Sweet Wood Supplements Risk Of Interference In Recipient Medicines

JAKARTA - Consumption of supplements made from cinnamon is not always safe, especially when consumed along with prescription drugs.

Recent research shows that active content in cinnamon can interfere with the way the body metabolizes drugs, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment it undergoes.

Citing a report from Eating Well, scientists from the University of Mississippi conducted laboratory tests that simulated human digestive conditions. They use artificial stomach acid, enzymes, and liver cells and intestines to examine how much the active component of cinnamon can be absorbed in the body, or what is known as bioacessibility.

In addition to researching its absorption, the researchers also explored the interaction between a compound in a cinnamon and a receptor of xenobiotics a receptor in the body in charge of detecting foreign substances, including active herbal ingredients such as cinnamon. Trials are carried out in two conditions, namely when the stomach is empty and after eating, considering that the intestinal environment can change depending on consumption time.

The components studied include cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, and sinamic acid. Each compound is tested separately and mixed into the simulated system, then analyzed after incubation at different durations.

Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa cinnamaldehyde memiliki efek dalam mengaktifkan receptor xenobiotic secara sedang. Aktivasi ini berpotensi mempercepat pengeluaran obat dari dalam tubuh, yang pada akhirnya dapat mengurunkan efektivitas obat rep.

The high-dose cinnamon supplement can cause the body to dispose of drugs more quickly, so that the concentration of drugs in the blood becomes not optimal, explained Dr. Shabana Khan, one of the study's researchers.

Although this study was carried out in laboratory conditions, and has not fully represented the human body system directly, the results provide an initial indication of the potential for interaction between cinnamon and drugs.

On the other hand, cinnamon still has many health benefits to study, such as helping lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and keeping blood sugar levels stable. However, the type of cinnamon used also affects its level of safety.

Cinnamon oils and cassia cinnamon (known as 'real sweet charm') are generally considered safer and less risky. In contrast, cassia cinnamon is more commonly sold in the United States "containing a higher amount of cumin. Kumarin is a natural compound that can act as a blood dilution, so it has the potential to interact negatively with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban, or even airfall.

Jessica Ball, MS, RD, senior nutrition editor, confirmed that most findings regarding the effects of interaction stem from studies that use high extract or concentration, not from consumption in the form of everyday spices.

Even so, he suggests staying wise in the use of spices, especially in the form of supplements. Whatever we consume, including natural ones, can still have an impact when combined with drugs. Use it in reasonable quantities and consult health workers if necessary," he concluded.