diabetes that also carry only a low risk of hypoglycemia (like metformin).
There may be more of a concern with drugs that directly affect insulin, like sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide), and in those who take insulin itself.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan M, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26:3215-8.
- Crawford P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Board Fam Med 2009;22:507-12.
- Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., and Robinson, N. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet.Med. 2010;
- Lu T, Sheng H Wu J Cheng Y Zhu J Chen Y. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res. 2012;32(6):408-412.
- Stoecker BR, Zhan Z, Luo R, et al. Cinnamon extract lowers blood glucose in hyperglycemic subjects. FASEB J. 2010;22:722.1 (Abstract only).
Cassia Cinnamon Overview
Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon or Cinnamomum cassia, is a type of cinnamon native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is made from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, which is related to the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree that is used to produce another type of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon is typically darker in color and has a stronger, more pungent flavor than Ceylon cinnamon. It is less expensive and more widely available than Ceylon cinnamon, which makes it the most commonly used type of cinnamon in the world.
Cassia cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and it is believed to have a number of health benefits. It is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is sometimes used to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
Some cassia cinnamon products contain high levels of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver if ingested in large amounts.
Cassia Cinnamon - More Interactions
Cassia Cinnamon interacts with 414 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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