Preliminary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Nov;211(5):487.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.05.009. Epub 2014 May 9.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of cinnamon on menstrual cyclicity and metabolic dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Study design: In a prospective, placebo controlled, double-blinded randomized trial, 45 women with PCOS were randomized (1:1) to receive cinnamon supplements (1.5 g/d) or placebo for 6 months. Menstrual cyclicity (average cycles/month) during the 6 months study period was compared between the 2 groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Changes in menstrual cyclicity and insulin resistance between baseline and the 6 month study period were compared between the 2 groups using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results: The 45 women were randomized, 26 women completed 3 months of the study, and 17 women completed the entire 6 months of the study. During the 6 month intervention, menstrual cycles were more frequent in patients taking cinnamon compared with patients taking placebo (median, 0.75; interquartile range, 0.5-0.83 vs median, 0.25; interquartile range, 0-0.54; P = .0085; Mann Whitney U). In patients taking cinnamon, menstrual cyclicity improved from baseline (+ 0.23 cycles/month 95% confidence interval, 0.099-0.36), yet did not improve for women taking placebo. (P = .0076, Wilcoxon signed rank). Samples (n = 5) of serum from the luteal phase in different patients within the cinnamon group were thawed and ovulatory progesterone levels (>3 ng/mL) confirmed. Luteal phase progesterone levels (>3 ng/mL, n = 5) confirmed ovulatory menses. Measures of insulin resistance or serum androgen levels did not change for either group.

Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that cinnamon supplementation improves menstrual cyclicity and may be an effective treatment option for some women with PCOS.

Keywords: PCOS; cinnamon; randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Menstrual Cycle / metabolism
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology*
  • Periodicity*
  • Phytotherapy / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Progesterone / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • cinnulin PF
  • Progesterone