Cinnamon and diabetes mellitus:
There are 2 types of cinnamon available (56), Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), and Ceylon cinnamon (51). Cinnamomum aromaticum is the name for Cassia cinnamon from Saigon, Vietnam. Cassia cinnamon is produced in China, Vietnam or Indonesia, is less expensive, has a stronger in flavor, and is more readily available. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum-the old scientific name) is produced in Sri Lanka, and has a mild flavor compared to Cassia cinnamon. There are no trials performed as of December of 2013 performed for diabetes in humans specifically stating that Ceylon cinnamon was used, although at least 2 trials did not specify the type of cinnamon used (55). However, animal studies have noted that both species of cinnamon have similar hypoglycemic action in animal studies (56).