Nootropic profile
Cinnamon Extract
A polyphenol-rich spice extract containing cinnamaldehyde and procyanidins with neuroprotective properties - research shows improved hippocampal function, enhanced brain insulin sensitivity, and reduced neuroinflammation, with Ceylon cinnamon preferred for its lower coumarin content.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Cinnamon Extract?
Cinnamon extract, derived from the bark of Cinnamomum species, has emerged as a surprisingly potent neuroprotective compound in recent years.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- General cognitive support: 500-1,000 mg of Ceylon cinnamon extract per day, standardised to polyphenol content
- Enhanced neuroprotection: 1,000-2,000 mg per day of Ceylon cinnamon extract, divided into two doses with meals
- Blood sugar support (indirect cognitive benefit): 1,000-3,000 mg per day, which may improve brain glucose utilisation through improved systemic insulin...
- Ceylon vs Cassia: Always choose Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) for supplementation. Cassia cinnamon contains up to 250 times more coumarin, which can cause liver...
- Timing: Take with meals for optimal absorption and to leverage the insulin-sensitising effects during postprandial glucose metabolism
Watch out for
- Coumarin content (Cassia): Cassia cinnamon contains significant coumarin (up to 1% by weight), which is hepatotoxic at high doses. The European Food Safety...
- Blood sugar effects: Cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels. Individuals taking diabetes medications or insulin should monitor blood sugar closely and...
- Blood thinning: Cinnamaldehyde has mild antiplatelet activity. Use caution if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin
- Allergic reactions: Cinnamaldehyde is a known contact allergen. Oral supplementation may cause mouth sores or irritation in sensitive individuals
- Pregnancy: Therapeutic doses of cinnamon extract are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects. Culinary amounts are considered safe
The science, if you're curious.
- Cinnamon is metabolised to sodium benzoate in the liver, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and upregulates CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus, enhancing...
- Cinnamon polyphenols, particularly type-A procyanidins, enhance insulin receptor signalling in the brain, improving glucose utilisation by neurons and...
- Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol inhibit NF-kB activation and reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) in microglial cells,...
- Cinnamon extract components, particularly cinnamaldehyde, inhibit tau protein aggregation and prevent formation of toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, both...
Where to find it
- Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): The preferred species for supplementation, grown primarily in Sri Lanka. Available as bark powder, capsules, and standardised extracts
- Standardised extracts: Look for products standardised to type-A procyanidins or total polyphenol content, such as Cinnulin PF (water-soluble extract)
- Whole bark powder: Ground Ceylon cinnamon bark provides the full spectrum of bioactive compounds, though at lower concentrations than concentrated extracts
- Essential oil (topical only): Cinnamon bark essential oil is extremely concentrated and should never be ingested. For oral supplementation, use bark powder or standardised extracts only
- Identification tip: Ceylon cinnamon sticks have thin, layered bark with a tan colour. Cassia cinnamon has thick, single-layered bark with a darker reddish-brown colour
Frequently asked
A polyphenol-rich spice extract containing cinnamaldehyde and procyanidins with neuroprotective properties - research shows improved hippocampal function, enhanced brain insulin sensitivity, and reduced neuroinflammation, with Ceylon cinnamon preferred for its lower coumarin content.
The main benefits people report from Cinnamon Extract are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
General cognitive support: 500-1,000 mg of Ceylon cinnamon extract per day, standardised to polyphenol contentEnhanced neuroprotection: 1,000-2,000 mg per day of Ceylon cinnamon extract, divided into two doses with mealsBlood sugar support (indirect cognitive benefit): 1,000-3,000 mg per day, which...
Coumarin content (Cassia): Cassia cinnamon contains significant coumarin (up to 1% by weight), which is hepatotoxic at high doses. The European Food Safety...Blood sugar effects: Cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels. Individuals taking diabetes medications or insulin should monitor blood sugar cl...
Cinnamon is metabolised to sodium benzoate in the liver, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and upregulates CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus, enhancing...Cinnamon polyphenols, particularly type-A procyanidins, enhance insulin receptor signalling in the brain, improving glucose utilisation by neur...
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