How Cinnamon May Influence Blood Pressure
Some studies show cinnamon may slightly lower blood pressure. This may be due to its ability to relax blood vessels. Also, compounds like cinnamaldehyde may improve insulin sensitivity, relevant to hypertension.
While potentially helpful for prehypertension, these effects pose risks for those on blood pressure medication. The combined effect of medication and high-dose cinnamon can cause dangerously low blood pressure, called hypotension.
Key Drug Interaction Risks with Blood Pressure Medications
Cinnamon can interact with blood pressure medication in two main ways.
1. Additive Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect Cinnamon, particularly in supplement form, can have a cumulative effect with antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. The combined action can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and falls. This risk is higher with supplements than with cinnamon used in cooking.
2. Interference with Drug Metabolism (CYP Enzymes) Some cinnamon components can interfere with how the liver processes medications. The liver uses cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to break down drugs. Compounds in cinnamon, like cinnamaldehyde and coumarin, can affect these enzymes, including CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6.
This interference can speed up drug metabolism, making the drug less effective, or slow it down, causing the drug to accumulate and potentially reach toxic levels. This is a concern for many medications, including blood pressure drugs.
The Crucial Difference: Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon
The type of cinnamon is a major factor, especially due to coumarin content.
- Cassia Cinnamon: This common cinnamon has high coumarin levels. High coumarin intake can cause liver damage and has a mild blood-thinning effect, posing risks for those on blood thinners along with blood pressure medication.
- Ceylon Cinnamon: Called “true cinnamon,” Ceylon from Sri Lanka has significantly lower coumarin levels. While generally safer in high doses, it can still interact with blood pressure medication because of its cinnamaldehyde content.
Comparison Table: Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon
| Feature | Cassia Cinnamon | Ceylon Cinnamon |
|---|---|---|
| Coumarin Content | High | Low (often undetectable) |
| Primary Risk | Liver damage with high, prolonged intake; possible blood-thinning effect | Lower risk of liver damage; main concern is drug metabolism interference |
| Taste | Strong, intense, and somewhat spicier | Milder, sweeter, and more delicate |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive and harder to find |
| Drug Interaction Potential | Higher overall risk due to coumarin and cinnamaldehyde | Lower coumarin-related risk, but cinnamaldehyde interactions are still possible |
Culinary Cinnamon vs. Supplements
There's a risk difference between cinnamon as a spice and in concentrated supplements. A small amount in food is unlikely to cause a significant interaction. However, supplements have high amounts of active compounds, increasing the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as prescription drugs.
Practical Recommendations for People on Blood Pressure Medication
- Consult a professional: Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement, including cinnamon.
- Disclose all remedies: Tell your healthcare provider about all herbal supplements or natural remedies you use.
- Monitor your blood pressure: If you use high-dose cinnamon, watch your blood pressure for any signs of hypotension, like dizziness.
- Choose wisely: If you consume more cinnamon, choose the Ceylon variety because of its lower coumarin content.
- Be aware of symptoms: Watch for symptoms like severe headache or rapid heart rate, which can indicate dangerously low blood pressure.
Conclusion
Cinnamon has potential risks for those managing high blood pressure with medication. Additive blood pressure-lowering effects and interference with liver enzymes are key concerns, particularly with supplements. The type of cinnamon matters, with Cassia cinnamon posing additional risks due to high coumarin. Always discuss supplement use with a healthcare provider and prioritize medication management. Find more information on herbal supplement safety from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
