Cissus Quadrangularis - NutraPedia

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Cissus Quadrangularis: An Overview

1) Conditions Studied

Cissus Quadrangularis, a plant that is part of the grape family, has been traditionally used for various health conditions. It has been studied for:

Bone fractures and osteoporosis
Weight loss and obesity
Joint health and arthritis
Diabetes and related metabolic disorders
Gastric ulcers and digestive health
Pain relief
Athletic performance enhancement

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of Cissus Quadrangularis in treating these conditions varies:

Some studies suggest that it may accelerate fracture healing and improve bone health.
Its role in weight loss and obesity management has shown positive outcomes in some research, but more studies are needed.
It may offer benefits for joint health, reducing pain and improving mobility in individuals with joint conditions.
There is limited evidence for its effectiveness in treating diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Its impact on gastric ulcers and digestive health shows potential but requires further research to confirm efficacy.
While some athletes use it for performance enhancement, scientific support for this use is not robust.

3) Health Benefits

Health benefits associated with Cissus Quadrangularis include:

Potential to support bone health and healing
May aid in weight management
Anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit joint health
Antioxidant effects which may protect against certain diseases
Can promote digestive health
May have analgesic effects, reducing pain

4) Downsides

While Cissus Quadrangularis is generally considered safe, there can be downsides:

Some individuals may experience side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, and headaches.
There is a lack of long-term safety data.
It may interact with certain medications, such as blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid its use due to insufficient safety data.

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

Currently, there is limited research on the interactions between Cissus Quadrangularis and specific genetic variations. However, as with many supplements, genetic factors could influence how individuals metabolize and respond to the plant. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for those with known genetic conditions or variations.

Research Summary on Cissus Quadrangularis

Cissus Quadrangularis, known as Asthi Shrinkhala in Ayurvedic medicine, has been traditionally used to strengthen bones and treat osteoporosis. A clinical trial involving 12 patients showed that a combination of Majja Basti (therapeutic enema) and orally administered Cissus Quadrangularis pulp capsules effectively managed symptoms of osteoporosis.

Toxicity and Genotoxicity Studies

In toxicity studies, Cissus Quadrangularis extract (CQR-300) showed no signs of toxicity or mortality in Sprague Dawley rats over 90 days, even at high doses. Mutagenicity tests including Ames assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo micronucleus assay indicated no genotoxic effects.

Central Nervous System Effects

An aqueous extract of Cissus Quadrangularis roots showed antiepileptic, analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties in vivo using Swiss mice, suggesting therapeutic potential for related conditions.

Nutrient Content and Menopausal Symptom Management

Research indicated that the root of Cissus Quadrangularis contains high amounts of ash, carbohydrates, and protein. A friedelin-rich fraction from the plant showed estrogenic activity and potential for alleviating menopausal symptoms and improving sexual function in ovariectomized female Wistar rats.

Chemical Compounds and Bone Formation Effects

Two new iridoid compounds were identified in Cissus Quadrangularis, which also contains stilbenes, flavonoids, and beta-sitosterol. Compounds from the plant promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro, supporting its traditional use for treating osteoporosis.

Antiosteoporotic Activity

A phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND-HE) from Cissus Quadrangularis exhibited strong antiosteoporotic activity in ovariectomized female Wistar rats, suggesting its potential use for maintaining bone health.

Endothelial Cell Protection

Cissus Quadrangularis extracts, including components like quercetin and resveratrol, protected human umbilical vein endothelial ECV304 cells from oxidative stress, demonstrating a molecular mechanism for its traditional use in treating conditions like hemorrhoids.

Insulin Sensitivity and Liver Health

A stem extract of Cissus Quadrangularis improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver damage, and mitigated oxidative stress in rats on a high-fat, high-fructose diet. The extract showed similar benefits to the diabetes drug metformin.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

Cissus Quadrangularis plant extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and were effective against Gram-positive bacteria, suggesting potential use as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent.

Proton Pump Inhibition and Drug Delivery

A methanolic extract from Cissus Quadrangularis Linn inhibited the H(+)-K(+) ATPase enzyme, which is involved in stomach acid production, and natural gums including Cissus gum were explored for controlled drug release in microbeads.

Weight Loss and Metabolic Syndrome

Studies on overweight and obese individuals showed that Cissus Quadrangularis alone or in combination with Irvingia gabonensis significantly reduced body weight, body fat, waist size, and improved metabolic health markers.

IGF System Regulation in Osteoblasts

Cissus Quadrangularis ethanolic extract upregulated components of the IGF system in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells, which could contribute to its effects on bone health.

Conclusion

Overall, the research suggests that Cissus Quadrangularis has a broad range of beneficial properties spanning from bone health support, CNS effects, and metabolic regulation to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, supporting its use in traditional medicine and potential for therapeutic applications.

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