Can Cinnamon Lower Inflammation in the Aging Brain?
As people get older, inflammation in the brain can speed up problems like memory loss and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon, a common spice, shows promise in fighting this inflammation based on early research.
Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde that help reduce swelling in brain tissue. This neuroinflammation is a main cause of cognitive decline after age 40. Studies find that these compounds lower inflammatory pathways and protect brain cells from damage.[1]
One key way cinnamon works is by cutting down on harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. It stops tau protein tangles and amyloid-beta plaques from building up. These plaques trigger inflammation and harm neurons over time.[1]
Cinnamon also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This protein supports neuron growth and survival, which drops with age and inflammation.[1]
In animal tests and small human trials, cinnamon metabolites like sodium benzoate lowered Alzheimer’s proteins in the blood. Patients with mild cases saw better thinking skills. Chewing cinnamon gum for 40 days improved memory in one study with teens, hinting at broader brain benefits.[1]
Beyond the brain, cinnamon fights inflammation body-wide. It blocks NFkB signaling, a pathway that fuels swelling and cell damage. This includes lowering markers like tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein in some trials.[2]
Antioxidants in cinnamon neutralize free radicals that worsen brain aging. These protect from your skin to your brain, slowing cell damage from inflammation.[4]
Preclinical studies on animals suggest cinnamon guards nerve cells and aids motor function. This points to possible help against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, though human proof is still growing.[4]
Experts note that Ceylon cinnamon is safer for daily use than Cassia type. It has far less coumarin, which can harm the liver in high amounts.[1]
While results are encouraging, most evidence comes from lab and animal work. More long-term human studies are needed to confirm cinnamon’s role in aging brains.
Sources
https://www.lifeafter40.com/post/the-health-benefits-of-cinnamon-for-people-over-40-years-old
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251215/Scientists-map-how-cinnamone28099s-bioactives-interact-with-cancer-signaling.aspx
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12745284/
https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/cinnamon-water-benefits
https://www.psypost.org/scientists-achieve-full-neurological-recovery-from-alzheimers-in-mice-by-restoring-metabolic-balance/
https://www.aol.com/articles/nutrition-experts-may-next-big-220500337.html
