Anti-hypertensive effects of cinnamon supplementation in adults: A systematic review and dose-response Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(18):3144-3154. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1678012. Epub 2019 Oct 16.

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Despite controversies, no earlier study has systematically summarized findings from earlier studies on the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure. Therefore, current systematic review and meta-analysis was done on the effect of cinnamon supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults.Methods: Relevant studies published up to July 2019 were searched through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. All randomized clinical trials investigating the impact of oral cinnamon supplementation on any of the blood pressure parameters including SBP or/and DBP were included.Results: Out of 469 citations, 9 trials that enrolled 641 subjects were included. Cinnamon supplementation resulted in significant reduction in SBP (Weighted Mean Differences (WMD): -6.23 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.69 to -1.77, P = 0.006) and DBP (WMD: -3.93 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.33 to -1.52, P = 0.001). Greater effects on SBP were detected in trials using ≤2 g cinnamon, lasted ≥12 weeks and participants aged <50 years' old. DBP was also reduced by using lower doses. However, no significant non-linear associations were found between cinnamon supplementation dosage and study duration with both SBP (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.35, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.21) and DBP (For dosage: Pnon-linearity = 0.27, for duration: Pnon-linearity = 0.41).Conclusions: We found a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP following cinnamon supplementation in adults. It could be proposed as a hypotensive supplement in hypertension management.

Keywords: Cinnamon; DBP; Diastolic blood pressure; Hypertension; SBP; Systolic blood pressure.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antihypertensive Agents* / pharmacology
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents