Herb & supplement monograph

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

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Saigon Cinnamon interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Saigon 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 Saigon 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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Saigon 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 Saigon Cinnamon drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on the same theoretical concern rather than documented problems in people taking normal amounts.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve medications that can be hard on the liver. Saigon cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural compound that has damaged the liver in animal studies, and very high daily doses have caused liver problems in humans that went away once the coumarin was stopped. So the real concern is combining large or long-term amounts of Saigon cinnamon with liver-stressing medicines, especially in people whose livers may already be sensitive.

What the rest of the list means

Although hundreds of medications appear on the interaction list, that number reflects one shared concern applied across many drugs, not hundreds of separate proven risks. The evidence comes mainly from animal research and from humans taking far more coumarin than typical spice use provides, so most of these combinations have never been shown to cause harm in everyday amounts.

Check your medications against Saigon Cinnamon

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Saigon Cinnamon

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

2,830 drugs
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid›
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 Saigon 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 Saigon Cinnamon affects

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

All 1 drug category Saigon Cinnamon interacts with
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, Saigon cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
Saigon cinnamon contains coumarin. Coumarin has caused hepatotoxicity in animal models. In otherwise healthy humans, very high doses of coumarin, from 50-7000 mg daily, 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

Saigon Cinnamon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Saigon cinnamon is a flavorful spice from a Cinnamomum tree grown mainly in Vietnam, and it is a type of 'cassia' cinnamon. Some people use it for blood sugar and digestion, but the human evidence is limited. Because cassia cinnamons like this one are high in a compound called coumarin, regularly taking large supplement doses may be hard on the liver in sensitive people, so use food amounts and check with your pharmacist before taking concentrated products.

Scientific name
Cinnamomum loureiroi
Family
Lauraceae
Part used
Inner bark (and bark essential oil)
Common forms
Ground spice, sticks (quills), capsules, extracts, tea, 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 as a food spice, but large supplement doses raise concerns mainly due to its high coumarin content.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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.

Jump to a section

Overview

Saigon cinnamon is a popular spice made from the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree in the laurel family. It grows mainly in Vietnam and is sometimes called Vietnamese cinnamon. It is known for its strong, sweet, and spicy flavor and is often considered one of the more potent-tasting cinnamons.

Saigon cinnamon is a type of cassia cinnamon, which is different from Ceylon ("true") cinnamon. This difference matters because cassia cinnamons tend to contain more of a natural compound called coumarin.

Most people use Saigon cinnamon as a cooking spice in baked goods, drinks, and savory dishes. Some also take it as a supplement, in capsules, teas, or extracts, hoping for health benefits such as blood sugar support.

How it works

Cinnamon contains several active compounds, including cinnamaldehyde (which gives it much of its flavor and smell), cinnamic acid, and various polyphenols that act as antioxidants.

In laboratory and animal studies, these compounds appear to influence how cells take up sugar and may have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Some research suggests cinnamon may affect enzymes involved in digesting carbohydrates, which could in theory slow how fast blood sugar rises.

It is important to know that most of these mechanisms come from test-tube or animal studies. How strongly they apply to people taking cinnamon by mouth is still uncertain.

Effectiveness

Does Saigon Cinnamon work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 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 Saigon 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 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral Saigon cinnamon for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Saigon cinnamon for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral Saigon cinnamon for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Saigon cinnamon for this condition.

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

As a spice used in normal food amounts, Saigon cinnamon is generally considered safe for most people. The bigger concern is with larger, concentrated supplement doses taken regularly.

Saigon cinnamon is a cassia-type cinnamon and can be high in coumarin, a natural compound that, in large amounts over time, may stress the liver in sensitive individuals. People with liver disease should be especially cautious and talk to a healthcare provider before using cinnamon supplements.

People who are allergic to cinnamon or balsam of Peru may react to it. Cinnamon oil is very concentrated and can irritate skin and mucous membranes, so it should never be taken undiluted.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, normal food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal or supplement doses should be avoided because there is not enough safety information. When in doubt, choose the cautious path and check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

In food amounts, side effects are uncommon. When taken as a supplement, possible side effects include mouth or stomach irritation, heartburn, and allergic reactions such as skin rash or mouth sores.

The main longer-term concern is the coumarin content. Taking high doses of cassia cinnamon for a long time could potentially affect the liver in some people. Cinnamon essential oil is much stronger than the spice and can cause skin burns or irritation if used improperly.

Stop using it and seek medical advice if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual abdominal pain.

Saigon Cinnamon: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition
Myasthenia gravis Hepatic

There is some concern about the safety of ingesting large amounts of Saigon cinnamon for extended durations due to its coumarin content. Saigon cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin than other cinnamon species. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg daily can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin is discontinued.

  1. Wang YH, Avula B, Nanayakkara NP, Zhao J, Khan IA. Cassia cinnamon as a source of coumarin in cinnamon-flavored food and food supplements in the United States. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61(18):4470-6.
  2. 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.
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 well-established standardized dose for Saigon cinnamon, and product strengths vary widely. Studies on cinnamon have used different amounts and forms, making it hard to recommend a single reliable dose.

If you choose to use a supplement, the safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed them. Because of the coumarin concern with cassia-type cinnamons, avoid taking large daily doses for long periods unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any cinnamon supplement, especially if you have a health condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Saigon Cinnamon & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Saigon Cinnamon & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our Saigon 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.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Wang YH, Avula B, Nanayakkara NP, Zhao J, Khan IA. Cassia cinnamon as a source of coumarin in cinnamon-flavored food and food supplements in the United States. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61(18):4470-6. 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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Saigon Cinnamon

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Saigon Cinnamon.

Product directory

Supplement products with Saigon Cinnamon

4 products in our database contain Saigon Cinnamon. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saigon Cinnamon: Common Questions

What is Saigon Cinnamon used for, and does it work?
People use Saigon 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 Saigon Cinnamon interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 370 medications with a known interaction with Saigon Cinnamon. Use the checker above to see how Saigon Cinnamon interacts with a specific drug.
How are Saigon 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 Saigon 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 Saigon 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 Saigon Cinnamon used for?
People use it mainly as a flavorful cooking spice and sometimes as a supplement for blood sugar support and digestion. The human evidence for health benefits is limited, so it should not replace medical treatment.
Is Saigon Cinnamon the same as regular cinnamon?
Saigon Cinnamon is a type of cassia cinnamon, which is different from Ceylon ("true") cinnamon. Cassia cinnamons like this one tend to be higher in coumarin, a compound that can affect the liver in large amounts.
Is it safe to take Saigon Cinnamon every day?
Using it as a food spice is generally fine for most people, but taking large supplement doses daily for a long time may be risky due to its coumarin content. Check with your pharmacist, especially if you have liver problems.
Can I take Saigon Cinnamon while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Normal amounts used in food are likely okay, but medicinal or concentrated supplement doses should be avoided because there is not enough safety information. Ask your doctor or pharmacist first.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Saigon Cinnamon

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Saigon Cinnamon — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 4 products with Saigon Cinnamon →
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