Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cassia Cinnamon interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cassia Cinnamon is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cassia Cinnamon is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Cassia Cinnamon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Cassia Cinnamon drug interaction appears low for most people, though a couple of areas deserve real attention. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and the concerns behind them rest on theoretical or limited evidence rather than well-controlled human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that matters most involves diabetes medications. Cassia cinnamon may lower blood sugar on its own, so combining it with these drugs could push blood sugar lower than intended, and doses of diabetes medicines sometimes need adjusting. The other concern involves medications that can stress the liver. Cassia cinnamon contains a natural compound called coumarin, which has harmed the liver in animal studies, so taking large amounts for a long time alongside these drugs may add to that strain. Typical culinary amounts are not the focus of this concern.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications reflects how many drugs fall into these two broad groups, not hundreds of separate proven problems. Most of these pairings are flagged because an additive effect is possible in theory, and the supporting evidence comes mainly from lab or animal research rather than documented harm in people.

Check your medications against Cassia Cinnamon

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Cassia Cinnamon interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cassia Cinnamon

444 medications have a known interaction with Cassia Cinnamon, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Cassia Cinnamon using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Cassia Cinnamon interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction 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
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cassia Cinnamon combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cassia Cinnamon affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cassia Cinnamon is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Cassia Cinnamon interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsHepatotoxic Drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Cassia Cinnamon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed and far from proven, and because cassia is naturally high in coumarin, taking large amounts regularly may stress the liver. Use food amounts freely, but talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using high-dose supplements.

Scientific name: Cinnamomum cassia
Family: Lauraceae
Part used: Inner bark (and young twigs)
Common forms: Ground spice, sticks (quills), capsules, tea, extracts, essential oil

People commonly use it for

Blood sugar support
Digestive upset
Antioxidant support
Flavoring and culinary use
Antimicrobial

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally safe in food amounts, but supplement doses high in coumarin may harm the liver over time.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of cassia cinnamon when used i...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of cassia cinnamon when used i...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Cassia cinnamon comes from the dried inner bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, which is native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is also called Chinese cinnamon, bastard cinnamon, or Saigon cinnamon. This is the cinnamon most people buy in grocery stores because it is inexpensive and widely available.

It is different from Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), which comes from a related tree. Cassia is usually darker, harder, and has a stronger, more pungent flavor. Cassia also contains much more coumarin, a natural compound that matters for safety.

People use cassia cinnamon both as a spice in food and as a supplement in capsules, teas, and extracts. In traditional medicine it has been used for digestion, colds, and general wellness for centuries.

How it works

Cinnamon contains several active compounds, including cinnamaldehyde (which gives it its smell and flavor), along with various polyphenols and other antioxidants. Laboratory studies suggest these compounds may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

For blood sugar, researchers think cinnamon compounds may help cells respond better to insulin and slow how quickly carbohydrates are broken down in the gut. However, these proposed mechanisms come largely from test-tube and animal research, and they do not always translate into meaningful effects in people.

Cassia also naturally contains coumarin, which has no health benefit here and is the main reason for caution with high doses.

Effectiveness

Does Cassia Cinnamon work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 17 uses evaluated

17 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Cassia Cinnamon, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 17 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Amenorrhea

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for amenorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

HelloPharmacist Explains reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD · July 2026

There is not enough good research to say if cassia cinnamon helps with amenorrhea. One review looked at several herbs, including Cinnamomum cassia, for women with polycystic ovary syndrome and irregular or absent periods. It suggested possible benefits, but the amount of lab data was limited and the quality of the human studies varied. More research is needed before any conclusion can be made.

Fact-checked against 1 study

Studies referenced

Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a re... BMC complementary and alternative medicine · 2014 · PMID 25524718

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Angina

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for angina, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Common cold

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Several clinical trials have evaluated oral cassia cinnamon for type 2 diabetes, but results are conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for diarrhea.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyslipidemia

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for dyslipidemia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for ED, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gastritis

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for gastritis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

The effects of cassia cinnamon in patients with impaired glucose tolerance are unclear; results from clinical research are conflicting.

HelloPharmacist Explains reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD · July 2026

There is not enough good research to know if cassia cinnamon helps prediabetes. One 12-week study in people with impaired glucose tolerance found that 6 grams of cassia cinnamon twice daily did not improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar, or HbA1c. A small study in obese women found a single 5 gram dose lowered the peak blood sugar spike after a glucose drink, but did not improve insulin resistance. A review called the overall evidence inconclusive and noted safety concerns about coumarin in cassia cinnamon.

Fact-checked against 3 studies

Studies referenced

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mosquito repellent

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if topical cassia cinnamon is beneficial as a mosquito repellent.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle cramps

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for muscle cramps, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nausea and vomiting

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for nausea and vomiting, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for weight loss.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for patients with PCOS.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral cassia cinnamon is beneficial for stroke prevention.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary incontinence

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral cassia cinnamon for urinary incontinence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of cassia cinnamon for this purpose.

HelloPharmacist Explains reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD · July 2026

There is not enough research to say whether cassia cinnamon helps urinary incontinence. The only study I found was a lab and animal study, not a human trial. In that study, cinnamaldehyde, a key component of cinnamon, improved signs of stress urinary incontinence in mice and increased urethral muscle contraction in tissue tests. Until studies are done in people, we cannot draw any conclusions about its effectiveness.

Fact-checked against 1 study

Studies referenced

Treatment of stress urinary incontinence by cinnamaldehyde, the major constituent of the chinese medicinal herb ramulus cinnamomi. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM · 2014 · PMID 24711852

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Cassia cinnamon used as a spice in cooking is generally considered safe for most people. The main concern is with large or daily supplement doses, because cassia is high in coumarin, which can stress or harm the liver in sensitive people or when taken in large amounts over time.

People with liver disease should be especially careful and should talk to a healthcare provider before using cinnamon supplements. People with diabetes who take blood-sugar-lowering medicine should monitor their levels and check with a pharmacist before adding cinnamon supplements.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, normal food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal or high-dose supplement amounts should be avoided because safety has not been well studied. When in doubt, choose Ceylon cinnamon (which is much lower in coumarin) for regular high intake, and speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

In food amounts, cassia cinnamon rarely causes problems. Some people may have mouth or lip irritation, an allergic reaction, or stomach upset. Cinnamon essential oil is very concentrated and can irritate skin and mucous membranes; it should never be swallowed undiluted.

The most important concern with regular high doses is the coumarin content, which may contribute to liver irritation or damage in some people. Watch for signs of liver problems such as unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right belly, and seek care if these occur.

Large amounts may also lower blood sugar, which could be a problem for people on diabetes medicines.

Cassia Cinnamon: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Cassia Cinnamon from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Dermatologic

In one clinical trial, a rash was reported in one patient taking cassia cinnamon 1 gram daily for 90 days.

In one case, a 58-year-old female with a documented allergy to topically applied cinnamic alcohol presented with eyelid dermatitis, which was found to be a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in the diet. Symptoms improved in two days and completely cleared five days after discontinuing the addition of cinnamon to food products. In other case reports, two adults presented with allergic contact cheilitis following the ingestion of chai tea with cinnamon and yogurt with cinnamon. Cinnamon components were confirmed as the causative allergic agents with patch tests, and both cases of allergic contact cheilitis completely resolved upon cessation of the cinnamon-containing products.

Topically, allergic skin reactions and stomatitis from toothpaste flavored with cassia cinnamon have been reported. Intraoral allergic reactions with symptoms of tenderness and burning sensations of the oral mucosa have also been reported in patients using breath fresheners, toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, or chewing gum containing cinnamon, cinnamic aldehyde or cinnamic alcohol as flavoring agents. Glossodynia, or burning mouth syndrome, has also been reported in a 62-year-old female who ate apples dipped in cinnamon nightly, and allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in a teenage female using a homemade cinnamon sugar face scrub.

Cirrhosis Hepatic

There is some concern about the safety of ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for extended durations due to its coumarin content. Coumarin can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin is discontinued. In clinical trials, taking cassia cinnamon 360 mg to 12 grams daily for 3 months did not significantly increase levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT). However, in one case report, acute hepatitis with elevated AST and ALT occurred in a 73-year-old female who started taking a cinnamon supplement (dose unknown) one week prior to admission. The cinnamon supplement was added on to high-dose rosuvastatin, which may have led to additive adverse hepatic effects. After discontinuing both products, liver function returned to normal, and the patient was able to restart rosuvastati without further complications. In most cases, ingestion of cassia cinnamon won't provide a high enough amount of coumarin to cause significant toxicity; however, in especially sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or taking potentially hepatotoxic agents, prolonged ingestion of large amounts of cassia cinnamon might exacerbate the condition.

Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75.
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.
Wickenberg J, Lindstedt S, Nilsson J, Hlebowicz J. Cassia cinnamon does not change the insulin sensitivity or the liver enzymes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutr J 2014 Sep 24;13:96.
Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani P, Heydarpour F, Izadi F, Jalili C. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2021;58:102699.
Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4.

Epilepsy Endocrine

In one clinical trial, a hypoglycemic seizure was reported in one patient taking cassia cinnamon 1 gram daily for 3 months. The event occurred one day after enrolling in the study. It is unclear if cassia cinnamon caused this event.

Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM. The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30(4):813-6.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official or well-established medicinal dose for cassia cinnamon. Studies have used a range of amounts, but the results are not consistent enough to recommend a specific dose.

If you choose to use a supplement, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because of the coumarin content, it is wise to avoid taking large amounts of cassia cinnamon every day for long periods. People who want regular high intake may prefer Ceylon cinnamon, which contains far less coumarin.

Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting a cinnamon supplement, especially if you have diabetes, liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cassia Cinnamon & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of cassia cinnamon when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Cassia Cinnamon & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 20 references that drive our Cassia Cinnamon monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
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. PubMed
De Benito V, Alzaga R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cassia (Chinese cinnamon) as a flavouring agent in coffee. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40:165. PubMed
Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75. PubMed
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. PubMed
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; PubMed
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. PubMed
Choi, J., Lee, K. T., Ka, H., Jung, W. T., Jung, H. J., and Park, H. J. Constituents of the essential oil of the Cinnamomum cassia stem bark and the biological properties. Arch Pharm Res 2001;24(5):418-423.
Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM. The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30(4):813-6. PubMed
Stoecker BR, Zhan Z, Luo R, et al. Cinnamon extract lowers blood glucose in hyperglycemic subjects. FASEB J. 2010;22:722.1 (Abstract only). DOI
Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
Isaac-Renton M, Li MK, Parsons LM. Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehyde. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):116-21. PubMed
Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
Wickenberg J, Lindstedt S, Nilsson J, Hlebowicz J. Cassia cinnamon does not change the insulin sensitivity or the liver enzymes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutr J 2014 Sep 24;13:96. PubMed
Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani P, Heydarpour F, Izadi F, Jalili C. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2021;58:102699. PubMed
Bernaola J, Valverde-Monge M, Otal-Buesa M, Cullen D, Heras-Mendaza F. Cinnamon allergic contact cheilitis. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(5):418-419. PubMed
Patel K, Howard M, Tate B. Cheilitis caused by allergic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in chai tea: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(3):239-240. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Cassia Cinnamon

863 brands in our database make a supplement containing Cassia Cinnamon.

'Merica Labz 62 products 1-800-WellMed 20 products 1MD 33 products 1MD Nutrition 23 products 1st Phorm 75 products 20S20 Nutrition 3 products 21st Century 798 products 5% Core 9 products AA Anabolic Agents 16 products About Time 27 products ABS Laboratories 2 products Accomplix 6 products AD Elite Series 2 products Advanced Naturals 68 products Advanced Nutrition by Zahler 135 products Advantage Pharmaceuticals 7 products Advocare 165 products AfterDark 3 products Aggressive Labz 19 products AI Sports Nutrition 20 products AIVIA 8 products Akasha Naturals 20 products Alani Nu 74 products Alani Nu Self 9 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Cassia Cinnamon

3,763 products in our database contain Cassia Cinnamon. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cassia Cinnamon: Common Questions

What is Cassia Cinnamon used for, and does it work?

People use Cassia Cinnamon for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Cassia Cinnamon interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 444 medications with a known interaction with Cassia Cinnamon. Use the checker above to see how Cassia Cinnamon interacts with a specific drug.

How are Cassia Cinnamon interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Cassia Cinnamon with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Cassia Cinnamon interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Cassia Cinnamon used for?

It is mainly used as a cooking spice, and as a supplement people most often take it for blood sugar support, digestion, and its antioxidant properties. The scientific evidence for these health uses is limited and not conclusive.

What is the difference between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon?

Cassia is the common, less expensive cinnamon with a stronger flavor, while Ceylon ("true" cinnamon) is milder and more costly. Cassia contains much more coumarin, so Ceylon is the safer choice if you eat a lot of cinnamon regularly.

Is Cassia Cinnamon safe to take every day?

Using it as a spice in food is generally fine, but taking large supplement doses daily for a long time may stress the liver because of its coumarin content. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using high-dose cinnamon supplements regularly.

Can cinnamon cure or treat diabetes?

No. Some studies suggest cinnamon may slightly lower blood sugar, but the evidence is mixed and it is not a proven treatment. It should never replace prescribed diabetes medicine or your doctor's advice.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Cassia Cinnamon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Cassia Cinnamon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Cassia Cinnamon

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Cassia Cinnamon affects

Cassia Cinnamon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Cassia Cinnamon work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Cassia Cinnamon: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Cassia Cinnamon & Pregnancy

Cassia Cinnamon & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Cassia Cinnamon

Supplement products with Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia Cinnamon: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Cassia Cinnamon

Have a question about Cassia Cinnamon?