Side Effects of Cinnamon Capsules

Cinnamon is a commonly available spice that has recently become popular for treating diabetes and other health conditions, although little evidence is available to support its use. While cinnamon is generally safe and well-tolerated, the use of highly concentrated cinnamon capsules can increase the risk of side effects. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking cinnamon capsules to treat a medical condition.

Skin Rash

Exposure to cinnamon has been reported to cause skin irritations, such as skin rash. When applied to the skin, cinnamon may cause contact dermatitis. 1"

Airway Constriction

Cinnamon supplements can sometimes cause constriction of the airways, particularly the bronchi, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Cinnamon has also been reported to cause blood vessels to widen, also known as vasodilation, notes the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology."

Oral Effects

Oral cinnamon products have also been reported to cause gingivitis. The risk of these side effects is increased by long-term use of the products. Long-term ingestion of concentrated cinnamon oil has also been reported to cause inflammation of the mouth.

Additional Cautions

Cinnamon contains chemicals that can possibly damage the liver, and long-term use of high doses of cinnamon supplements may cause liver damage, particularly in people with existing liver disorders. Cinnamon can also affect blood sugar levels, and people taking medication to control blood sugar should use caution when taking cinnamon supplements. Patients with hormone sensitivity disorders should also exercise caution when taking cinnamon, because cinnamon has been demonstrated to possess estrogenic activity and could possibly worsen certain hormone imbalances.