Named the spice that nullifies the effect of medications

Cinnamon lovers, be vigilant: the popular spice may reduce the effectiveness of your medications

This warning comes from Shabana Khan, chief scientific officer at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi, reports Daily Mail.

The aromatic cinnamon that we love to add to coffee, desserts, and even soups may harbor an unexpected danger. Researchers have discovered that this spice can affect the absorption of at least 47 different medications. Patients taking medications for diabetes, arthritis, asthma, HIV, AIDS, and depression are at risk.

As Khan explained, cinnamaldehyde – the active component of the spice – is to blame. It activates certain receptors in the body that accelerate drug metabolism, causing medications to be eliminated from the body faster, without having time to provide the necessary therapeutic effect.

Additionally, cinnamon is rich in coumarin – a natural substance that has blood-thinning properties. This creates additional risks for patients taking anticoagulants, significantly increasing the likelihood of bleeding.

Scientists note that the actual scale of interaction between cinnamon and medications may be much broader than currently known, and this area requires further serious research.