Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic condition which is characterized by insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory dysfunction. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) has gained increasing scientific attention for its potential to improve insulin signalling, regulate glucose metabolism, modulate androgen production, and act as a natural adjunct therapy. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the efficacy of various Cinnamomum species—including C. zeylanicum, C. cassia, C. burmannii and mixed preparations—in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing biochemical hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.
A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials, observational studies, animal models, in-vitro studies, and mechanistic reviews evaluating cinnamon’s effects on insulin resistance, androgen levels, ovarian morphology, inflammatory pathways, and metabolic markers relevant to PCOS. Only English-language, peer-reviewed publications were included. Of 1,224 records screened, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria.
Evidence shows that cinnamon may enhance insulin sensitivity by increasing insulin receptor phosphorylation, upregulating GLUT-4 expression, and reducing oxidative stress. Limited but promising clinical studies demonstrate modest but favourable reductions in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and serum insulin levels with cinnamon supplementation. Mechanistic data indicate possible anti-androgenic effects through the suppression of ovarian theca-cell androgen synthesis and regulation of CYP17A1 activity. However, evidence on direct improvements in testosterone levels among PCOS patients is limited.
Overall, cinnamon shows potential as a safe, accessible, and cost-effective adjunct therapy for insulin resistance in PCOS, with indirect benefits on hyperandrogenism. However, the paucity of large, randomized trials highlights the need for more rigorous clinical research.
A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials, observational studies, animal models, in-vitro studies, and mechanistic reviews evaluating cinnamon’s effects on insulin resistance, androgen levels, ovarian morphology, inflammatory pathways, and metabolic markers relevant to PCOS. Only English-language, peer-reviewed publications were included. Of 1,224 records screened, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria.
Evidence shows that cinnamon may enhance insulin sensitivity by increasing insulin receptor phosphorylation, upregulating GLUT-4 expression, and reducing oxidative stress. Limited but promising clinical studies demonstrate modest but favourable reductions in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and serum insulin levels with cinnamon supplementation. Mechanistic data indicate possible anti-androgenic effects through the suppression of ovarian theca-cell androgen synthesis and regulation of CYP17A1 activity. However, evidence on direct improvements in testosterone levels among PCOS patients is limited.
Overall, cinnamon shows potential as a safe, accessible, and cost-effective adjunct therapy for insulin resistance in PCOS, with indirect benefits on hyperandrogenism. However, the paucity of large, randomized trials highlights the need for more rigorous clinical research.