Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of Cissus quadrangularisSide EffectsInteractionsDosageSources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Cissus quadrangularis
Side Effects
Interactions
Dosage
Sources & What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Cissus quadrangularishas been used in alternative medicine for centuries to treat ailments such as bone fractures, peptic ulcer disease, and malaria.It’s also been studied for its effects on osteoporosis and diabetes.
The succulent creeping vine contains bioactive substances such asflavonoids, phenols, tannins, plant sterols,resveratrol, vitamins, and other nutrients.More evidence is needed to support any medical uses.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Getty Images /Penpak Ngamsathain
What Are the Uses of Cissus quadrangularis?
Cissus quadrangularishas a long and varied usage in alternative medicine practices, includingAyurveda. It has been used to treat:
Proponents believe thatCissus quadrangularisis a plant with many uses and benefits. Yet, scientific evidence for thisis limited, with very few well-structured human trials available. Although much has been learned aboutCissus quadrangularisthrough such research, more human studies must be performed.
The following sections provide an overview of the science behind some of the more compelling uses ofCissus quadrangularis.
Bone Fractures
Research has found thatCissus quadrangulariscontains anabolic steroidal substances that may aid in the bone fracture healing process. Calcium and antioxidants are also present inCissus quadrangularisand are vital to healing bones as well.
A few small human trials have studied the role ofCissus quadrangularisin fracture healing.
In one study, 60 young adults with mandible (jawbone) fractures received (at random) either a placebo or aCissus quadrangulariscapsule that contained 300 milligrams of dried stem. Researchers measured their levels ofosteopontin, aproteinfound in bones, at zero, four, and six weeks during the trial. The study discovered that the osteopontin levels of those who took theCissus quadrangularissupplements significantly increased compared to those who took the placebo supplement, suggesting better fracture healing.
A very small pilot study of adults with facial fractures met with similar results. In this study, one group of participants was given 1,500 milligrams ofCissus quadrangularisper day, while another group acted as the control. Researchers found that those who tookCissus quadrangularisexperienced reductions in pain and swelling at their fracture sites plus increased levels of calcium andphosphorus, two minerals that are vital to bone formation.
Larger-scale human trials are necessary to further confirm these positive findings.
Osteoporosis
Aside from bone fracture, some research shows thatCissus quadrangularismay help bones in other ways.
There is evidence thatCissus quadrangularismay protect against the onset ofosteoporosis. According to laboratory research,Cissus quadrangularisdecreases the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone.
Because the risk of osteoporosis increases aftermenopause, some researchers have studiedCissus quadrangularisas a possible means of prevention.
In one study, just over 100 post-menopausal individuals withosteopenia(a risk factor for osteoporosis) randomly received either a placebo orCissus quadrangularisat a dose of either 1.2 or 1.6 grams per day. After 24 weeks, both doses ofCissus quadrangularisdelayed bone loss. Notably, though, bone mineral density did not significantly improve in either group.
Few other human trials have studiedCissus quadrangularisas a treatment for osteoporosis. As a result, more research is necessary.
Arthritis
Emerging research points toCissus quadrangularisas a possible treatment for various types of arthritis, includingosteoarthritisandrheumatoid arthritis. However, human research is necessary to determine if this role indeed exists.
In an animal study,Cissus quadrangularisreduced joint swelling in rats with induced arthritis. The study also associatedCissus quadrangularissupplementation with reduced levels oftumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, aninflammatory biomarkerthat is often elevated in people with arthritis.
Researchers from another animal study focused on the anti-arthritic potential ofCissus quadrangularisstem extract in rats withknee osteoarthritis. In this study, the stem extract improved the rats' symptoms of knee osteoarthritis better thanCissus quadrangularisplus naproxen (an anti-inflammatory drug) did.
Diabetes Management
Promising animal studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisanddiabetesmanagement.
Additional animal studies have associatedCissus quadrangularissupplementation with positive effects on diabetes symptoms and side effects. However, completed human studies have yet to take place.
Side Effects of Cissus quadrangularis
Research generally considersCissus quadrangularissafe to use. Available research has reported very few possible side effects.
In one older study, a small number of participants experienced various side effects after takingCissus quadrangularis.Headachesandgaswere the most commonly reported side effects in the study. Other reported side effects includedinsomnia,diarrhea, anddry mouth.
However, additional evidence of these and other side effects ofCissus quadrangularisremains limited. Regardless, side effects remain possible, especially with heavier doses.
Additionally, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid usingCissus quadrangularis, at least until more safety information is available.
Some supplements negatively interact with medications, herbs, foods, or other supplements. These interactions can impact how your body metabolizes medications or nutrients.
There is no solid evidence of interactions forCissus quadrangularis.However, interactions may still exist.
Due to the potential blood sugar-lowering effects ofCissues quadrangularis,it may interact with other medications commonly taken totreat diabetesor hyperglycemia.TakingCissus quadrangularisalong with diabetes medications may cause exceedingly low blood sugar.
It’s worth noting, however, that an interaction betweenCissus quadrangularisand diabetes medications has never been officially reported. Therefore, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about takingCissus quadrangularisif you use other supplements or medications that reduce your blood sugar.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each it includes. Please review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Dosage: How Much Cissus quadrangularis Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
More research is necessary to determine the safe and properdosageinformation forCissus quadrangularis. The majority of research onCissus quadrangularishas been performed on animals rather than humans, making it difficult to confirm optimal dosage.
Some human research is available regarding the use ofCissus quadrangularisfor bone fractures. In one study, a dose of 300 milligrams per day of driedCissus quadrangularisstem taken for eight weeks yielded positive results.A different study found that 1,500 milligrams of whole, driedCissus quadrangularistaken daily for six weeks also yielded positive results.
With such wide variations in dosage, it’s important to follow the dosage directions provided on your supplement’s label or packaging. A healthcare provider can also help determine the proper dosage if necessary.
Sources of Cissus quadrangularis and What to Look For
Although parts of theCissus quadrangularisplant are edible, it is most commonly taken as a supplement.
Cissus quadrangularisis widely available online through Amazon, other retail stores, and supplement websites. It is also available in certain specialty nutrition or supplement shops.
When it comes to supplements,Cissus quadrangularismostly takes the form of capsules, but it is also available as a powder. Keep in mind that some capsules are made fromgelatin, an animal-derived product. However, a number ofCissus quadrangularisproducts are made withvegancapsules.
It’s important to do your due diligence before purchasing a new supplement.
Summary
Cissus quadrangularisis a medicinal plant popularly used in Ayurveda and other forms of alternative medicine. It is known to possess various bioactive substances that may offer health benefits. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support many of its marketed uses.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome small studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisand weight loss. In one study, participants classified as havingobesitytook either a placebo or 300 milligrams ofCissus quadrangularisstem and leaf extract per day for eight weeks. Compared to the placebo group, participants in theCissus quadrangularisgroup experienced more significant weight loss.More research on the potential role ofCissus quadrangularisin weight loss is necessary.In the meantime, keep in mind that no supplement can offer long-term, healthy weight loss on its own.Very little safety information is available forCissus quadrangularissupplements. Though it is generally considered safe for most people, some sensitive populations shouldn’t useCissus quadrangularis.Currently, there isn’t enough research to know whetherCissus quadrangularisis safe for people who arepregnantor breastfeeding. Therefore, it’s best to play it safe and avoid usingCissus quadrangularisif you are pregnant or breastfeeding.People who use medications for diabetes or hyperglycemia may also need to avoid usingCissus quadrangularis.CombiningCissus quadrangulariswith these medications may cause exceedingly lowblood sugar.Cissus quadrangulariscontains substances that act similarly to anabolic steroids. These substances may help with bone fractures and generalbone health.However,Cissus quadrangularisitself is not a steroid.Whether one time of day is better than others to takeCissus quadrangularisis unknown.In general, staggering supplements and medications in case of interactions is recommended.A healthcare provider can help you devise a daily schedule for taking supplements and/or medications.
Some small studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisand weight loss. In one study, participants classified as havingobesitytook either a placebo or 300 milligrams ofCissus quadrangularisstem and leaf extract per day for eight weeks. Compared to the placebo group, participants in theCissus quadrangularisgroup experienced more significant weight loss.More research on the potential role ofCissus quadrangularisin weight loss is necessary.In the meantime, keep in mind that no supplement can offer long-term, healthy weight loss on its own.
Some small studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisand weight loss. In one study, participants classified as havingobesitytook either a placebo or 300 milligrams ofCissus quadrangularisstem and leaf extract per day for eight weeks. Compared to the placebo group, participants in theCissus quadrangularisgroup experienced more significant weight loss.
More research on the potential role ofCissus quadrangularisin weight loss is necessary.In the meantime, keep in mind that no supplement can offer long-term, healthy weight loss on its own.
Very little safety information is available forCissus quadrangularissupplements. Though it is generally considered safe for most people, some sensitive populations shouldn’t useCissus quadrangularis.Currently, there isn’t enough research to know whetherCissus quadrangularisis safe for people who arepregnantor breastfeeding. Therefore, it’s best to play it safe and avoid usingCissus quadrangularisif you are pregnant or breastfeeding.People who use medications for diabetes or hyperglycemia may also need to avoid usingCissus quadrangularis.CombiningCissus quadrangulariswith these medications may cause exceedingly lowblood sugar.
Very little safety information is available forCissus quadrangularissupplements. Though it is generally considered safe for most people, some sensitive populations shouldn’t useCissus quadrangularis.
Currently, there isn’t enough research to know whetherCissus quadrangularisis safe for people who arepregnantor breastfeeding. Therefore, it’s best to play it safe and avoid usingCissus quadrangularisif you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People who use medications for diabetes or hyperglycemia may also need to avoid usingCissus quadrangularis.CombiningCissus quadrangulariswith these medications may cause exceedingly lowblood sugar.
Cissus quadrangulariscontains substances that act similarly to anabolic steroids. These substances may help with bone fractures and generalbone health.However,Cissus quadrangularisitself is not a steroid.
Whether one time of day is better than others to takeCissus quadrangularisis unknown.In general, staggering supplements and medications in case of interactions is recommended.A healthcare provider can help you devise a daily schedule for taking supplements and/or medications.
Whether one time of day is better than others to takeCissus quadrangularisis unknown.In general, staggering supplements and medications in case of interactions is recommended.
A healthcare provider can help you devise a daily schedule for taking supplements and/or medications.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Sundaran J, Begum R, Vasanthi M, et al.A short review on pharmacological activity ofCissus quadrangularis.Bioinformation. 2020;16(8):579-585. doi:10.6026/97320630016579
Plants for a Future.Cissus quadrangularis.
Singh N, Singh V, Singh RK, et al.Osteogenic potential ofCissus quadrangularisassessed with osteopontin expression.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2013;4(1):52-56. doi:10.4103/0975-5950.117884
Brahmkshatriya HR, Shah KA, Ananthkumar GB, Brahmkshatriya MH.Clinical evaluation ofCissus quadrangularisas osteogenic agent in maxillofacial fracture: a pilot study.Ayu. 2015;36(2):169-173. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.175542
Azam Z, Sapra L, Baghel K, et al.Cissus quadrangularis(Hadjod) inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and augments bone health in an estrogen-deficient preclinical model of osteoporosis via modulating the host osteoimmune system.Cells. 2023;12(2):216. doi:10.3390/cells12020216
Benjawan S, Nimitphong H, Tragulpiankit P, et al.The effect ofCissus quadrangularisL. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.Phytomedicine. 2022;101:154115. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154115
Lakshmanan DK, Ravichandran G, Elangovan A, et al.Cissus quadrangularis(veldt grape) attenuates disease progression and anatomical changes in mono sodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis in the rat model.Food Funct. 2020;11(9):7842-7855. doi:10.1039/d0fo00992j
Lekshmi RK, Divya BT, Mini S.Cissus quadrangularisextract attenuates hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Redox Rep. 2014;19(5):214-220. doi:10.1179/1351000214Y.0000000096
Stohs SJ, Ray SD.A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety ofCissus quadrangularisextracts.Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1107-1114. doi:10.1002/ptr.4846
Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, et al.The use of aCissus quadrangularisformulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.Lipids Health Dis. 2006;5:24. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-5-24
Nash R, Azantsa B, Kuate D, et al.The use of a stem and leaf aqueous extract ofCissus quadrangularis(CQR-300) to reduce body fat and other components of metabolic syndrome in overweight participants.J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(1):98-106. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0016
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