Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, and its prevalence is increasing annually owing to the influence of lifestyle and diet structure. Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) is a widely used natural medicine and food commonly used in condiments, spices, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. Cinnamomi Cortex exerts a regulatory effect on blood glucose. To promote its better and safer application in medical practice and daily life, this article reviews the role and mechanism of Cinnamomi Cortex in regulating blood glucose, as well as its potential toxic and side effects. It is found that the chemical components of cinnamon responsible for lowering blood glucose include cinnamon polyphenols, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, flavonoids, camphor, etc. As a supplement, it may regulate blood glucose through multiple pathways such as regulating glycogen metabolism, glycolipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, incretins, and digestive enzyme activity. Cinnamomi Cortex is a relatively safe supplement, but toxic reactions may still occur at higher doses, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and skin allergies.

Cinnamomi Cortex  /  diabetes  /  cinnamaldehyde  /  glucose and lipid metabolism  /  oxidative stress  /  cinnamon polyphenols  /  cinnamon polysaccharides  /  hydroxycinnamic acid  /  trans-cinnamic acid  /  flavonoids  /  camphor