Cinnamon and Cassia Nomenclature Confusion: A Challenge to the Applicability of Clinical Data

Abstract

Several Cinnamomum species' barks are generally labeled as cinnamon, although only Cinnamomum verum carries the common name of true cinnamon. Cassia, a common name for a related species, is rarely used on labels; instead, various cassia types may also be labeled "cinnamon." Confusion of true cinnamon and cassia spices in foods generally does not present a risk to health, except possibly at the highest intake levels. However, clinical studies with Cinnamomum investigational products have been published that inadequately describe or lack botanical identification information. The results of such studies are confounded by an inability to determine which species was responsible for the observed effects. Due to differences in the quality and composition of various Cinnamomum species, safety and efficacy data are not generalizable or transferable. Pharmacopeial monographs for characterizing the identity, composition, purity, quality, and strength of Cinnamomum investigational products should be applied to remove the ambiguity of cinnamon.