There are just a few known Cissus quadrangularis side effects, and they are both rare and mild.
Many physicians, athletes and self-healers use Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) supplements to promote wellness, physical performance and weight loss.
Cissus has been used throughout Africa and Asia for centuries as a healing agent for fractured bones and for menstrual complications. After gaining worldwide interest for its reported medicinal efficacy, the CQ plant was imported to Brazil and parts of the southern US.
It is currently under much clinical testing to determine its effectiveness as a multi-faceted therapeutic agent. Research exists demonstrating anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, analgesic, sedative and anticancer properties in rodent-based experimentation.



- Promotes joint health & pain reduction
- Sedative & muscle relaxing properties
- Supports weight loss & workout recovery
Cissus Quadrangularis Side Effects
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The Cissus quadrangularis plant is a vining member of the Vitaceae botanical family. CQ is in the same family as grapes and also contains appreciable amounts of the antioxidant flavonoid resveratrol.
Cissus is indigenous to the continent of Africa as well as some Asian countries including Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. CQ has been used for over a thousand years by millions of people on extended bases.
It has proven to be generally safe for human supplementation. Although not enough evidence has been presented to quantify and classify its precise medicinal benefits, CQ is widely accepted as side-effect-free, natural healing agent. The AMA as well as the Natural Medicines database have classified Cissus quadrangularis as a “Possibly Safe” supplement when used orally and appropriately.
In humans, oral use of Cissus appears to be generally very well tolerated. In some cases, minor Cissus quadrangularis side effects have been reported, including gas, nausea, diarrhea, perspiration, headache, and bloating. However it is interesting to note that in research studies, the incidence of reported Cissus quadrangularis side effects was comparable to or even lower than what was observed with the use of a placebo.
In cases of heavy, prolonged supplementation, gastroenteritis is possible; this condition is similar to those induced by chronic use of aspirin.
Also, long-term, heavy supplementation of CQ has been shown to have a general increasing effect on testosterone synthesis. This may be beneficial for some men, especially those with erectile dysfunction and/or infertility issues. However, it can be a negative side effect in some instances.
Cissus Quadrangularis Review
As one of the world’s most demanded natural supplements, Cissus quadrangularis is under research from numerous investigative entities. It contains a ketosteroid agent called betulinic acid which is a known anticancer agent.
Cissus quadrangularis is currently being experimented with to determine its effectiveness at:
- Preventing, treating and destroying cancer cells;
- Decreasing risks factors for various cardiovascular diseases and conditions;
- Treating the symptoms and causes of diabetes mellitus type ii;
- Alleviating pain, especially pains in joints caused by physical exertion;
- Inhibiting epileptic convulsions;
- Inducing general sedative effects;
- Inducing circulatory vasodilation;
- Helping to decrease weight levels and treat the underlying biochemical causes of obesity;
- Producing more output strength in performance athletes;
- Improving testosterone, estrogen, HGH, nitric oxide, cortisol and insulin utilization;
- Stimulating osteoblastic differentiation and proliferation;
- Reducing inflammation;
- Improving the functioning of the stomach, liver and intestines;
- Treating asthma and allergic reactions;
- Enhancing immune system functioning and combating free radical damage on a basic level;
- Improving the body’s capacities for efficient detoxification;
- Treating infertility and erectile dysfunction:
- Stimulating libido and easing problematic menstruation cycles
Cissus Quadrangularis for Bone Fractures and Osteoporosis
Because of its historic use for treating bone fractures and soft bone issues (osteoporosis), CQ has come to be known to many as Bonesetter. This title seems to be supported by modern clinical experimentation results.
More specifically, Cissus has been shown in to:
- Stimulate osteoblastic generation and distinctness;
- Diminish joint pains associated with vigorous athletic performance;
- Increase the range of motion for tested joints by approximately 31%;
- Stimulate the synthesis of collagen;
- Inhibit the signaling efficacy of certain corticosteroids, thereby encouraging bone tissue synthesis via less complex substances (anabolism)
Who Should Not Use Cissus Supplement Products?
Cissus presents few side effects, even with long-term, high-dose usage. This natural supplement is widely accepted by international health authorities as being a safe substance for human consumption.
However, the following groups are not recommended for Cissus supplementation:
- Pregnant/nursing women as there has not been sufficient evidence presented to assure the safety for fetuses and newborns;
- Anyone with scheduled surgeries pending;
- Those with systemic diseases like diabetes and lupus;
- People diagnosed with disorders related to bleeding and/or clotting;
- Those with low blood pressure issues
How to Safely Use Cissus Quadrangularis?
Common dosages of CQ range from 150mg daily up to more than 3000mg daily. The optimal dosage for a given treatment target will be defined by various parameters including age, gender, health, diet, activity level, hydration and more.
Even the most potent medicinal agents rarely are powerful enough to heal the body alone. Healthy lifestyle choices about food intake, daily exercise, effective stress management and consistently adequate hydration all matter integrally.
In order to discern the best supplementation plan, please consult with your doctor before beginning. Cissus quadrangularis side effects are rare, but usage is not recommended for everyone.
- UDUPA KN, PRASAD GC. Cissus quadrangularis in healing of fractures. A clinical study. J Indian Med Assoc. 1962
- Mohammad S, Pal US, Pradhan R, Singh N. Herbal remedies for mandibular fracture healing. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2014
- Jainu M, Mohan KV. Protective role of ascorbic acid isolated from Cissus quadrangularis on NSAID induced toxicity through immunomodulating response and growth factors expression. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008
- Jainu M, Devi CS. Gastroprotective action of Cissus quadrangularis extract against NSAID induced gastric ulcer: role of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage. Chem Biol Interact. 2006
- Singh V, Singh N, Pal US, Dhasmana S, Mohammad S, Singh N. Clinical evaluation of cissus quadrangularis and moringa oleifera and osteoseal as osteogenic agents in mandibular fracture. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2011
- Aswar UM, Bhaskaran S, Mohan V, Bodhankar SL. Estrogenic activity of friedelin rich fraction (IND-HE) separated from Cissus quadrangularis and its effect on female sexual function. Pharmacognosy Res. 2010
- SINGH LM, UDUPA KN. Studies on Cissus Quadrangularis" in fracture by using phosphorus 32. III." Indian J Med Sci. 1962
- Singh G, Rawat P, Maurya R. Constituents of Cissus quadrangularis. Nat Prod Res. 2007
Article last updated on: May 13th, 2018 by Nootriment