Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon Extract – Polyphenol-Rich Bioactive for Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Defense

Cinnamon Extract, derived primarily from the bark of Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia, is a standardized botanical concentrate rich in polyphenols, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds exhibit potent insulin-mimetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making cinnamon a valuable agent in metabolic health and cellular protection.

Biochemically, cinnamon enhances glucose uptake by upregulating insulin receptor activity and promoting GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes and muscle cells. It also inhibits enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Cinnamaldehyde, the primary active component, modulates signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and PPARγ, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.

Cinnamon Extract also exhibits strong antioxidant properties by increasing endogenous defense mechanisms like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, while neutralizing free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory effects are linked to the downregulation of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6.

Standardized Cinnamon Extracts (typically 10–30% polyphenols or specific cinnamaldehyde content) are widely incorporated into nutraceutical, functional food, and phytopharmaceutical formulations aimed at supporting glycemic control, metabolic health, and cardiovascular wellness.