The Study
Effects of cinnamon extract on glycogen synthase kinase 3 phosphorylation of tau
This study tested cinnamon in a dish of lab cells, not in people. It found that cinnamon might be linked to less of a certain sticky protein change in those cells, but we don’t know if it does the same in humans or if it actually helps with Alzheimer’s.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists tested if cinnamon can stop a sticky protein (tau) from clumping in brain cells, which might help prevent Alzheimer's.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 55 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1The result is promising in cells, but it's not known if it works in humans or the brain.
- 2In lab cells, cinnamon made less sticky tau protein and reduced its clumping.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
The FASEB Journal
Year
2016
Authors
Jena Donley, William S. Hurt, Amy L Stockert
Related Content
Claims (2)
A natural spice called cinnamon might help slow down a harmful process in brain cells that’s linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s, at least in lab-grown human cells.
Some natural compounds found in cinnamon might help stop harmful clumps in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s and also help the brain use sugar better for energy.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.