The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study

Wang, Jeff G.; Anderson, Richard A.; Graham, George M.; Chu, Micheline C.; Sauer, Mark V.; Guarnaccia, Michael M.; Lobo, Rogerio A.

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.082

« Previous Next »Fertility and Sterility
Volume 88, Issue 1 , Pages 240-243, July 2007

The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study

Presented at the ASRM 62nd Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 21, 2006.

Jeff G. Wang, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Reprint requests: Jeff Wang, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University, 622 W. 168th Street PH-16, New York, NY 10023 (FAX: 212-305.4326).
Richard A. Anderson, Ph.D.
- US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland
George M. Graham III, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
Micheline C. Chu, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
Mark V. Sauer, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
Michael M. Guarnaccia, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
Rogerio A. Lobo, M.D.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York

Received 27 July 2006; received in revised form 1 November 2006; accepted 16 November 2006. published online 12 February 2007.

Cinnamon extract has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in in vitro and in vivo studies by increasing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in the insulin signaling pathway and thus potentiating insulin action. Fifteen women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were randomized to daily oral cinnamon and placebo for 8 weeks. Comparisons of post-treatment to baseline insulin sensitivity indices using fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance tests showed significant reductions in insulin resistance in the cinnamon group but not in the placebo group. A larger trial is needed to confirm the findings of this pilot study and to evaluate the effect of cinnamon extract on menstrual cyclicity.