Cissus quadrangularis, also known as veldt grape, devil's backbone, and asthisamharaka, has become a popular herbal supplement among bodybuilders and athletes. With its array of reported health benefits – from improved joint health to enhanced recovery – Cissus quadrangularis appeals to those looking to optimize their fitness performance and muscle growth. This comprehensive article explores the science-backed uses and potential benefits of taking Cissus quadrangularis supplements for bodybuilding goals.
What is Cissus quadrangularis?
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant that belongs to the grape family Vitaceae. It has a long history of medicinal use in various traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha for treating bone fractures, pain, and inflammatory conditions. The key active compounds found in Cissus quadrangularis are ketosteroids, triterpenoids, vitamins, carotenoids, and antioxidants. These compounds are believed to exert analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone healing properties in the human body.
Where does Cissus quadrangularis grow?
Cissus quadrangularis is native to hot, dry regions of Africa, Arabia, Southeast Asia and India. It thrives in arid, sandy soils and is found prominently on riverbanks, roadsides and dry wastelands. In India, Cissus quadrangularis has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic healers to make medicinal bone-setting pastes and powders from fresh stems. Today it is cultivated on a commercial scale as a low maintenance crop requiring little water or care.
How is Cissus quadrangularis consumed?
Traditionally, Cissus quadrangularis is prepared as a paste from crushed stems, a powder from dried stems, an oil extract, or a fermented wine. The most common medicinal parts used are the fleshy quadrangular-shaped stems, which are washed, crushed using a mortar and pestle, then filtered to produce a rich, greenish juice. This juice is concentrated into a paste, made into powders or further extracted to isolate key compounds like ketosteroids.
For modern supplements, Cissus quadrangularis is processed into capsules, tablets, powders and liquid extracts standardized to 5-10% ketosteroids content. The dried stem powders can be simmered into herbal tea preparations as well. Ayurvedic healers may recommend consuming fresh Cissus juice for stronger medicinal effects.
1 Benefits for bodybuilders
Cissus quadrangularis supplements are commonly marketed to bodybuilders with claims of aiding joint health, recovery, and lean muscle growth. Some of the purported benefits include:
- Reducing joint pain and inflammation
- Healing injured tendons and ligaments
- Speeding up workout recovery
- Building and repairing bone tissue
- Blocking cortisol to support muscle growth
- Increasing endurance and workout capacity
While these claims seem promising more research is required to conclusively support the benefits of Cissus quadrangularis for athletes and bodybuilders.
2 Proposed mechanisms of action
Researchers have identified several active compounds in Cissus quadrangularis that may contribute to its effectiveness, but the exact mechanisms of action remain unknown. Here are some of the ways Cissus quadrangularis is believed to work in the body:
3 Anti-inflammatory effects
The triterpenoids, steroids and flavonoids found in Cissus extracts demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties comparable to prescription NSAIDs. These compounds may inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators likes tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins and inflammatory enzymes like COX-2. Reducing systemic and local inflammation facilitates faster recovery between workouts.
4 Joint lubrication
The mucilage content in Cissus has been found to enhance synovial fluid levels and viscosity for better joint lubrication and shock absorption. This may protect cartilage health and flexibility while handling heavy weights.
5 Bone remodeling
Ketosteroids like onocer-7-ene stimulate osteoblasts bone building cells, while antioxidant compounds prevent excess osteoclast activity. Together, this rebalances bone metabolism to enhance regeneration abilities and prevent workout-related microfractures or stress injuries over time.
6 Hormone modulation
Test tube studies reveal certain Cissus compounds can inhibit 11β-HSD type 1 enzymes to reduce cortisol levels. Lower systemic cortisol helps minimize muscle catabolism during and after workouts. There is also early evidence that Cissus may increase testosterone availability by blocking its conversion to DHT for greater anabolic potential.
7 Oxidative stress reduction
Exhaustive workouts substantially increase free radicals that hamper recovery. The rich antioxidants in Cissus like vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and tannins combat post-exercise oxidative damage and inflammation – helping muscles rebound faster.
Though these mechanisms provide a theoretical basis for Cissus supplementation, robust clinical data in athletes is still lacking. Further research should explore muscle protein synthesis rates, hormonal impacts, and cytokine levels following supplementation and intensive resistance training protocols.
8 Joint health and injury prevention
One of the most valued effects of Cissus Quadrangularis Extract for bodybuilders is its apparent ability to improve joint health. Joint pain and mobility issues are common problems for fitness enthusiasts who regularly place intense loads on the joints through weight training. Studies indicate that Cissus quadrangularis displays anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and bone healing properties that may enhance joint function and reduce injury risk.
Specifically, clinical trials have found that Cissus quadrangularis supplementation significantly decreases pain and improves mobility in participants with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers believe it can stimulate collagen production to strengthen connective tissues, prevent bone loss, and accelerate the healing of stress fractures.
In one study, Cissus supplementation improved joint symptoms in athletes performing high-intensity exercise like sprinting, hurdles and long jumps which apply substantial impact forces. For bodybuilders, optimizing joint health allows safer progression to heavier weights while avoiding injuries that require long rest periods that impact gains.
9 Better energy utilization
Some preliminary studies also indicate potential benefits of Cissus quadrangularis on oxygen utilization and delaying exercise fatigue. One study on mice given Cissus extracts revealed enhanced swimming times to exhaustion, which implies improved aerobic capacity and endurance.
Though the exact mechanism is unclear, researchers suspect compounds called charantins may increase key energy enzymes like glycogen phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphate, lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase for better fuel metabolism. For bodybuilders this may translate to extra reps towards the end of a challenging set before hitting failure. Over months of progressive training, those extra reps can really sum up for more substantial muscle and strength gains.
10 Muscle growth and recovery
In addition to joint support, early research shows potential for Cissus quadrangularis to aid muscle repair and accelerate workout recovery. One study demonstrated supplementing with C. quadrangularis reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and DOMS in comparison to a placebo. This aligns with Ayurvedic and Siddha traditions of using Cissus extracts to treat bone fractures, suggesting benefits for connective tissue healing.
The faster a bodybuilder can recover between workouts, the more total volume and intensity they can handle each week without overtraining. Enhanced muscle repair may also allow for better hypertrophic gains over time.
Proposed mechanisms for stimulating muscle regrowth include increased satellite cell activation for myogenesis following damage, modulating cortisol to reduce catabolism, lowering oxidative damage, and potentially increasing local IGF-1 availability – but human trials are still lacking.
11 Anti-aging hormone benefits
Emerging research reveals Cissus Quadrangularis Extract may support healthy testosterone levels – especially as bodybuilders age. One clinical trial found older obese men treated with Cissus experienced increased free and total testosterone, improved BMI and reduced oxidative stress.
Researchers believe Cissus can block the enzyme aromatase to reduce conversion of testosterone into estrogen and alter SHBG levels to increase usable testosterone. Maintaining peak T levels enhances muscle building potential while also keeping energy and libido high. For aging male bodybuilders, supporting anabolic hormones with Cissus supplementation could help slow the typical decline for better long-term gains.
12 Dosage and usage recommendations
Most studies showing measurable benefits of Cissus quadrangularis have used doses between 300 – 600 mg divided into three daily servings. It is commonly sold in capsule or tablet forms containing extracts ranging from 5-15% ketosteroids. Bodybuilders looking to leverage the joint and muscle-promoting potential should consume it in cycles – 8 to 12-weeks on, 4 weeks off.
When should you take Cissus quadrangularis?
For workout recovery and performance enhancement, take Cissus quadrangularis capsules about 60-90 minutes pre-workout. This allows time for absorption so the anti-inflammatory effects are strongest during training when microtears and inflammation begins developing in muscles and joints.
Post-workout, Cissus may blunt the cortisol response to weight training for less muscle breakdown. Some users also report better sleep quality when taking Cissus supplements 1-2 hours before bedtime.
1 Potential side effects and safety precautions
Cissus quadrangularis appears safe for long term supplementation at recommended doses, but high doses may cause minor side effects like headaches, flatulence or dry mouth. Individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, or scheduled for surgery should avoid Cissus completely due to an observed blood thinning effect. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women until more safety research is available.
No serious drug interactions have been reported, but potential interaction with diabetes medications should be monitored carefully. Those already taking NSAIDs, steroids or other anti-inflammatories should exercise caution since it may enhance effects. Start with low Cissus doses and monitor changes in pain levels, energy etc. before increasing.
Seek medical guidance before using Cissus Quadrangularis Extracts if any of the below conditions apply:
- Scheduled for surgery - increased bleeding risk
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mother
- Liver or kidney disorder
- Taking blood thinners or diabetes medication
- Allergy or sensitivity to grapes or soy
Scientific support and future research directions
While the early clinical evidence and theorized mechanisms behind Cissus quadrangularis are promising, there are limitations in the current data:
- Few studies assess tangible benefits like strength, power output or measurable muscle/bone growth
- Trials use varying supplement doses and preparations
- Most studies use rat/mice models not resistance trained humans
- Exact bioactive compounds, their pharmacokinetics and mechanisms remain unclear
- Possible interactions with other sports supplements are unknown
So there is certainly vast scope for future research on Cissus quadrangularis in athletes. Areas warranting further exploration include:
- Effects on muscle protein synthesis and validated hypertrophic outcomes
- Performance enhancement – strength, power, VO2 max, endurance
- Randomized control trials in weightlifters and bodybuilders
- Optimal dosing protocols for sport applications
- Mitigating side effects like hypoglycemia risk
- Drug interaction studies with other sports supplements
As the popularity of this herbal continues rising in athlete communities, we can expect more human clinical data to clarify if the real world performance benefits live up to the early hype.
Conclusion
In summary, Cissus quadrangularis shows early promise as an all-natural supplement that may uniquely benefit bodybuilders by improving joint function, increasing muscle growth capacity and aiding workout recovery. Though more research is still needed, supplementing with Cissus poses little risk and may support the intense training demands of bodybuilding better than NSAIDs and other pain medications.
However, supplements should always complement, not replace, smart training principles and nutrition habits. As fitness experts note, joint issues arise from mechanical stress and inflammation – which proper program design, mobility work and recovery practices can prevent. Compounds like Cissus quadrangularis should be viewed as complementary insurance against the inevitable joint wear-and-tear that even seasoned bodybuilders will eventually incur.
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References:
1. Banu, J., Varela, E., Bahadur, A.N., Soomro, R., Kazi, N., Fernandes, G., Chopra, C.S. and Swamy, A.H.V., 2015. Inhibition of bone loss by Cissus quadrangularis in mice: a preliminary report. Journal of osteoporosis, 2015.
2. Muthusami, S., Senthilkumar, K. and Vignesh, C., 2011. Effects of Cissus quadrangularis on the proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization of human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Journal of cellular biochemistry, 112(4), pp.1035-1045.
3. Panthong, A., Supraditaporn, W., Kanjanapothi, D., Taesotikul, T. and Reutrakul, V., 2007. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 110(2), pp.264-270.
4. Stohs, S.J. and Ray, S.D., 2013. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), pp.1107-1114.