Cinnamon is more than just a flavorful spice – it’s a potent nootropic that can enhance cognitive function, prevent age-related mental decline, boost energy, and relieve anxiety.
This aromatic bark contains unique compounds that benefit brain health.
This article covers how to use cinnamon as a brain booster, its potential side effects, bioavailibility, and uses within natural nootropic stacks.
Table of Contents
What Is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon (also known as laurel or cinnamon bark) is a spice derived from the inner bark of several tree species in the genus Cinnamomum.
It has been used for centuries in cooking, and traditional medicine. It’s used in both sweet and savory foods for its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
Cinnamon is also prized for its potential brain health benefits.
Recent scientific research has uncovered cinnamon’s potential as a nootropic, particularly in the areas of memory and learning.(1)
What Are the Main Types of Cinnamon?
The two main types of cinnamon are:
- Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), also known as “true cinnamon“
- Cassia cinnamon, which includes:
- Cinnamomum cassia
- Cinnamomum burmannii
- Cinnamomum loureiroi
Ceylon cinnamon is considered of higher quality, but cassia cinnamon is more commonly used.
What Are the Bioactive Compounds in Cinnamon?
Cinnamon contains several bioactive compounds that provide cognitive and overall health benefits:
- Cinnamaldehyde: The main active component, responsible for cinnamon’s flavor and aroma. Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
- Proanthocyanidins: Potent antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells.
- Cinnamic acid: An antioxidant that may help prevent oxidative stress-related neurological disorders.
How Does Cinnamon Work to Provide Health Benefits?
Cinnamon’s mechanism of action in enhancing memory and learning involves several pathways:
- Activation of CREB: Cinnamon has been shown to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
- Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase: Cinnamon contains compounds that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the brain. By inhibiting AChE, cinnamon increases acetylcholine levels, which enhances attention, learning, and memory.
- Modulation of NMDA receptors: Cinnamon may modulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
- Regulation of glucose metabolism: Cinnamon has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism in the brain by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. Insulin plays a crucial role in memory formation and synaptic plasticity.
- Modulates neurotransmitter systems: One key mechanism is its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems. Cinnamaldehyde, a major active compound in cinnamon, increases the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brains of mice. These neurotransmitters are involved in cognitive functions such as attention, motivation, and mood.
What is the Bioavailability of Cinnamon?
The bioavailability of cinnamon’s active compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, is relatively low due to their rapid metabolism and excretion.
- Cinnamon powder: 1-2% bioavailability
- Cinnamon extract: 5-10% bioavailability
- Cinnamon essential oil: 20-30% bioavailability
However, the bioavailability of these compounds can be improved by using certain delivery systems, such as nanoparticles or liposomes.
For example, encapsulating cinnamaldehyde in chitosan nanoparticles increased its oral bioavailability by 2.1 times compared to free cinnamaldehyde.
What Are the Cognitive and Health Benefits of Cinnamon?
Cinnamon’s potential benefits include:
| Benefit | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Improved brain function | Enhances neuroplasticity and increases BDNF levels |
| Neuroprotection | Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain |
| Blood sugar regulation | Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake |
| Improved circulation | Dilates blood vessels for better blood flow to the brain |
How Can Cinnamon Prevent Cognitive Decline?
Cinnamon may help prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease demonstrated that Ceylon cinnamon inhibits tau aggregation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.(2)
The proanthocyanidins in cinnamon can cross the blood-brain barrier to exert their protective effects directly on brain cells.
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, these antioxidants help maintain optimal brain function as we age.
How Can Cinnamon Boost Mental Energy?
Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and enhances glucose uptake in the brain, providing steady energy for neurons.(3)
Cinnamon also improves blood flow to the brain by dilating blood vessels.
Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the brain, resulting in improved mental clarity and focus.
How Can Cinnamon Relieve Anxiety?
Cinnamon has calming properties that may help relieve anxiety. Animal studies suggest that cinnamon extract has anxiety-reducing effects comparable to diazepam, a common anti-anxiety drug.(4)
The scent of cinnamon alone can ease stress and anxiety. A study found that cinnamon oil greatly decreased anxiety and improved mood in participants taking 3 doses of 2 mg of the oil daily for 2 weeks.(5)
How Does Cinnamon Enhance Memory and Learning?
Cinnamon enhances memory and learning through several mechanisms.
A study from 2017 demonstrated that an aqueous extract of cinnamon improved learning ability in mice in a maze test.(6)
The researchers attributed this effect to cinnamon’s ability to inhibit the aggregation of tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, a study by Dr. Wahlqvist et al. (2016) found that a single dose of 3 grams of cinnamon improved working memory in healthy adults aged 51-81 years old.
The study suggests that cinnamon’s beneficial effects on cognition may be due to its high content of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How Does Cinnamon Enhance Neuroprotection?
Cinnamon enhances neuroprotection through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The spice contains the bioactive compounds cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and epicatechin, which have been shown to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the brain.(7)
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By combating these factors, cinnamon can help protect brain cells from damage and promote overall brain health.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Consuming Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is generally safe when consumed in amounts typically used in food. However, very high doses may cause side effects:
- Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage in large amounts (rare, with very high doses)
- Mouth irritation and sores
- Cinnamon can interact with certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, diabetes medications)
- Some people may have allergic reactions to cinnamon (skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing)
It’s best to stick to Ceylon cinnamon in supplement form and not exceed the recommended dose.
Are There Any Interactions Between Cinnamon and Medications?
Cinnamon may interact with several types of medications:
- Diabetes drugs: Cinnamon enhances their effects and may cause hypoglycemia
- Blood thinners: Cinnamon contains small amounts of coumarin, which has anticoagulant effects
- Heartburn medications: Cinnamon may reduce their effectiveness
Note: Always check with your doctor before taking cinnamon supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or take medications.
Who Should Avoid Cinnamon?
Certain people should avoid cinnamon or use it with caution:
- Pregnant women: Cinnamon may cause uterine contractions in high doses
- People with liver disease: The coumarin in cassia cinnamon may worsen liver function
- Those with cinnamon allergies: Can cause allergic reactions in some people
What Are the Recommended Doses of Cinnamon for Cognitive Enhancement?
The optimal dose of cinnamon for cognitive benefits is not established, but most studies use 1-6 grams per day broken into 2-3 doses.
It’s best to start with a low dose of 1 gram (about 1/2 teaspoon) and gradually increase as tolerated.
To maximize the nootropic benefits of cinnamon, it’s recommended to use a standardized extract or essential oil, which can provide higher concentrations of the active compounds.
The typical dosage range for cinnamon extracts is 500 – 1000 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses.
Pro Tip: Look for high-quality, organic Ceylon cinnamon supplements standardized for active compounds.
What is the Best Way to Take Cinnamon?
Cinnamon can be consumed in various ways for cognitive benefits:
- Sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, or in smoothies
- Brewed into a tea
- Taken as a supplement in capsule or extract form
- Chewed as cinnamon gum
The key is consistency – incorporate cinnamon into your diet regularly for optimal results.
Pairing it with other brain-boosting foods and supplements can provide synergistic benefits.
What Alternatives to Cinnamon Are There for A Cognitive Boost?
Other nootropic spices and herbs that can enhance cognitive function include:
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective compound
- Ginkgo biloba: Improves circulation and protects brain cells from oxidative stress
- Bacopa monnieri: Enhances memory and learning by increasing acetylcholine levels
- Lion’s mane mushroom: Stimulates NGF production to promote neurogenesis and brain health
These natural nootropics can be used alone or in combination with cinnamon for a well-rounded cognitive boost.
How To Choose the Best Nootropic For You?
When selecting a nootropic, consider the following factors:
- Your specific cognitive goals (memory, focus, mood, etc.)
- The quality and purity of the product
- Potential side effects and interactions
- Synergy with your existing supplements and medications
- Your individual brain chemistry and genetics
- Nakhaee, Samaneh et al. “Cinnamon and cognitive function: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 27,2 (2024): 132-146. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2023.2166436↩
- Peterson, Dylan W et al. “Cinnamon extract inhibits tau aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease in vitro.” Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD vol. 17,3 (2009): 585-97. doi:10.3233/JAD-2009-1083↩
- Sartorius, Tina et al. “Cinnamon extract improves insulin sensitivity in the brain and lowers liver fat in mouse models of obesity.” PloS one vol. 9,3 e92358. 18 Mar. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0092358↩
- Nguyen, Ly Thi Huong et al. “Anxiolytic-like Effect of Inhaled Cinnamon Essential Oil and Its Main Component Cinnamaldehyde in Animal Models.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 27,22 7997. 18 Nov. 2022, doi:10.3390/molecules27227997↩
- Sohrabi, Reyhaneh et al. “Repeated systemic administration of the cinnamon essential oil possesses anti-anxiety and anti-depressant activities in mice.” Iranian journal of basic medical sciences vol. 20,6 (2017): 708-714. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8841↩
- Madhavadas, Sowmya, and Sarada Subramanian. “Cognition enhancing effect of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on non-transgenic Alzheimer’s disease rat model: Biochemical, histological, and behavioural studies.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 20,9 (2017): 526-537. doi:10.1080/1028415X.2016.1194593↩
- Baloghová, Janette et al. “Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 28,17 6251. 25 Aug. 2023, doi:10.3390/molecules28176251↩