Cinnulin PF has good antioxidant activity in obese patients at risk of developing diabetes

Researchers at INSERM in conjunction with other research institutions tested the effects of Cinnulin PF (dried aqueous extract of cinnamon type A polymers) on the antioxidant status of subjects with impaired fasting glucose that are also overweight or obese; these individuals are typically inflamed with a poor antioxidant status. Twenty-two subjects, with impaired fasting blood glucose with BMI ranging from 25 to 45, were enrolled in this double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were given capsules containing either a placebo or 250 mg of Cinnulin PF two times per day for 12 weeks.

Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography and plasma antioxidant status was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (this assay measures the ability of azn antioxidant to inhibit the oxidizing effects of iron). Erythrocyte Cu-Zn superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD) activity was also measured.

FRAP and plasma thiol (Glutathione related enzymes) groups increased, while plasma MDA levels decreased in subjects receiving the cinnamon extract. Effects were larger after 12 than 6 weeks. This study supports the hypothesis that the inclusion of water soluble cinnamon compounds in the diet could reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study is published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2009; 28, 1.