These 3 common spices may be interfering with their medication – but at the outset, only in high doses.
A pinch of cinnamon in the cream pastel; a hint of saffron in the rice; a ginger tea. These popular spices are basic ingredients in the kitchen around the world.
For centuries, spices were not only used to flavor food, but also valued in traditional Ayurveda medicine and China for their healing properties.
But can something as harmless as a spice of spices can interfere with your medication?
Cinnamon
Let’s look at the cinnamon, for example. From the bark Cinnamomumcontains active compounds such as Cinamaldehyde, Eugenol and Cumarina. Cinnamon oil, derived from the bark or leaves, is often used in food flavorings, fragrances and herbal remedies.
Cinnamon has been associated with a number of potential health benefits: it is rich in antioxidants, it can reduce inflammation, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, decreases the risk of heart disease and even improves brain function. Traditionally, it has also been used to facilitate digestion and prevent infections.
However, a recent University of Mississippi has raised concerns that Cinnamon can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications.
In laboratory tests, it has been found that cinnamaldehyde active receivers that accelerate the elimination of the body’s medicines, making them potentially less effective. Although this investigation is still at an early stage and has not yet been tested in humans, it raises important questions about how cinnamon interacts with modern medications.
Cinnamon type is also important. Cinnamon usually found in supermarkets, cinnamon Cassia, is cheaper, widely available and comes from parts of Asia.
The cinnamon of Ceylon, often labeled as “true cinnamon”, originates from Sri Lanka and is usually more expensive. Cinnamon Cassia contains higher levels of coumarin, a natural compound that can damage the liver in high doses, according to studies.
Cumarina is also a well -known anticoagulant, which means it helps prevent blood clots, which is useful in medicine, but risky when combined with anticoagulant medications such as varfarin.
There are some reports of cases that suggest that cinnamon supplements may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants. This is probably due to the fact that coumarin affects the liver enzymes responsible for the decomposition of medications such as varfarin.
Some research also suggests that cinnamon may potentially interact with other medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, cancer medicines and diabetes drugs.
But before giving away your spice, it is important to know that the risks come from high doses, especially in the form of supplements. A pinch of cinnamon will probably not cause problems.
Saffron
Another spice with medicinal promise – and potential risks – is saffron.
Known for its living yellow color and use in cooking and traditional medicine, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
However, information about Curcuma interactions with medicines is still limited. Most of what we know comes from laboratory studies and animals, which do not always translate directly into humans.
Still, there is evidence that curcumin can affect the way some medications are metabolized, particularly when interfering with liver enzymes. This means that it can potentially interact with Antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, chemotherapeutic medicines and certain antibiotics.
Curcuma also has natural anticoagulant properties, which can amplify the effects of drugs such as varfarin or aspirin. Animal studies suggest that curcuma can also reduce blood sugar, which means it can increase the effects of antidiabetic or insulin medications.
In addition, Curcuma has shown to reduce blood pressure, which, when combined with blood pressure medications, can cause excessive drop.
As with cinnamon, these effects are more often associated with high doses supplements, not with small amounts used in food.
Ginger is another spice celebrated for its health benefits, particularly its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its active compounds, including gingerol, can also influence the way the body deals with the medicines.
Ginger can act as a soft anticoagulantwhich means that combining it with anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding.
Evidence is contradictory when it comes to ginger and diabetes: although some studies have suggested that it can reduce blood sugar, more research is needed to fully understand the effect it can have when taken together with antidiabetic medications.
Calm: These are high doses
Although laboratory studies suggest that these spices may affect the way the body processes certain medications, the vast majority of these effects were observed in high doses – usually from supplements, not daily cuisine.
If you are taking medications, especially anticoagulants, diabetes or chemotherapy medications, it is worth talking to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herbal supplement.
But for most people, using typical culinary quantities is safe – and a delicious way to add flavor and potential health benefits to your meals.
