Beneficial effects of Cinnamon on hepatic lipid metabolism are impaired in hypothyroid rats

Hypolipidemic effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) have been described in humans and in experimental animals. Hypothyroidism is frequently associated with hyperlipidemia. Here we investigated the effects of chronic ingestion of cinnamon on lipid metabolism of hypothyroid male Wistar rats. Rats received methimazole for 7 weeks, and treated either with cinnamon as powder added to the chow or aqueous extract of cinnamon, during the last 4 weeks of protocol, and compared to untreated hypothyroid and euthyroid rats. Cinnamon intake reduced body mass increasing fat mass and reducing body protein content of hypothyroid rats. Cinnamon ingestion did not revert the hypercholesterolemia of hypothyroid rats and promoted a further reduction in serum T3, suggesting a worsening of the hypothyroid condition. Our results indicate that the beneficial effects of cinnamon on lipid metabolism are impaired in hypothyroidism.