Effect of Various Doses of Cinnamon on Lipid Profile in Diabetic Individuals

The effect of cinnamon doses on blood serum triglyceride (TGL), total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was studied in type 2 diabetic individuals for 60 days. Sixty type 2 diabetic individuals of both sexes and of age 48± 6.5 years were divided into 6 groups; each group was having 10 individuals. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were assigned for 1g, 3g and 6g cinnamon doses/day respectively. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were assigned for 1g, 3g and 6g placebo doses/day respectively. The doses were equally distributed over the day. Cinnamon and placebo were given in the form of capsules with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The doses were taken for 40 days and after 40 days; there was a 20 days blank period. Fasting blood samples were taken on days 0 (starting day of the experiment) 20, 40 and 60 and blood serums were separated. The TGL, cholesterol, HDL and LDL of blood serum of both the cinnamon and placebo groups were determined. Cinnamon doses significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mean fasting serum TGL and cholesterol levels while the placebo doses did not change the serum TGL and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon doses reduced the mean fasting serum HDL levels but the reduction was non significant at P<0.05, while placebo doses did not affect the serum HDL levels. Cinnamon doses significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mean fasting serum LDL levels while the placebo doses did not affect the serum LDL levels. The data demonstrated that cinnamon intake reduced blood serum TGL, cholesterol and LDL significantly (P<0.05) in type 2 diabetic individuals. In the light of this research, it is recommended that individuals who have high TGL, cholesterol and LDL levels, they should use cinnamon in their food preparations on regular basis. This will keep their TGL, cholesterol and LDL levels low.