Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Therapeutic Potentials in PainManagement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RandomizedControlled Trials

Introduction: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has been suggested to possess analgesic properties, yet evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains scattered. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize existing RCTs on cinnamon’s efficacy in pain management. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted up to October 2025. RCTs assessing the effects of cinnamon or its bioactive constituents on any type of pain were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, and meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and study heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics. Results: Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review, covering various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, H. pylori infection, functional dyspepsia, primary dysmenorrhea, aphthous stomatitis, migraine, chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, and post-episiotomy wound healing. Seven trials reported extractable pre- and post-intervention pain scores and were therefore included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the cinnamon group had a statistically significantly lower pain level than the placebo group and the baseline value (P< 0.00001). Discussion: Cinnamon demonstrates a consistent trend toward pain reduction across multiple conditions, likely mediated by bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. While preliminary findings are promising, heterogeneity in formulations, dosages, and treatment durations limits generalizability. Conclusion: Cinnamon may serve as a complementary option for pain management, particularly in dysmenorrhea, migraine, and postoperative pain. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to establish standardized dosing, long-term safety, and efficacy across pain types.