Cinnamon bark extract is a product derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which encompasses various species of the Cinnamomum genus. Some people use cinnamon bark extract as an herbal remedy. You should talk to your doctor before taking cinnamon bark extract and no herbal medication should be used as a substitute for a doctor's care.
What Is Cinnamon Bark Extract?
Cinnamon bark extract can be derived from different plants, including Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum aromaticum, also known as Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. Most commercial cinnamon preparations use a mixture of different types of cinnamon. Cinnamon bark extract is usually made by grinding up the cinnamon bark and then adding water or other liquids that then cause some of the chemicals in the ground-up bark to leach into the liquid .
Preparation Method
A 2006 article in the "Singapore Medical Journal" describes preparation techniques for making cinnamon bark extract, which the researchers then diluted and fed to rats. The researchers purchased cinnamon bark from a local market and then dried and ground up the bark into a powder using a chemical mixture. The researchers weighed 10 g of the powdered mixture and combined it with 100 ml of water. They then immersed this mixture in a hot-water bath for two hours, and then filtered the extract from it.
Uses
Although some people use cinnamon to treat health problems, including diabetes, poor appetite, stomach spasms, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, impotence, bed wetting, and menstrual problems, there is no scientific data demonstrating the effectiveness of cinnamon for treating these conditions. According to MedlinePlus, cinnamon is "probably not effective for lowering blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes."
Safety
Cinnamon is generally safe to consume, though consuming large amounts of this substance may be toxic to your liver. You should also avoid taking cinnamon bark extract if you are taking drugs that are potentially toxic to your liver, including acetaminophen, methotrexate, levodopa, carbemazepine, erythromycin and phenytoin. You should also be cautious when taking cinnamon bark extract along with medications that lower blood glucose levels. Talk to your doctor before taking cinnamon bark extract or any other herbal preparation.
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