Food Chem (Mol Sci)

Cinnamon might interfere with some medications’ effectiveness

May 8, 2025

Study details: This study evaluated the bioaccessibility, metabolic clearance, and interaction of cinnamaldehyde with xenobiotic receptors, specifically the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Conducted in vitro, the research assessed cinnamaldehyde's behavior in both fasted and fed-state gastric and intestinal fluids to determine its bioaccessibility and potential impact on drug metabolism.

Results: Cinnamaldehyde had 100% bioaccessibility in both fasted and fed-state conditions, indicating it’s readily available for absorption in the GI tract. Additionally, cinnamaldehyde was found to interact with PXR and AhR, receptors that play crucial roles in regulating the metabolic clearance of drugs. These interactions suggest that cinnamaldehyde could influence the metabolism of medications, potentially altering their efficacy.

Clinical impact: Cinnamaldehyde's high bioaccessibility and receptor interactions suggest that excessive consumption of cinnamon supplements could affect drug metabolism, leading to reduced effectiveness of medications. Be aware of these potential interactions when advising patients on the use of cinnamon supplements, especially those on prescription drugs.

Source:

Husain I, et al. (2025, June). Food Chem: Mol Sci. Evaluation of bioaccessibility, metabolic clearance and interaction with xenobiotic receptors (PXR and AhR) of cinnamaldehyde. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39845339/