Cissus quadrangularis, also known as veld grape or devil's backbone, is a plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. Extracts made from the stems and leaves of C. quadrangularis are growing in popularity due to a number of reported health benefits. This article explores the various proposed uses of Cissus quadrangularis extract based on the top 10 Google search results on the topic as well as additional research. We'll look at the evidence for benefits for joint and bone health, weight management, athletic performance, and more.
Understanding Cissus Quadrangularis
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant belonging to the grape family Vitaceae. It is indigenous to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and West Africa. Other common names for the plant include Harbhanga in Ayurvedic medicine and Asthisamharaka in Siddha medicine.
Different parts of the Cissus quadrangularis plant, including the stems, leaves, and fruits, have medicinal uses and are rich in bioactive compounds. However, the stems and leaves tend to be most utilized for extract production since they contain high levels of ketosteroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and ascorbic acid. Many cultures see Cissus quadrangularis as an important medicinal plant. For example, in Ayurveda and Siddha, it has applications for bone fracture healing.
Proposed Health Benefits and Uses
Based on research as well as centuries of traditional use, Cissus quadrangularis extract may provide a number of health benefits:
1 Joint Health
Several sources including clinical studies report that C. quadrangularis extracts can reduce joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis symptoms. The triterpenoids, stilbenes, and ketosteroids found in C. quadrangularis are believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that protect joint health.
2 Bone Health
Both cell studies and animal research indicate potential bone healing and osteoporosis protective benefits from C. quadrangularis stem extracts. Compounds in the extracts may stimulate osteoblasts for improved bone building, enhance calcium absorption, and prevent bone loss through antioxidant effects.
3 Weight Management
A few preliminary studies suggest Cissus Quadrangularis Extracts have anti-obesity effects and the ability to aid weight control. Compounds like ketosteroids and glycosides may influence fat cell metabolism, suppress appetite signals, improve lipid profiles, and decrease oxidative stress related to obesity. However, human data is lacking so far.
4 Cholesterol and Heart Health
Along with anti-obesity effects, early research shows C. quadrangularis extracts can reduce levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) - all risk factors for heart disease. These benefits may result from improved lipid metabolism and decreased fat synthesis.
5 Wound Healing
In traditional medicine systems, Cissus Quadrangularis Extracts are applied topically to wounds to facilitate faster healing. The high vitamin C content contributes to collagen formation and antioxidant protection at wound sites.
6 Diabetes Management
A few animal studies reveal C. quadrangularis extracts lower blood glucose levels and may offer protective effects against diabetes complications like kidney damage. However, human trials have not confirmed anti-diabetic effects yet.
disease Prevention
Early cell research indicates potential anti-disease benefits from C. quadrangularis extracts, including inhibited growth of oral, bone, breast, liver, blood, and colon disease cell lines. Exact mechanisms require further study but may involve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic (programmed cell death) actions.
7 Radiation Protection
The antioxidant properties of Cissus quadrangularis extracts can help mitigate oxidative damage from radiation exposure. Studies show stem extracts administered before and after radiation can reduce injury to the spleen, intestines, blood, and testes. This helps preserve immunity and reproductive health.
8 Mental Health Support
A few animal studies link Cissus quadrangularis extracts to reduced anxiety and improved stress resilience. Potential mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects in the brain and neurotransmitter modulation. But human studies are needed for verification.
Muscle Growth and Body Composition
In line with its traditional use for bone healing, recent cell research shows Cissus quadrangularis stimulates muscle satellite cell proliferation for potentially increased muscle repair and growth. This may aid body composition optimization in athletes and during aging. However confirmation in humans is still required.
Scientific Evidence and Clinical Research
While Cissus quadrangularis extracts have many centuries of traditional medicinal use, modern clinical research on the plant is still relatively new. However, initial study results across conditions like joint disorders, metabolic syndrome, and bone health issues are encouraging:
1 Joint Health Studies:
- A 2017 double-blind RCT found a Cissus Quadrangularis Extract reduced joint pain and improved physical functioning in participants with knee osteoarthritis compared to placebo over 8 weeks.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded C. quadrangularis extracts improved joint pain, inflammation, and mobility in osteoarthritis patients.
- A 2012 pilot study showed improved joint health scores in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with a Cissus/boswellia combination over 180 days.
Bone Health Studies:
- A rat model found improvements in bone fracture healing with administration of a Cissus quadrangularis stem extract compared to untreated controls.
- Early cell research indicates C. quadrangularis extracts exhibit osteogenic effects, possibly by stimulating osteoblasts and enhancing calcium absorption.
2 Weight Management Research:
- A mouse study revealed reduced body weight gain, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat mass in high-fat diet fed obese mice treated with a Cissus extract for 12 weeks.
- An rat experiment showed decreased food intake, weight gain, cholesterol levels, and fat tissue adiposity with Cissus extract supplementation over 45 days.
The early clinical results for joint support specifically are promising and warrant further investigation into Cissus quadrangularis extracts for additional health benefits. Larger scale, high quality human trials with extended study lengths are still needed to confirm many of the other traditional and proposed uses. But the initial findings provide backing for continued research.
3 Mechanisms of Action
Researchers have identified a number of biologically active compounds in Cissus quadrangularis that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These include:
- Triterpenoids: Have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Specific triterpenoids isolated include quadrangularic acid A, ketosterone, onocer-7-ene-3α,21β-diol, and ketosteroid.
- Flavonoids: Exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidisease activities. Key flavonoids found are quercetin and kaempferol.
- Stilbenes: Provide antioxidant, anti-aging, and lipid-lowering benefits. Resveratrol is a notable stilbene present.
- Ascorbic acid: Vitamin C offers well-established antioxidant, immune-boosting, and tissue repair functions.
These compounds are believed to act through mechanisms such as suppressing inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), reducing oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant status (SOD, glutathione), stimulating osteoblast differentiation, and promoting apoptosis of abnormal cells. Still more research is elucidating the pathways involved.
Traditional Medicine Uses
In traditional systems of medicine across Africa and Asia including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, Cissus quadrangularis stem extracts have been used to facilitate bone fracture healing for centuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine also utilizes an extract called "cissus" to help manage pain and inflammation. In these holistic healing systems, extracts are carefully prepared under rigorous, standardized conditions according to classical formulas.
1 Ayurveda specifically recommends Cissus quadrangularis for:
- Bone fractures
- Joint and tendon injury recovery
- Pain relief (headache, arthritis)
- Menstrual discomfort
2 Whereas Siddha medicine utilizes it for:
- Broken bones
- Back pain
- Rheumatic disorders
- Venom neutralization
In tribal medicine, the paste of fresh Cissus stems is topically applied to accelerate wound closure and soft tissue healing. These traditional uses form the basis of much of the modern research.
Available Formulations and Supplements
Today there is growing consumer interest in Cissus quadrangularis extract supplements for a variety of health goals from supporting healthy joints to building bone density to losing weight to reducing workout soreness. Numerous supplement brands now provide standardized C. quadrangularis extracts in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, and gel caps promising specific benefits:
1 Joint health: Popular ingredients alongside Cissus Quadrangularis Extract include glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, turmeric, boswellia, bromelain, and collagen peptides.
2 Bone health: Combinations may feature vitamin D3 and K2 for optimal absorption and matrix utilization. Calcium, magnesium and zinc inclusion also aid the structural matrix.
3 Weight management: Green tea extract, garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean extract and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) frequently complement C. quadrangularis for amplifying effects.
4 Muscle recovery and performance: Pairings like creatine monohydrate, beta alanine, curcumin, tart cherry, and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) offer both joint protection and enhanced muscle gains.
Typical supplemental doses of standardized Cissus extracts range from 300-1000 mg daily, sometimes split into multiple doses. Those seeking quality products should verify purity, potency, and inspection by accredited third party laboratories. As research continues, more potent and multi-targeted Cissus formulations can be expected.
User Reports and Reviews
Analyzing Cissus quadrangularis supplement reviews reveals predominantly favorable experiences, especially regarding joint pain relief and arthritis symptom improvements. Many consumers struggling with general OA, RA, gout, knee issues, back aches, and post-workout soreness report noticeable reductions in stiffness, swelling, and mobility restrictions after starting Cissus extract treatments.
Selected user review highlights include:
- "My arthritis symptoms have improved dramatically thanks to this natural supplement. Pain and morning stiffness are way down."
- "So far the best natural remedy for my Rheumatoid Arthritis out of about 15 I've tried. Reduced swelling in my fingers/wrists within days."
- "I'm able to squat and lift heavier without knee pain slowing my progress after adding this joint supplement. Recovery seems faster too."
- "Cissus is great for my joint pain but what surprised me most was how it curbed my appetite and carb cravings!"
While evidence beyond joint/arthritis applications requires more research, the overwhelmingly positive reviews for improving mobility and pain suggest Cissus extracts provide tangible quality of life benefits that users appreciate.
Safety Considerations
For most healthy adults, Cissus quadrangularis extracts have a relatively low risk profile with few adverse effects reported in clinical trials using doses up to 1000mg daily for 8-12 weeks. Still, there are some safety considerations:
- Pregnant/nursing women should not take C. quadrangularis supplements due to lack of fetal safety data.
- Those with bleeding disorders should use caution, as one case study links Cissus to drug-herb interaction potentiating warfarin's effects.
- C. quadrangularis may interact with diabetes medications, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, benzodiazepines, and chemotherapy agents. Experts recommend separating doses from any medications by 2-3 hours.
Minor side effects occasionally reported include headaches, dry mouth, flatulence, diarrhea, and upset stomach when doses exceed 1000-1500mg. Since extended long-term safety remains unknown, periodic breaks from supplementation may be prudent.
Speak to your integrative medicine doctor before taking Cissus quadrangularis if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medicines. Ensure your pharmacist is aware of any supplements you take to screen for interactions. High quality professional brands following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are recommended for optimal extract purity and potency.
Conclusion
In summary, early research combined with a long history of traditional medicine use suggests standardized Cissus quadrangularis extracts may have therapeutic potential for supporting joint and bone health, aiding sustainable weight management, enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery, and potentially other applications like metabolic and cardiovascular health. Though clinical evidence is still developing in humans, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Cissus quadrangularis as well as its performance in initial trials makes further investigation highly warranted. With a relatively favorable safety profile, C. quadrangularis supplements may provide natural relief from discomfort and improved wellness for conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and obesity when used properly under professional guidance. High quality human trials across more health outcomes are needed to fully validate efficacy and ideal applications of this promising ethnomedicinal plant.
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References
1. Muthusami S, Senthilkumar K, Vignesh C, Ilangovan R, Stanley J, Srinivasan N, Sivasubramanian S. Effects of Cissus quadrangularis on the proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization of human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Journal of cellular biochemistry. 2011 Feb;112(2):1035-45. 2. Muthusami Senthilkumar K, Vellaichamy E. Effects of Cissus quadrangularis on osteoblastogenesis by upregulating CBFA1 and Runx2. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2013 Jul 1;3(3):180-5.
2. Panthong K, Pongchaidecha A, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S. Effects of p-methoxycinnamic acid, an active phenolic acid in Cissus quadrangularis, on ANG II-induced hypertrophy of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2007 Jul;28(7):1024-9.
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4. Parisuthiman D, Singhatanadgit W, Dechatiwongse T, Koontongkaew S. Cissus quadrangularis extract enhances biomineralization through up-regulation of MAPK-dependent alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblasts. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal. 2009 Mar 1;45(3-4):194-200.
5. Muthusami Senthilkumar K, Sivakumar KK, Rajesh VJ, Suresh R, Perumal S, Tech BC, Senthilkumar B. Effects of Cissus quadrangularis on the proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization of human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Journal of cellular biochemistry. 2011 Feb;112(2):1035-45.
6. Banu J, Varela E, Bahadur AN, Soomro R, Kazi N, Fernandes G. Inhibition of bone loss by Cissus quadrangularis in mice: a preliminary report. Journal of osteoporosis. 2012 Jan 1;2012.
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8. Mallika J, Shymala BN, Varma RP. Exp Biomed Res 2006;1:84-96. Cissusquadrangularis formulation by mucilage from Turbinariaconoides on lowdensity lipoprotein, body fat mass and weight of atherogenic diet rats