Cissus Quadrangularis Root Extract
Also known as: Veldt Grape, Devil's Backbone, Hadjod, Cissus quadrangularis
Overview
Cissus quadrangularis is a vine native to Africa and parts of Asia, commonly utilized in traditional medicine, especially in Asian cultures. Its primary applications encompass treatments for various health conditions, including hemorrhoids, bone fractures, obesity, joint pain, and low bone mass. This herbal supplement is believed to possess multiple health benefits due to its rich composition of chemical constituents like steroids, flavonoids, and triterpenes. The existing research on Cissus quadrangularis is moderate in maturity, with varying evidence quality across different health claims, highlighting the necessity for further high-quality clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Research indicates that Cissus quadrangularis can aid in weight management, showing a significant mean weight reduction of -5.19 kg compared to placebo in combination products. It has also been found beneficial in improving lipid profiles, with notable reductions in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar levels. While there are benefits reported for bone health, including some positive effects on bone fractures, this evidence is less robust. Importantly, these effects are particularly relevant for obese individuals and those with metabolic syndrome, with improvements often observed within 10 weeks of supplementation. Overall, while the evidence for some applications is strong, further studies are essential to confirm benefits across all potential health claims.
How it works
Cissus quadrangularis exerts its effects through several biological pathways, impacting inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic functions. It inhibits proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and enhances antioxidant defenses by promoting enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Additionally, it seems to stimulate bone growth and pain reduction through its interactions with the musculoskeletal system, alongside favorable alterations in lipid metabolism and blood sugar control in metabolic pathways.
Side effects
Cissus quadrangularis is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including headache, diarrhea, and insomnia, occurring in more than 5% of users. Uncommon side effects are not well documented, indicating a favorable safety profile in most cases. However, caution is advised for individuals with diabetes due to its potential to lower blood sugar levels, and it should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgical procedures. There is insufficient data on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, recommending avoidance for these populations. Overall, while serious adverse effects are rare, users should be mindful of potential interactions and contraindications related to existing health conditions.
Dosage
The commonly recommended dosage for Cissus quadrangularis ranges from 300 to 500 mg per day, with 300 mg often considered the minimum effective amount. There is no established maximum safe dose, but extended use beyond 10 weeks remains underexplored. The extract form is commonly favored for its consistent results compared to powdered whole herb. Administration is typically once or twice daily, and while timing is flexible, adherence to dosage guidelines is crucial for optimal results. The supplement is generally well-absorbed following oral intake without specific cofactor requirements.
FAQs
Is Cissus quadrangularis safe for everyone?
While it is generally safe for short-term use, it should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and before surgery due to possible blood sugar interactions.
How should I take Cissus quadrangularis?
It can be consumed once or twice daily, preferably in either extract or powdered form, but specific timing is not critical.
What can I expect from using Cissus quadrangularis?
Users may experience benefits in weight management and lipid profile improvements; however, evidence is less robust for other claims like bone health.
Are there misconceptions about Cissus quadrangularis?
Yes, its use as an anabolic agent for bodybuilding lacks scientific support and should not be considered as such.
Research Sources
- https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/28165166/Efficacy_and_Safety_of_Cissus_quadrangularis_L__in_Clinical_Use:_A_Systematic_Review_and_Meta_analysis_of_Randomized_Controlled_Trials_ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of Cissus quadrangularis in clinical settings, demonstrating significant improvements in body weight, lipid profiles, and blood glucose levels across nine studies involving 1108 patients.
- https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJPS/article/view/18421 – A systematic review and meta-analysis on Cissus quadrangularis focused on hemorrhoid treatment, indicating no significant differences in outcomes compared to conventional therapies while confirming the absence of serious adverse effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22976133/ – A review assessing the overall efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis, highlighting its positive impact on weight management and bone health, while affirming safety at regular dosages and lack of anabolic effects.
