ASRM: Cinnamon Extract May Improve Insulin Resistance

Finding may help women with polycystic ovary syndrome-related infertility

THURSDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Insulin resistance, thought to be a contributory factor in infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can be reduced with cinnamon extract, according to the results of a study presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in New Orleans.

Rogerio A. Lobo, M.D., of Columbia University in New York City, and colleagues conducted a study of 14 women with PCOS who were randomized to receive 1 gram per day of oral cinnamon extract or a placebo for eight weeks, at which point body mass index, endocrine parameters and metabolic parameters were reassessed and compared with measurements taken at baseline.

After eight weeks, insulin resistance was significantly improved among the women in the cinnamon group. There were no significant changes to insulin resistance indices among the women in the placebo group.

"Insulin sensitizing agents have been found to improve insulin resistance and ovulatory dysfunction. Cinnamon extract has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in in vivo and in vitro animal studies by increasing the IRS/PI-3 kinase insulin signaling pathway," the authors write. "Large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings."

Abstract

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com