Cissus Quadrangularis Review – The Bonesetter Plant

Used around the world as a traditional therapeutic agent, Cissus quadrangularis is indigenous to Africa and parts of Asia, specifically India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It has been exported to the southern area of the United States and to Brazil.

It is traditionally known for its usefulness in treating various bone disorders. As such, it is commonly called “Bone Setter”. Cissus quadrangularis plants have long-established prevalent use in both African and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicinal systems.

Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a perennial plant related to grapes in the Vitaceae family. Other common names for it include Devil’s Backbone, Hadjod, Asthisamharaka, and Veldt Grape. All parts of this succulent vine are used medicinally by millions of people daily.

In the United States, people use Cissus quadrangularis for a variety of conditions. It is also used by many bodybuilders and athletes as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids.

C. quadrangularisis currently under widespread clinical research to assess it full therapeutic worth. It has already shown analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in rodent-based lab tests.

This article will discuss the health benefits of cissus quadrangularis as well as common uses, research study results, and possible side effects.

Cissus Quadrangularis

Herbal Supplement

Bone Health

Bodybuilding

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Promotes joint health & pain reduction
• Sedative & muscle relaxing properties
• Supports weight loss & workout recovery

Dosage:

Between 150 - 600 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Cissus Quadrangularis Therapeutic Benefits

Cissus quadrangularis is used widely for various conditions. It has been used in traditional medicine in parts of Africa and Asia for over a thousand years.

Today Cissus is used by people around the world for various different issues including:

• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
• Bone fractures and weak bones (osteoporosis)
• Cancer
• Scurvy
• Hemorrhoids
• Contractile and smooth muscle pains
• PUD (peptic ulcer disease)
• Irregular and/or painful menstrual periods
• Asthma and allergies
• General pain
• Malaria

Preliminary studies are showing promise for a number of therapeutic effects and further clinical research has been warranted in almost every area of consideration.

Clinical Evidence for Cissus Quadrangularis

Authoritative clinical studies are in early stages concerning the potential quantifiable medical benefits of Cissus quadrangularis. There have however been various preliminary studies completed that warrant further human-based research.

The following clinical observations have been published in peer-reviewed journals concerning Cissus quadrangularis supplementation:

• Serotonin levels in plasma were increased by roughly 35%
• Increases in creatine levels
• Helpful in achieving and maintaining healthy weight levels
• Reduction in rates of lipid peroxidation
• Marked reductions in LDL and total cholesterol levels
• Potent reduction in triglycerides
• Reductions in pain associated with athletic joint stress

Other Clinical Observations of Cissus Quadrangularis

Aside from the human benefits that are already known, CQ also has shown strengths in rodent testing that warrants further, human-based research. Following are some of those observations:

• Sleep latency was reduced by 47% and length of sleep was increased tenfold (sedative properties);
• Induced-seizure convulsion rates dropped roughly 70% (antiseizure properties);
• General pain responses diminished approximately 60% (analgesic properties);
• General reductions in H2O2 mediated oxidative damage (antioxidant properties);
• Improved capacity to heal free radical damages;
• Increased insulin bioavailability and enhanced insulin sensitivity (antidiabetic properties)

Research on the benefits of Cissus are very promising, however, more large-scale and long term studies on human patients are needed to determine the full effects of this compound. At this time in the US, CQ is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Cissus quadrangularis as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Cissus Quadrangularis for Bodybuilding

CQ is a favorite of many natural bodybuilders who shun the use of anabolic steroids. CQ has been hypothesized to induce generalized vasodilation, which is the expansion of blood vessels and capillaries.

This expansion would accommodate increased volumetric blood flow in the circulatory system. More blood delivered throughout the body means more nutrients, like oxygen and proteins, get to the muscles.

Further, with increased blood flow, hormones like testosterone and human growth hormone (hGH) are delivered in higher bioavailable concentrations.

Possible Side Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis

As a natural supplement that has been used since antiquity, CQ is known to be generally well tolerated by humans.

However, there has not been enough clinical research conducted yet to determine its long-term general safety. Possible side effects of improper or excessive usage include headache, gas, bloating, diarrhea, dry mouth, irritability and/or insomnia.

There are individuals who should not use CQ supplemental products including, but not restricted to:

• Women who are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Anyone with type II diabetes mellitus as CQ may induce hypoglycemia
• Those scheduled for surgeries as CQ may lower blood pressure too much for surgical safety
• Other people as directed by their doctors

How Much Cissus Quadrangularis to Take?

It it important to remember that natural supplements like Cissus quadrangularis extract are not always safe for all people equally. It may not be suitable for you at all.

If you do decide to use CQ as a dietary supplement, then the optimal dose for you will depend on several factors including your age, your current state of health, your targeted condition for treatment, your gender, and other health factors.

Cissus is typically sold in 500mg capsules that contain a 20:1 extract potency. Always read the manufacturer’s suggested dosages and warnings. It is always advisable to seek your doctor’s advice before engaging in Cissus quadrangularis supplementation.

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