Cissus supplements are used by people in numerous cultures as they are believed to deliver an array of possible health benefits.
Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), aka “Bonesetter”, is a vining succulent plant from the botanic family Vitaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and certain countries in Asia including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India.
Cissus has been used extensively in both African and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicinal traditions since before the Middle Ages. It has since been propagated in Brazil and in the southern United States.
In animal and human research, Cissus quadrangularis has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other health promoting properties. Modern naturopaths use Cissus supplements for a variety of adverse health states.
Cissus quadrangularis usage in clinical settings is on the rise. In research and clinical settings, Cissus supplements have been used therapeutically to treat the following conditions and more:
- Hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia;
- High blood pressure (hypertension);
- Metabolic syndrome symptoms;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Obesity;
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- Fractured and weak bones;
- Pain, especially pain of the joints;
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUC);
- Scurvy;
- Hemorrhoids;
- Irregular menstruation/painful periods;
- Allergies and asthma
Bone Health
Bodybuilding
Weight Loss- Promotes joint health & pain reduction
- Sedative & muscle relaxing properties
- Supports weight loss & workout recovery
Clinical Results of Cissus Supplements
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Cissus has concentrated amounts of certain ketosteroids that are known to be strong antioxidants. Further, there are phytonutrients in CQ that act conjunctively to significantly reduce risks of various cardiovascular conditions.
Although clinical proof is lacking for many of the health claims concerning CQ, it has been shown in limited studies to reduce the risk of heart disease, and to reduce the overall occurrence of mortality in test subjects.
Results from rodent tests have shown strong promise for many therapeutic possibilities. More specifically, Cissus quadrangularis supplementation has been found to:
- Induce sedation and increase length of sleep periods;
- Reduce seizure episodes in epileptic individuals by 70%;
- Diminish pain responses by approximately 60%;
- Protect cells from oxidant damage;
- Improve sensitivity to insulin;
- Increase the synthesis and release of insulin
The above examples have warranted further clinical research addressing the sedative, antioxidant, analgesic, antidiabetic, and antiepileptic properties of Cissus supplements. At this time, Cissus is sold as a health supplement only in the USA, and the FDA has not approved Cissus as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Top Cissus Quadrangularis Supplements
Cissus Supplement Uses
One of the phytochemicals in Cissus quadrangularis is betulinic acid. Betulinic acid is a proven antioxidant and has shown strong action against cancer cell formation and progression.
CQ has been used for centuries as a general immune system enhancer, and current research continues to accentuate its potential as an anticancer agent. Clinical research continues on a wide scale.
Modern science suggests that many overweight and obese people experience great difficulties in losing weight by traditional methods including caloric restriction, regular exercise, and proper hydration. The evidence suggests that damages incurred by the digestive system cause a chronic disturbance of healthy bacteria levels in the gut.
CQ balances the levels of potentially toxic lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). In surplus states, LPSs break down the structural walls of healthy bacteria; creating ideal conditions for free radical damage. With a healthier, better functioning digestive system, foods are more effectively assimilated, waste products are minimized and expelled more efficiently, and weight control is better empowered.
- Supports Joint, Ligament, and Tendon Function
- Promotes Healthy Bone Structure
- Helps the Body to Maintain Lower Cortisol Levels
Cissus for Cholesterol and Circulation
Cisses supplementation has been clinically shown to reduce the risks associated with developing heart disease. More specifically, LDL cholesterol levels dropped, HDL cholesterol levels were raised, total cholesterol levels dropped, and triglycerides levels also diminished.
Additionally, CQ contains phytochemicals that are known to cause general vasorelaxation. During vasodilated periods, blood vessels and the lining of the heart relax. This accommodates increased blood displacement via the circulatory system without any elevations in blood pressures.
Finally, increased blood flow allows for enhanced nutrient delivery throughout the body, leading to numerous improvements in overall health.
Are Cissus Supplements Dangerous?
CQ has been used as a traditional medicinal agent in various cultures for more than a thousand years. The Natural Medicines database has rated Cissus as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately, short term. It is believed to be generally safe for human supplementation.
Taking a Cissus supplement is not equally safe for everyone. CQ supplementation is not recommended for some groups of people, and others taking certain pharmaceutical medications. For example, pregnant women and those with diabetes mellitus type II are not suitable for CQ supplementation. Anyone with a pending surgery date should discontinue CQ use at least 3 weeks before the appointment.
It is necessary to discuss your intentions to supplement CQ with your doctor prior to beginning. Your doctor will be able to determine the best Cissus supplement dosage for your needs, as well as determine if it will interact negatively with any current supplements of medications you are already taking.
- DAS PK, SANYAL AK. STUDIES ON CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS LINN. I. ACETYLCHOLINE LIKE ACTION OF THE TOTAL EXTRACT. Indian J Med Res. 1964
- Sirasanagandla SR, Ranganath Pai KS, Potu BK, Bhat KM. Protective effect of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. on diabetes induced delayed fetal skeletal ossification. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014
- Yadav P, Ganeshpurkar A, Rai G. In vitro H(+) -K(+) ATPase inhibitory potential of methanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Pharmacognosy Res. 2012
- Bhujade AM, Talmale S, Kumar N, Gupta G, Reddanna P, Das SK, Patil MB. Evaluation of Cissus quadrangularis extracts as an inhibitor of COX, 5-LOX, and proinflammatory mediators. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012
- Raghavan RN, Somanathan N, Sastry TP. Evaluation of phytochemical-incorporated porous polymeric sponges for bone tissue engineering: a novel perspective. Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2013
- UDUPA KN, PRASAD GC. FURTHER STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS IN ACCELERATING FRACTURE HEALING. Indian J Med Res. 1964
- Potu BK, Nampurath GK, Rao MS, Bhat KM. Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Linn on the development of osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in rats. Clin Ter. 2011
