Benefits of Taking Ceylon Cinnamon and Berberine Together

Kobi Nathan
The combination of Ceylon cinnamon and berberine has been studied for its potential benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. 

Before we delve into the literature supporting the benefits of combining berberine and ceylon cinnamon, we need to understand what they are.

Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon or Cinnamomum verum, is a spice derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka and southern India.
It is distinguished from other types of cinnamon, such as Cassia, by its lower coumarin content, which makes it safer for consumption in larger quantities.
Ceylon cinnamon is known for its delicate and sweet flavor, and it is commonly used in culinary applications, including baking and cooking. 
It also has a variety of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects.
The primary active compounds in Ceylon cinnamon include cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and cinnamic acid, which contribute to its health benefits.
Berberine
Berberine is a natural compound found in plants like barberry and tree turmeric.
It has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. 
Studies show it has several health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and fighting infections.
Berberine works by activating an enzyme called AMPK, which helps the body use sugar and fat more efficiently.
It may also help manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
 
A randomized clinical trial demonstrated that daily supplementation with berberine (1200 mg) and cinnamon (600 mg) for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to placebo.

Additionally, berberine and cinnamon have complementary mechanisms of action that may enhance their combined efficacy. 
Berberine is known to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon, particularly Ceylon cinnamon, has been shown to have anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemic ("Bad" cholesterol control), and anti-inflammatory effects, which can further aid in blood sugar control and cholesterol improvement.
In summary, the benefits of taking Ceylon cinnamon and berberine together include significant reductions in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and LDL-C levels, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes.

These effects are supported by their complementary mechanisms of action in improving metabolic parameters and reducing inflammation.

References:

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Cinnamomum Verum J. Presl-a Versatile Spice Used in Food and Nutrition. Singh N, Rao AS, Nandal A, et al. Food Chemistry. 2021;338:127773. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127773.

The Efficacy and Safety of Berberine in Combination With Cinnamon Supplementation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Mansour A, Sajjadi-Jazi SM, Gerami H, et al. European Journal of Nutrition. 2025;64(2):102. doi:10.1007/s00394-025-03618-9.

Berberine: New Insights From Pharmacological Aspects to Clinical Evidences in the Management of Metabolic Disorders. Caliceti C, Franco P, Spinozzi S, Roda A, Cicero AF. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2016;23(14):1460-76. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160411143314.

Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Insights of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) Advantages in Diabetes and Related Complications: Condiment or Medication?. Beheshti AS, Qazvini MM, Abeq M, et al. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. 2025;398(4):3513-3526. doi:10.1007/s00210-024-03644-0.

Effects of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Ceylon Cinnamon) Extract on Lipid Profile, Glucose Levels and Its Safety in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. Muthukuda D, de Silva CK, Ajanthan S, et al. PloS One. 2025;20(1):e0317904. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0317904.

Berberine: Pharmacological Features in Health, Disease and Aging.

Gasmi A, Asghar F, Zafar S, et al. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2024;31(10):1214-1234. doi:10.2174/0929867330666230207112539.

A Mechanistic Review on How Berberine Use Combats Diabetes and Related Complications: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects.  Askari VR, Khosravi K, Baradaran Rahimi V, Garzoli S. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;17(1):7. doi:10.3390/ph17010007.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.