A research review of human and relevant scientific studies on Cinnamomum spp..
Last reviewed: August 2026
🔬 Research Summary
- Glucose metabolism: Many randomized trials and meta-analyses have examined cinnamon supplementation and glucose-related outcomes. Some report reductions in fasting glucose or HbA1c, while others find little or no effect.
- Blood pressure & cardiovascular markers: Clinical studies have investigated blood pressure, cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk markers. Results vary by population, dose, species and duration.
- Inflammation & oxidative stress: Trials have measured inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, with some favorable changes but variable clinical relevance.
- Body weight & metabolic syndrome: Cinnamon has been studied in people with metabolic syndrome and overweight/obesity, but effects on body weight and body composition are inconsistent.
- Tea-specific research: A small human literature exists for cinnamon tea, but it is much smaller than the literature on cinnamon powder or supplements.
The sections below summarize the principal health areas investigated in the literature. Evidence strength is not uniform, and studies using extracts, oils, capsules or combination products are identified conceptually rather than treated as interchangeable with tea.
Glucose metabolism
What researchers found
Many randomized trials and meta-analyses have examined cinnamon supplementation and glucose-related outcomes. Some report reductions in fasting glucose or HbA1c, while others find little or no effect.
What remains uncertain
Study results, doses, preparations and participant populations differ. Where the evidence is based mainly on extracts, oils, capsules, combinations, laboratory models or people with a specific condition, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the findings for a normal cup of tea.
Blood pressure & cardiovascular markers
What researchers found
Clinical studies have investigated blood pressure, cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk markers. Results vary by population, dose, species and duration.
What remains uncertain
Study results, doses, preparations and participant populations differ. Where the evidence is based mainly on extracts, oils, capsules, combinations, laboratory models or people with a specific condition, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the findings for a normal cup of tea.
Inflammation & oxidative stress
What researchers found
Trials have measured inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, with some favorable changes but variable clinical relevance.
What remains uncertain
Study results, doses, preparations and participant populations differ. Where the evidence is based mainly on extracts, oils, capsules, combinations, laboratory models or people with a specific condition, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the findings for a normal cup of tea.
Body weight & metabolic syndrome
What researchers found
Cinnamon has been studied in people with metabolic syndrome and overweight/obesity, but effects on body weight and body composition are inconsistent.
What remains uncertain
Study results, doses, preparations and participant populations differ. Where the evidence is based mainly on extracts, oils, capsules, combinations, laboratory models or people with a specific condition, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the findings for a normal cup of tea.
Tea-specific research
What researchers found
A small human literature exists for cinnamon tea, but it is much smaller than the literature on cinnamon powder or supplements.
What remains uncertain
Study results, doses, preparations and participant populations differ. Where the evidence is based mainly on extracts, oils, capsules, combinations, laboratory models or people with a specific condition, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the findings for a normal cup of tea.
Overall Assessment
Cinnamon is extensively researched, particularly for metabolic outcomes. The main limitation is heterogeneity: species, preparation and dose differ substantially, and evidence for cinnamon tea itself is much smaller.
References
- Zare R, et al. Effect of cinnamon on blood glucose and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr. 2019.
- Allen RW, et al. Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Fam Med. 2013;11(5):452-459. PMID: 24019277.
- Bernardo MA, et al. Effect of Cinnamon Tea on Postprandial Glucose Concentration. J Diabetes Res. 2015;2015:913651.
Reference note: References were selected to represent the principal human clinical and systematic-review evidence discussed in this article. Where direct tea-infusion evidence is limited, the article explicitly identifies that limitation.
Publication version: August 2026
We use cinnamon in blends like Hibiscus Cinnamon, hand blended with whole hibiscus flowers for warmth and colour in every cup.
These statements have not been evaluated by Medsafe. This tea is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition, check with your healthcare provider before making it a regular habit.
