Natural Remedy...

Beaner · 08-08-2006, 06:55 PM

My doctor has me doing a clinical trial to see if the Herb Cinnamon has a positive affect on PCOS treatment since they have found it aids in the metabolism of sugars and decreases insulin.

I take 1000mg daily in capsule form. (you can buy it over the counter 6.00 or less for 100 capsules @ 500mg per capsule) And I havent noticed any bad side affects other than I poop regularly now (sorry if that was an over share but some might like that part if your constipated lol) It dont make me sick or nauseated. Of course everyone is different though.

In my opinion I think its helping because I got my af back after her being gone for 4 months and im only on week 2-3 of the cinnamon. Normally I get her 3-4 times a year so this is a perk.

But... if you think you are pregnant dont take the cinnamon just like you would stop any other meds.
Here is an article for those who are interested...

Herbs for PCOS: Cinnamon
Cinnamon may be a very useful herb for treating the insulin resistance that frequently accompanies polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Several new studies indicate that this delicious spice can lower blood glucose levels. This is not a new finding, but the recent studies help us to better understand how it works.
A recent press release from the University of California, Santa Barbara stated, "Cinnamon may be more than a spice – it may have a medical application in preventing and combating diabetes. Cinnamon may help by playing the role of an insulin substitute in type II diabetes, according to cellular and molecular studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

‘Cinnamon itself has insulin-like activity and also can potentiate the activity of insulin,’ said Don Graves of UCSB. ‘The latter could be quite important in treating those with type II diabetes. Cinnamon has a bio-active component that we believe has the potential to prevent or overcome diabetes.’ Women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome nearly always benefit from treatments for insulin resistance-whether or not they are diagnosed as insulin resistant. Further, the risk of developing diabetes is nearly 40% for women with PCOS-a very good reason to work to improve your insulin response."
Study dosages ranged from ¼ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per day for type 2 diabetics, but more research is needed about effective amounts. The active chemical is MHCP or methylhydroxychalcone polymer. This chemical is found in all types of cimmamon sold as a spice in the U.S. In the U.S. Cinnamomum cassia is legally sold as cinnamon. However, true cinnamon is Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or Cinnamomum verum.
MHCP has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol. It is also known as an antioxidant. This is important because women with PCOS are more susceptible to the effects of oxidants.
The potential benefits of cinnamon are enormous when you consider how inexpensive it is. Many people who can not afford expensive diabetes drugs may one day be treated with cinnamon.
As always, talk to your health care practitioner and do not take anything while you are pregnant without clearing it with your doctor.
References:
* Cinnamon Extract Prevents the Insulin Resistance Induced by a High-fructose Diet. Horm Metab Res. 2004 Feb;36(2):119-25.
* Antihyperglycaemic effect of Cassia auriculata in experimental diabetes and its effects on key metabolic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2003 Jan-Feb;30(1-2):38-43.
* Isolation and characterization of polyphenol type-A polymers from cinnamon with insulin-like biological activity. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jan 14;52(1):65-70.
* Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-3218.

Hope that helps.

Twilite38 · 08-08-2006, 07:41 PM

That sounds interesting should i try it myself or ask my Dr about taking it?

k8p · 08-10-2006, 06:36 AM

You can also get the Cinnamon capsules on www.swansonvitamins.com, that was recommended to me by a sc friend

!

Beaner · 08-10-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k8p

You can also get the Cinnamon capsules on www.swansonvitamins.com, that was recommended to me by a sc friend

!

Always ask your doctor first about anything dealing with new findings/medication. I made a mistake of not asking once and almost cost me my life.... No joke. I dont think your doctor would have a problem with it just make him aware its something you want to try so they document it in your chart so they dont prescribe you meds that may not react well with it. But your of course free to do as you wish.

Mallory · 08-10-2006, 11:03 PM

Good info. Thanks.

Ajani · 08-11-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaner

Always ask your doctor first about anything dealing with new findings/medication. I made a mistake of not asking once and almost cost me my life.... No joke. I dont think your doctor would have a problem with it just make him aware its something you want to try so they document it in your chart so they dont prescribe you meds that may not react well with it. But your of course free to do as you wish.

Very well said. Thanks for the info.

mommy1 · 08-14-2006, 02:13 AM

For those taking Cinnamon~ Are you also taking Metformin?? Or just the cinnamon. Sounds interesting. I would talk to my dr first though.

Thank you for the reminder Beaner.

tlz769 · 08-15-2006, 03:40 AM

WOW! Who would've thought that such a common thing could be such a great thing for PCOS?!?! I'm most definitely gonna look into this.

I was also curious, if anybody does take cinnamon daily, do you also take met? I would luv to be able to stop met. Despite being on it for well over 5 years, I still get harsh GI side effects, from time to time.

Thanks for the info!!!
tara