Research Progress on Cinnamon in the Treatment of Diabetes

Cinnamon has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. With advancements in modern medical technology, it has been discovered to possess multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antibacterial effects. Additionally, it demonstrates efficacy in improving metabolic syndrome (hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic activity, lipid-lowering, vascular endothelial function optimization, and myocardial remodeling). The molecular mechanisms by which cinnamon regulates blood sugar may involve four primary pathways: insulin-mimetic effects; enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved insulin resistance; inhibition of α-glucosidase activity; and scavenging free radicals to combat lipid peroxidation.