Can Cinnamon Interfere with Some Prescription Medications?

We get it—cinnamon is that cozy hug in spice form. You sprinkle it on lattes, bake it into cookies, maybe even stir it into oatmeal. People have loved it for thousands of years. But here’s the thing science just uncovered:

"Overconsumption of cinnamon supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of prescription medicine from the body." — Shabana Khan, NCNPR

At DRUERA, we’ve sourced authentic Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka since 2005. We’re obsessed with its flavor and potential benefits—but we’re also obsessed with your safety. Let’s unpack when cinnamon (especially cheap Cassia or concentrated pills) might clash with medications.

Understanding the Science: How Cinnamon Might Affect Medications

Let’s break this down without the PhD jargon. The key player here is cinnamaldehyde—the compound that gives cinnamon its signature kick and warmth. But according to groundbreaking research from the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR), this natural chemical has a hidden superpower (and a caution flag):

"Cinnamaldehyde activates receptors that act like 'traffic cops' for medications in your body."

Here’s what that means for you:

These receptors control how fast your body breaks down and clears out drugs.

1. When activated by high doses of cinnamaldehyde (think supplements, not sprinkles), they can speed up drug clearance like an express lane.

2. Result? Medications exit your system too quickly → reducing their effectiveness.

“Overconsumption of cinnamon supplements could lead to a rapid clearance of prescription medicine... making the medicine less effective.”
— Shabana Khan, NCNPR Lead Researcher

 

The Critical Distinction In plain English:

• Sprinkling cinnamon? Go ahead—your morning toast won’t sabotage your meds.
• Taking cinnamon pills? That’s where the real risk kicks in.

Not All Cinnamon Is Created Equal: Cassia vs. Ceylon

This isn’t just about how much cinnamon you use—it’s about what kind. Meet the two faces of cinnamon:

Cassia: The Cheap & Risky Choice

(Common in grocery stores, often labeled simply as "cinnamon")

• Packed with coumarin: A natural blood thinner.
• NCNPR scientist Amar Chittiboyina warns:
  "Coumarin’s anticoagulant properties can be hazardous for individuals on blood thinners like Warfarin."
• Real-world risk: Mix Cassia + blood thinners = uncontrolled bleeding risk 🩸.

Ceylon: The Safer, Cleaner Sibling

(DRUERA’s exclusive focus)

• 1,500x LESS coumarin levels than Cassia.
• Chittiboyina confirms: "True cinnamon from Sri Lanka carries a lower risk due to its reduced coumarin content."
• DRUERA’s role: We source only Ceylon—single-farm, lead-tested (0.00–0.21 ppm), and made for flavor, not risky megadoses.

Cinnamon Oil vs. Bark: A Quick Note

• Cinnamon oil (topical/flavoring): Almost zero interaction risk (per NCNPR).
• ark (powder/supplements): Where coumarin and cinnamaldehyde concentrate → ⚠️ risk zone.

Cassia cinnamon oil, the variety most often available in grocery stores, contains a high level of cinnamaldehyde, accounting for approximately 95% of its essential oil. In contrast, Ceylon cinnamon oil, often referred to as "true cinnamon," has a milder profile, with cinnamaldehyde typically comprising between 50% and 63% of its oil content. The next time you buy Cinnamon Oil, make sure it is Ceylon Cinnamon Oil.

 

 

 

Culinary Use vs. Supplements: Where the Real Risk Hides

Let’s cut through the confusion: Your morning cinnamon latte ≠ a cinnamon supplement.
The difference isn’t just form—it’s dose, concentration, and intent.

Culinary Cinnamon (The DRUERA Way)

Think: Sprinkles, not pills.

• What it is: Pure, ground Ceylon cinnamon in foods/drinks.
• Risk level: Extremely low for medication interference.
• Why? You’d need 3+ tablespoons daily to approach risky cinnamaldehyde levels. DRUERA’s Ceylon has ultra-low coumarin (no blood-thinner worries).

As our CMO, Mike de Livera, shares, "Enjoying cinnamon in your kitchen? That’s tradition. Using it as medicine? That’s gambling." 

Learn more about how to use Cinnamon in 30+ ways here.  

Cinnamon Supplements (The Red Flag)

Pills, extracts, "therapeutic" megadoses.

• What they do: Pack high-dose cinnamaldehyde → triggers "express" drug clearance. Often use cheap Cassia → adds coumarin risks.
• NCNPR’s blunt warning:
  "By definition, supplements are not meant to treat, cure or mitigate any disease."
  — Shabana Khan
  

Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

Let’s be crystal clear: most people can safely enjoy culinary cinnamon. But if any of these describe you, pause before reaching for supplements or excessive amounts:

1. You Take These Medications:

• Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) → Cassia’s coumarin dangerously amplifies effects.
• Diabetes drugs (Metformin, Insulin) → Cinnamon may unpredictably alter blood sugar levels.
• Blood pressure meds → Risk of rapid clearance reducing effectiveness.
• Antidepressants/Cholesterol drugs → Cinnamaldehyde may interfere with metabolism.

2. You Manage Chronic Conditions:

Hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, or autoimmune disorders.

“People with chronic diseases should be cautious when using cinnamon or any supplements alongside prescription medicine.”
— Shabana Khan, NCNPR

3. You’re Pregnant or Nursing:

Heightened sensitivity to compounds + potential medication interactions.

Why the Extra Risk?

• Liver/kidneys process both meds & cinnamon compounds → Overload potential.
• Multiple medications = complex interactions (cinnamon could be the tipping point).

The Golden Rule: Talk to Your Doctor (No Exceptions)

This isn’t a suggestion—it’s the only rule that matters:

"Until clinical studies are complete, we recommend anyone using cinnamon supplements to check with their doctor first."
— Bill Gurley, NCNPR Co-Author

Why This Can’t Wait:

1. Science is evolving: We know cinnamon could interfere with meds → but how and for whom remains unclear. "We know there’s potential, but we won’t know exactly what will happen until clinical studies are done."
   — Bill Gurley
2. Your body is unique: Genetics, diet, other meds, and health history change the game.
3. Supplements aren’t regulated like drugs: Pills lack dose consistency or safety guarantees.

How to Have "The Talk" with Your Doctor:

• Say this: "I’m using cinnamon supplements [or eating X tablespoons daily]. Could this affect my ______ medication?"
• Bring: Your cinnamon product (show the label!). Full medication list (including vitamins).
• Ask: "Is there a safe dose for me? Should I switch to culinary cinnamon? Should I stop entirely?"

DRUERA's Commitment to Informed Choices

At DRUERA, we’ve built our legacy on two unwavering principles: Exceptional cinnamon, and exceptional honesty. Here’s how we protect your well-being:

• We Source Only Ceylon Cinnamon. No Cassia fillers. No coumarin gambles. Just pure Cinnamomum verum from our single Sri Lankan partner.
• We Test Relentlessly. Every harvest is screened for lead (0.00 – 0.21 ppm) and purity. Always below FDA limits.
• We Educate First. No glossy myths. Just science-backed truth (like this article).

"Selling cinnamon isn’t our job—protecting your trust is. That means saying ‘no’ to shortcuts and ‘yes’ to transparency." — Mike de Livera.

Our Promise to You:

• Enjoy our culinary-grade Ceylon cinnamon freely in recipes.
• Never use cinnamon to replace/skip meds.
• Check online to see if your medication interacts with Cinnamon via the link below.

            https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/cinnamon.html

• Always consult your doctor about supplements.