Baby Names: Cinnamon can prevent and cure Alzheimer's

ANI Jun 28, 2011, 02.32pm IST

A new study has revealed that cinnamon has the potential to prevent the degenerative brain disorder, Alzheimer's disease, which affects at least one in eight Americans over the age of 65 [and 100% of people with Down syndrome -Andi].

A team of researchers from the Tel Aviv University (TAU) discovered 'Ceppt', the cinnamon extract obtained from its bark that curbs the progression of Alzheimer's.

The team isolated CEppt by grinding cinnamon and extracting the substance into an aqueous buffer solution.

They added this solution into the drinking water of mice that had been genetically altered to develop an aggressive form of Alzheimer's and fruit flies that had been mutated with a human gene that also stimulated the disorder and shortened their lifespan.

After four months, the researchers discovered that development of the disease had slowed significantly and the animals activity levels and longevity were comparable to that of their healthy peers.

They concluded that the extract had inhibited the formation of toxic amyloid polypeptide oligomers and fibrils, which compose deposits of plaque found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

"The discovery is extremely exciting. While there are companies developing synthetic AD inhibiting substances, our extract would not be a drug with side effects, but a safe, natural substance that human beings have been consuming for millennia," said Prof. Michael Ovadia, of the Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University.

The findings indicated that CEppt may not just fight against the development of the disease, but may help to cure it after Alzheimer's molecules have already formed, according to Ovadia.

Source
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-28/health/29711907_1_amyloid-alzheimer-cinnamon

More in depth article (http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144907):

Cinnamon has properties that inhibit the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a mouse model study carried out by researchers under the direction of Prof. Michael Ovadia of the Zoology Department at Tel Aviv University’s George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences.

Several Life Sciences Faculty laboratories participated in the study, including those of Prof. Ehud Gazit (TAU’s Vice President for Research and Development), Prof. Daniel Segal, and Dr. Dan Frankel, and their students: Anat Frydman Maor and Aviad Levin. The research findings were recently published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.

Prof. Ovadia had found, in the course of past research, that an extract from the bark of the cinnamon plant possesses the ability to inhibit the infectivity of “enveloped” viruses, such as influenza, herpes, HIV, and other viruses. A later study showed that the same extract (one that is highly ultraviolet absorbent), also inhibits the accumulation of the β-amyloid (Aβ) polypeptide assemblies that cause neuron destruction and result in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was conducted in two stages. In the first, in vitro stage, the researchers demonstrated the ability of the cinnamon-bark extract to inhibit formation of the toxic intermediate β-amyloid oligomers and of Aβ fibrils. It also became apparent, to the researchers’ surprise, that the extract was able to disassemble large intermediate oligomers and Aβ fibrils that had already formed. Thus, the extract may retroactively correct damage that has already occurred, meaning that, should it eventually be used prophylactically against Alzheimer’s disease, it might also be useful in restoring functions impaired by the accumulation of oligomers and/or fibrils.

In the second stage of the study the researchers tested the substance on experimental animals commonly used in Alzheimer’s research − fruit flies genetically altered to produce the Aβ peptide, and transgenic mice with five mutations that lead to the rapid development of Alzeimer’s disease.

In both models Alzheimer’s disease shortens the affected animals’ lifespan and causes either a reduction in their normal activity or induces aggressive behavior. When the cinnamon extract was added to the flies’ food or to the drinking water of the mice, it inhibited the development of Alzheimer’s disease: subsequently, the treated animals resembled healthy members of their species, both behaviorally and in terms of longevity.

Protection from infectious agents
Why cinnamon? Prof. Ovadia’s answer to this question is a surprising one. Fifty years ago he won second place in Israel’s National Bible Quiz for Youth. One of the quiz questions had to do with the composition of the holy ointment with which the High Priests − the Kohanim − anointed themselves before making ritual animal sacrifices.

“I had a blackout and almost lost the points, but fortunately managed to remember the components mentioned in the Ki Tisa portion and answered correctly just before the gong sounded,” Prof. Ovadia recalled. "I would recollect that question with dread whenever I read this Torah portion.”

“You have to take the bad along with the good, however, and now something good has come of it − one day it occurred to me that there must have been a good reason to provide the Kohanim with protection against the severe infection that can result from contact with animals and the blood pooling around them. Because most of the components of the anointing oil are unknown to us today (“sweet calamus,” for instance), I focused on cinnamon. And, in fact, we succeeded in isolating from it a substance with important medicinal properties, as noted above.”

Prof. Ovadia, who had already gained recognition for his work with snake venoms, thus decided to strike out on a different path and study the properties of cinnamon.

Caution: too much raw cinnamon is dangerous
Prof. Ovadia: “There is a problem with this − raw cinnamon also contains substances that are harmful to the liver. Whereas one may consume 6 to 10 grams per day without damaging the liver, to reap the substance’s medicinal benefits, however, one would have to consume tens of grams per day at least,* which starts to become dangerous. For this reason we developed a means of extracting the active substance from the cinnamon and separating it from the toxic substances.”

Tel Aviv University has submitted a patent application for the substance and its activity, via its technology transfer company, Ramot.

* I know plenty of adults with Alzheimer's disease who see benefits from 6-10 grams per day. -Andi

Cinnamon is a spice that has been around for centuries now, and is used for a variety of purposes. This spice is derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum Zeylanicum tree, and it was first utilized by ancient Egyptians as an ingredient in their embalming mixtures. Today, cinnamon is widely used in the production of wines, drinks, fragrances, perfumes, and of course, as a spice in many food items and dishes. Its medical and culinary benefits are known all around the world, and it is known to possess many benefits for a person's health.

Despite this, there are some people who are prone to and display cinnamon side effects. These side effects of cinnamon do not affect every single person, but only those people who have certain medical conditions or have highly sensitive immune and body systems. Also learn about honey and cinnamon.

Side Effects of Cinnamon
Before we explore the side effects of taking cinnamon, we must understand the reasons why people tend to take overdoses of cinnamon. The reality of the matter is that the benefits of cinnamon, greatly outweigh the side effects of cinnamon. As a result of this, some people do not realize when to stop taking cinnamon. This has an adverse reaction on their system, and even begins to display some toxic effects. It is due to this reason that over dosage of cinnamon is highly frowned upon.

Here are some of the common health benefits and advantages of cinnamon.

Helps in controlling diabetes. Learn more about cinnamon treatment for diabetes.
It is a natural antioxidant.
Helps in fighting and reducing ulcers.
Prevents tooth decay.
Helps in controlling cholestrol levels.
Helps in lowering blood pressure levels.
Beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.
Even helps to treat common cold and cough.

As you can see, there are a multitude of benefits that cinnamon offers. This might lead you to ask how is it possible that cinnamon side effects can exist. The answer to this simply lies in the overuse of cinnamon. Too much of anything is bad. Despite possessing so many great benefits, too much of this almost magical herb can only cause harm.

So now we can see what is the actual harm in consuming unhealthy amounts of cinnamon. Here are the cinnamon bark side effects that you must be aware of, and beware of.

A person who is suffering from kidney problems, may experience a complete shut down of the kidneys due to excessive consumption of cinnamon.
Cinnamon also happens to possess anti-clotting properties, so if a person is consuming some blood thinners, they should not consume cinnamon. This will result in excessive bleeding. (Ginkgo is a blood thinner.)
Some people can even develop allergic reactions to cinnamon powder. This will cause irritation and itching on the skin, and also spread rashes on the body.
People who have ulcers in their mouths, may experience a burning sensation and pain right after consuming cinnamon.
Cinnamon oils must never be consumed by a person, as they can be very dangerous to the human body.
Cinnamon will also lead to an increased heart rate, and dyspnea (which is a kind of respiratory disorder).
Women who are either pregnant, or breastfeeding, must stay away from cinnamon and items containing cinnamon.

So, these were a few commonly seen cinnamon side effects that have afflicted many people over the years. Most of these do not have any serious or long term effects, and are easily curable over a period of time. But if the excessive consumption of cinnamon is not halted, the consequences could turn out to be quite unpleasant. You must always ensure that the cinnamon you are consuming does not clash with any other medications or herbs that you take. Some herbs or medicines can have an adverse reaction with cinnamon, and leave you with a variety of problems to deal with.

By Rahul Thadani

Drug Interactions

Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)
Interaction Rating: Major Do not take this combination.

Taking very large doses of cassia cinnamon might harm the liver, especially in people with existing liver disease. Taking large amounts of cassia cinnamon along with medications that might also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Do not take large amounts of cassia cinnamon if you are taking a medication that can harm the liver.

Some medications that can harm the liver include acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), amiodarone (Cordarone), carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Cassia cinnamon might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking cassia cinnamon along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.