That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images /Penpak Ngamsathain
What Are the Uses of Cissus quadrangularis?
Cissus quadrangularishas a long and varied usage in alternative medicine practices, includingAyurveda.
Getty Images /Penpak Ngamsathain
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.
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.
A very small pilot study of adults with facial fractures met with similar results.
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.
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.
Researchers from another animal study focused on the anti-arthritic potential ofCissus quadrangularisstem extract in rats withknee osteoarthritis.
Diabetes Management
Promising animal studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisanddiabetesmanagement.
TheCissus quadrangularisextract also reduced high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and inflammation.
Antioxidant levels and liver dysfunction also improved.
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.
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.
Interactions
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.
It’s worth noting, however, that an interaction betweenCissus quadrangularisand diabetes medications has never been officially reported.
Dosage: How Much Cissus quadrangularis Should I Take?
Cissus quadrangularisdosage tends to vary by the product and the reason you’re taking it.
However, there are no general dosage recommendations forCissus quadrangularis.
More research is necessary to determine the safe and properdosageinformation forCissus quadrangularis.
Some human research is available regarding the use ofCissus quadrangularisfor bone fractures.
A healthcare provider can also help determine the proper dosage if necessary.
Cissus quadrangularisis widely available online through Amazon, other retail stores, and supplement websites.
It is also available in certain specialty nutrition or supplement shops.
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 Questions
Some small studies have found a potential link betweenCissus quadrangularisand weight loss.
Compared to the placebo group, participants in theCissus quadrangularisgroup experienced more significant weight loss.
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.
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.
A healthcare provider can help you devise a daily schedule for taking supplements and/or medications.
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Plants for a Future.Cissus quadrangularis.
on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.Phytomedicine.
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