Cinnamon May Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With PCOS

Cinnamon supplementation may mitigate the risks associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to findings published by researchers from the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Ruian People’s Hospital. The results demonstrated the significant therapeutic capabilities of cinnamon in the management of body weight, blood sugar, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and insulin resistance to control the risks associated with CVD and prevent the onset of the disease.

Cinnamon has various therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing effects. Image Credit: © pilipphoto - stock.adobe.com

PCOS is the most common hormonal condition that affects an estimated 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged individuals; however, the World Health Organization estimates that 70% of cases remain undiagnosed across the globe. It is an incurable, chronic disorder that causes hormonal imbalances, irregular or absent menstrual periods, high androgen levels, and cysts in the ovaries. The underlying causal mechanisms are unknown, but insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, genetics, and excess androgen may have an impact on the development of PCOS at the onset of an individual’s first menstrual cycle.^1,2

Patients with PCOS have an increased risk of developing various CVDs including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and hypertension, significantly impacting their long-term health outcomes. Insulin resistance is a significant complication associated with PCOS, which leads to inflammation that damages the arteries and the nerves controlling the heart. Additionally, many individuals with PCOS also struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which are known to increase the risk of CVD. These related health conditions have serious implications for the overall health and well-being of individuals with PCOS, necessitating comprehensive management strategies that address the risk factors associated with CVD.^1-4

PCOS treatment relies on birth control medications and lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise, to reduce symptoms. However, Chinese herbal medicine and the use of cinnamon have gained attention and show promising effects on body weight, blood sugar, total cholesterol, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Pharmacists can assist patients interested in complementary supplements, such as cinnamon, by providing personalized counseling and advice to ensure safe use and support more effective management of PCOS-related risks.

Cinnamon has various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing effects. It is rich in many bioactive compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and polyphenols, which have shown promise in improving glycemic control and lipid metabolism.^1,5

In response to the limited evidence on cinnamon supplementation in individuals with PCOS, the researchers performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled clinical trials. Due to the shared metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities found in PCOS and other conditions, they explain that the data looked to suggest that cinnamon can also help reduce CVD risk in individuals with PCOS. To investigate this further, they assessed the impact of cinnamon on markers of cardiovascular risk, including fasting glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance (measured by Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]), body mass index, and body weight.⁵

According to the researchers’ findings, cinnamon supplementation shows significant potential in weight reduction, improved insulin resistance, lower fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lower total cholesterol. Cinnamon had a substantial impact on weight reduction with a pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of −0.47 kg (95 % CI: −0.80 to −0.15, P < .001; I2 = 0.0 %). Additionally, there was an improvement in FBS levels (pooled WMD: −7.72 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −12.33 to −3.12, P < .001; I2 = 91.3 %), LDL levels (WMD: −11.11 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −18.22 to −4.00, P < .01; I2 = 0.0 %), and total cholesterol reduction (WMD: −11.12 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −19.06 to −3.18, P = .01; I2 = 0.0 %), following cinnamon supplementation.⁵

The findings demonstrate the promising potential of cinnamon supplementation in mitigating CVD risk in individuals with PCOS, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic options to better manage cardiovascular health. PCOS can be a debilitating disorder and has serious quality of life implications, underscoring the need for advanced therapeutic options to improve health outcomes for patients.

References

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome. World Health Organization. June 28, 2023. Accessed July 29, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=Key%20facts,a%20leading%20cause%20of%20infertility.

2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos). Mayo Clinic. September 8, 2022. Accessed July 29, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

3. Insulin Resistance and Your Heart. WebMD. March 17, 2024. Accessed July 29, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/insulin-resistance-heart

4. Heart disease and depression: a two-way relationship. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. April 16, 2017. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2017/heart-disease-and-depression-two-way-relationship

5. Xiaomei F, Xiaoyan F. Effect of cinnamon as a Chinese herbal medicine on markers of cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. July 18, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.07.032