McCormick Science Institute

Spices for Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Improve Cardiometabolic Health

Kristi M. Crowe-White, Katelyn E. Senkus, Janie C. DiNatale

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MSI Team
June 2026 - This brief article highlights research on the functionality of spices, namely cinnamon and ginger, to influence microbial proliferation, the production of gut-derived metabolites and hormones, and prospective health outcomes.
In an effort to advance the understanding of the health benefits of spices and herbs beyond being antioxidants and immunomodulators, this brief aims to present the latest insights into leveraging the power of spice polyphenols in their effects on the gut microbiota and the prospective health outcomes from gut-derived metabolites, while highlighting the feasibility of a clinical trial investigating the effect of a culinary dose of spices on gut microbiota, gut-derived metabolites, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Herein, the influence of cinnamon and ginger incorporated into yogurt—the standard of care for gut health—are reviewed. Acknowledging the previously documented prebiotic effect of polyphenols and probiotic effects of yogurt, this research highlights a pre/pro cocktail or synbiotic food-first intervention to enhance gut health and influence cardiometabolic health. View Full Text

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