Asthishrunkhala
Also known as: Asthishrunkhala, Hadjod, Veldt Grape, Adamant Creeper, *Cissus quadrangularis* L.
Overview
*Cissus quadrangularis* L. is a plant in the Vitaceae family, native to regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurvedic and Thai practices. Known for its rich content of bioactive compounds — such as flavonoids and triterpenoids — the plant is primarily used to support bone health, accelerate the healing of fractures, and maintain gastrointestinal health. Additionally, *Cissus quadrangularis* has been explored for its roles in weight management and potential anti-diabetic properties. Although current research includes several clinical trials focusing on its efficacy, more rigorous studies are necessary to validate its safety and benefits across different health conditions.
Benefits
Research indicates several key benefits of *Cissus quadrangularis*: 1. **Bone Health**: In postmenopausal women with osteopenia, a study indicated that it could delay bone loss over a 24-week period, though no increase in bone mineral density was noted. This suggests potential for managing bone health in susceptible populations. 2. **Weight Management**: Systematic reviews point to significant effects on weight loss and improvements in lipid profiles with products containing this herb, particularly among obese individuals, averaging a weight reduction of approximately 5.19 kg compared to placebo. 3. **Hemorrhoids**: While not significantly more effective than conventional treatments, *Cissus quadrangularis* was found to be effective without serious side effects. Additional potential benefits for gastrointestinal health exist, although they require further investigation to substantiate.
How it works
*Cissus quadrangularis* most likely influences biological pathways associated with bone metabolism and lipid metabolism through its bioactive compounds. Though the specific molecular targets are not fully defined, it is believed to reduce bone remodeling activity, thereby helping to maintain bone density. Additionally, it may facilitate lipid and glucose metabolism, interacting with body systems responsible for regulating these processes, which contributes to its potential effects on weight management.
Side effects
The safety profile for *Cissus quadrangularis* is generally favorable, with most studies reporting no serious adverse events. Common side effects (greater than 5%) are not documented; however, no significant side effects were noted in various studies reviewed, reflecting its overall safety. Rare allergic or gastrointestinal reactions cannot be ruled out, though these are less than 1%. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to limited safety data. It is also recommended to consult healthcare providers before use, especially in conjunction with other medications, given the sparse evidence on drug interactions or contraindications.
Dosage
There is no universally established minimum effective dose for *Cissus quadrangularis*, but an optimal dosage range from 500 mg to 1 gram per day is commonly utilized in studies, particularly for applications related to bone health. There is no specified maximum safe dose; doses up to 1 gram per day have been reported without serious side effects. For effective absorption, the supplement is generally taken orally with meals, and various forms are available, including capsules and extracts. Patients should consider individual responses to dosing and consult a healthcare provider when determining personal dosages.
FAQs
Is *Cissus quadrangularis* safe?
Generally, it is considered safe, but long-term safety and potential interactions require further research.
When should I take *Cissus quadrangularis*?
It is typically administered orally with meals, though specific timing is not well-defined.
What results can I expect?
Benefits in bone health and weight management may be observed over several weeks to months of consistent use.
Is it a cure for any conditions?
It is not a cure but can be used as a complementary therapy under medical supervision.
Research Sources
- https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJPS/article/view/18421 – This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effectiveness of *Cissus quadrangularis* in treating hemorrhoids, highlighting no significant differences in outcomes compared to conventional treatments, with no serious adverse events reported.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39346168/ – In a true experimental study involving 60 postmenopausal women with osteopenia, findings showed that *Cissus quadrangularis* delayed bone loss over a 24-week period by reducing bone remodeling activity, though no significant change in bone mineral density was observed.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28165166/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing 1108 patients pointed to *Cissus quadrangularis*'s significant impact on alleviating bone pain, aiding weight loss, and improving lipid profiles across various studies, with calls for further high-quality research to confirm broader clinical effects.
