Definition:

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herbgreey®Cinnamon extract Health Benefits:

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree by extracting and concentrating the active ingredient using solvents such as water or ethanol. In terms of its physical properties, cinnamon extract is typically a yellowish-brown powder with a distinctive aroma and flavour, characterised by a sweet and pungent taste.

Particularities of herbgreey®Cinnamon extract:

Product Specifications:

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Product quality standards:

● Food grade, In-house

▶Regulating blood sugar and metabolism

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract Applications:

Research indicates that the polyphenolic compounds in herbgreey®Cinnamon extract can improve the body's response to insulin, helping cells to utilise glucose more efficiently and thereby lowering blood sugar levels. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, moderate supplementation may help to mitigate postprandial blood sugar fluctuations. The active components in cinnamon extract can inhibit α-glucosidase activity in the intestines, slowing the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates and reducing the risk of sudden blood sugar spikes. Cinnamon extract can lower total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, thereby helping to improve lipid disorders in diabetic patients.

■ Source

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which is primarily found in Southeast Asia and southern China, particularly in Hunan Province, where the quality of cinnamon tends to be high. Cinnamon trees are typically harvested once they are over 10 years old and have accumulated an oil layer in their bark. The bark can be stripped in spring and autumn, but the quality is best in August and September.

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is available in the following specification and contents:

☑  herbgreey®Cinnamon extract powder 10:1/20:1/30:1

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is added to foods such as meat, pastries and beverages as a natural preservative, extending their shelf life and reducing the need for chemical preservatives. Its distinctive spicy aroma makes it an ideal flavouring agent for baked goods, sweets, and sauces, enhancing both taste and functionality. It is also added to low-sugar and low-fat foods as a functional ingredient, balancing flavour with health benefits. Due to its ability to regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, cinnamon extract is commonly added to dietary supplements for blood sugar management. These include cinnamon capsules, tablets and powdered drinks for individuals at high risk of diabetes or with type 2 diabetes. Due to its ability to regulate lipid metabolism and promote energy metabolism, some weight-loss supplements contain cinnamon extract to help improve body fat percentage. Adding cinnamon extract to herbal teas and energy drinks leverages its warming properties and antioxidant effects, as well as imparting a unique spicy aroma to the product.

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is an active ingredient in some adjunctive therapies for type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia, working in conjunction with other medications to regulate metabolism. herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is also often added to certain medications used to improve blood circulation and regulate blood pressure to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon extract is a common ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products, helping to neutralise free radicals, improve dull skin and alleviate redness and sensitivity caused by inflammation. The rich, spicy aroma of cinnamon extract is also used in perfumes, aromatherapy products and candles to create a warm, comforting ambience.

■ Active ingredients

The efficacy of herbgreey®Cinnamon extract is primarily attributed to its key components, which vary in concentration depending on the type of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde is the main source of cinnamon's distinctive aroma and flavour, and is also its most important active ingredient, accounting for 60–90% of the extract's total content. It exhibits significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria and fungi. It also regulates blood sugar metabolism, enhances insulin sensitivity and possesses antioxidant and analgesic properties. Cinnamon extracts contain flavonoid compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol and cinnamoside. These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Polyphenolic compounds such as proanthocyanidins and catechins are also important antioxidants in cinnamon. Coumarins, including coumarin and heptaphyllin, are present in smaller quantities, yet still exhibit certain biological activity. Cinnamon also contains trace amounts of terpenoids, polysaccharides, amino acids and trace elements (such as manganese and zinc), which may enhance its overall efficacy when acting in synergy.

Components such as cinnamaldehyde can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, reduce chronic inflammatory responses in the body and alleviate inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and gastroenteritis to some extent. Cinnamon extract inhibits various bacteria and fungi, making it useful in preventing gastrointestinal and skin fungal infections. It is also used in food preservation to extend shelf life and in personal care products such as antibacterial hand sanitisers. Cinnamon extract enhances the body's immune defences by stimulating the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, thereby reducing the risk of infectious diseases.

▶ Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

herbgreey®Cinnamon extract promotes the release of nitric oxide (NO) by vascular endothelial cells. This causes blood vessels to dilate, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and helping to regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation in the limbs. This makes it especially suitable for people with cold hands and feet. It can also inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots and potentially preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular thrombosis.

▶ Cardiovascular health

■ Extraction process characteristics

The production process for herbgreey®Cinnamon extract must be designed according to the characteristics of the raw materials and the extraction requirements of the target components. Typical steps include pretreating the raw materials, extracting and separating the components, purifying them, concentrating the extract and drying it.

Richtek selects dry, mould-free cinnamon bark with a strong aroma, preferably from trees that are 10 years old or more, and removes impurities, sand and damaged parts. The washed bark is then crushed into coarse powder in a crusher to increase its contact area with the extraction solvent and improve extraction efficiency. The extraction stage is the core process, and the method is selected based on the target components. Solvent extraction is suitable for large-scale production and is cost-effective. Ethanol is the most commonly used solvent as it effectively dissolves volatile components such as cinnamaldehyde, as well as some non-volatile components. Supercritical CO2 extraction is ideal for producing high-purity essential oils, but it is more expensive. Microwave-assisted extraction increases efficiency and is often used alongside solvent extraction methods. The extract is then filtered through a plate-and-frame filter or centrifuged to remove residues, yielding a clear filtrate. If further purification is required, precision filtration can be employed to eliminate small particles. After allowing the mixture to settle and separate into layers, the upper oil layer is discarded. Separation of non-volatile impurities can be achieved using macroporous resin adsorption. Use vacuum concentration to remove solvents, such as ethanol, from the filtrate to yield a paste-like concentrate with a solid content of approximately 50-70%. To obtain powdered cinnamon extract (moisture content ≤5%), use spray drying or vacuum freeze drying on the paste-like product. After drying, sieve the extract through an 80-120 mesh screen to ensure a uniform particle size.

General Information: