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Dietary supplement

Cinnamon Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

Cinnamon label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cinnamon against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cinnamon is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, digestive upset, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 442 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cinnamon Bark. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has one active ingredient: cinnamon bark from the cassia cinnamon plant. The capsule also contains gelatin (the capsule material itself) and dicalcium phosphate as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Cassia Cinnamon product and its label doesn't state a use — see Cassia Cinnamon's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for cassia cinnamon is insufficient for us to say whether it works for any of the conditions listed in our data — amenorrhea, angina, common cold, diabetes, diarrhea, or dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides). That doesn't mean it doesn't help; it means the quality or amount of research we have on file isn't solid enough to draw a conclusion yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cassia Cinnamon

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Food-level amounts of cinnamon are generally well tolerated. At higher supplement doses, though, there's a caution: cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can build up in your liver over long-term use and cause harm.

Very high doses of coumarin (50–7,000 mg per day) have caused liver damage in humans, though it reversed when people stopped. In clinical trials, doses from 360 mg to 12 grams daily for three months didn't significantly raise liver enzymes, but that doesn't cover every scenario.

A small number of trial participants reported a rash or, in one case, a hypoglycemic seizure (low blood sugar seizure), though the cinnamon-seizure link was unclear. People with a known allergy to cinnamic alcohol should avoid it — one case report showed systemic contact dermatitis that cleared within five days of stopping.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, food amounts are likely fine, but avoid medicinal or high-dose supplement amounts because safety data is limited.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cassia Cinnamon

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Cassia Cinnamon.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 443 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist if you take hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can harm the liver) or antidiabetes drugs (pills or insulin for blood sugar control). Both have Moderate interactions with cassia cinnamon.

If you're unsure whether your medication falls into either group, use the drug checker on this page or ask your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take diabetes medications or drugs that affect your liver, check with your pharmacist before starting this. Food-level cinnamon is fine for most people, but supplement doses — especially over months — carry a coumarin buildup risk.

It's a simple herb, but the dose and duration matter here.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cinnamon, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb
Barcode (UPC) 048107090128
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 18294
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107090128
IngredientAmount% DV
Cinnamon Bark500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Dicalcium Phosphate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

No Sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

GNC HERBAL PLUS(R) WHOLE HERB

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

General Statements

Whole Herb

CODE 198531 KKG

Material verified by TLC. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Lot No./Best By:

Formula

500 mg

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Cinnamon label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Cinnamon Bark

Interacts with
442 drugs
500 mg per serving

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 evi...

Cinnamon Bark monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Dicalcium Phosphate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cinnamon?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
442Drugs
442 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cinnamon Bark 442

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cinnamon interact with 442 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Cinnamon interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cinnamon Bark

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cinnamon with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Cinnamon Bark2 drug types · 442 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
Cinnamon Bark full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cinnamon, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb

See all GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb: Common Questions

Does Cinnamon by GNC Herbal Plus Whole Herb interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cinnamon has a known interaction with 442 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cinnamon contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does cinnamon actually lower blood sugar?
Our data shows insufficient evidence to say whether cassia cinnamon works for diabetes. That's the honest answer — we don't have enough solid research on file to call it effective. If you're interested, talk to your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation.
Is cinnamon safe to take every day?
Food amounts are fine daily. At supplement doses taken long-term, there's a caution: the coumarin in cassia cinnamon can build up and stress your liver. In clinical trials, doses up to 12 grams daily for three months didn't significantly raise liver enzymes, but we don't have data for every dose or duration. If you're taking this regularly, it's worth discussing with your pharmacist.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Food amounts are likely safe during pregnancy and lactation. High-dose supplements or concentrated forms carry limited safety data, so it's best to avoid them and stick to what you'd get from seasoning food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What's in this besides the cinnamon?
The capsule itself is made of gelatin, and there's dicalcium phosphate in there as an inactive ingredient — both are common capsule fillers. The active ingredient is the cinnamon bark.
Can I take this with my diabetes medication?
Not without checking first. Cassia cinnamon may lower blood sugar, and your diabetes meds already do that. The combination could drop your blood sugar too far. Talk to your doctor — a dose adjustment to your medication might be needed.
What are the side effects?
A very small number of people in trials reported a rash. One person reported a low blood sugar seizure, though it wasn't clear if cinnamon caused it. People with an allergy to cinnamic alcohol can develop a skin reaction. Overall, side effects are uncommon at typical doses.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cinnamon label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cinnamon’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

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 a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cinnamon's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 20 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
  14. 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
  15. Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
  16. 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
  17. Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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

See these in context on the Cassia Cinnamon monograph →

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

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