CINNAMON AGAINST OBESITY – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Mikołaj Zbrożek; Hanna Maruchniak; Wiktoria Marzec; Paulina Biedroń; Anna Skrzypek; Maciej Hutkowski; Zuzanna Chwostek; Bartłomiej Kosiarski; Patrycja Markowicz; Krzysztof Biłyk

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5772

Authors

Mikołaj Zbrożek Prof. W. Orłowski Independent Public Clinical Hospital, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8873-6184
Hanna Maruchniak Czerniakowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8735-9912
Wiktoria Marzec Specialist Hospital named after Florian Ceynowy in Wejherowo, Wejherowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6395-6263
Paulina Biedroń Praski Hospital of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8461-2958
Anna Skrzypek Czerniakowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6771-3186
Maciej Hutkowski Independent Public Healthcare, Complex in Pruszków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9811-8681
Zuzanna Chwostek Medical Center, Łańcut, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8177-4168
Bartłomiej Kosiarski Central Clinical Hospital, Medical University, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2499-1245
Patrycja Markowicz Praski Hospital of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3986-1751
Krzysztof Biłyk Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital named after St. John Paul II, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2374-4231

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5772

Keywords:

Cinnamon Supplementation; Obesity Management; Cinnamaldehyde; Polyphenols; Metabolic Syndrome; Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a major global health problem associated with metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation. Due to various limitations of pharmacological therapies, increasing attention has been directed toward natural compounds with potential metabolic benefits. This review aimed to evaluate the role of cinnamon and its bioactive constituents in obesity management.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies investigating cinnamon and its bioactive compounds in relation to obesity, body weight, and metabolic parameters were included. Both experimental and clinical studies were analyzed according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols, that influence key metabolic pathways. Experimental studies demonstrate inhibition of adipogenesis, stimulation of thermogenesis, and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies suggest modest reductions in body weight and selected metabolic parameters, although results remain heterogeneous.

Conclusion: Cinnamon appears to be a promising supportive strategy in obesity and metabolic syndrome management; however, its clinical effectiveness remains limited. Further well-designed studies are required to determine optimal dosing, safety, and long-term efficacy.

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