Cissus quadrangularis

Related Terms

3,3',4,4'-Tetrahydroxybiphenyl, 6-O-[2,3-dimethoxy]-trans-cinnamoyl catalpol, 6-O-meta-methoxy-benzoyl catalpol, ascorbic acid, asthisonhara, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glycoside, calcium, carotene, carotenoids, chadhuri, chaudhari, cissus, cissus extract, cissus formula, cissus formulation, C. quadrangularis, Cissus quadrangularis extract, Cissus succulent, Cissus tetragona, CQ, CQE, CQR-300, cysteine proteases, delta-amyrin, delta-amyrone, epifriedelinol, flavonoids, hadjod, hadjora, harbhanga, harsankari, hasjora, indanes, iridoids, isinwasi (Zulu), isoarborenol, kandavela, ketosteroids, kun koat (Thai), lupenone, mangaroli, nalleru, namunungwa, onocer-7-ene-3alpha,21beta-diol, pallidol, phet cha sung khaat, phet sang kat, phet sang khat (Thai), phet sangkhat, phytosterols, picroside-1, pirandai, polyphenols, quadrangularin A, quadrangularis, quercitin, quercitrin, sam roi tow (Thai), samroi to, san cha khuat, san cha koat (Thai), stemmed vine, stilbenes, tannins, triterpenoids, vajravalli, vedhari, veld grape, veld grave vine, veldt-grape, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitis, vitis quadrangularis, winged treebine.
Select combination products: Calzbone? extract (containing Cissus quadrangularis, boswellia, vitamin D, and calcium), CORET (containing Cissus quadrangularis, ChromeMateTM [niacin-bound 10% chromium concentrate], green tea extract, selenium, AbumaSoyTM [soy albumin], vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid), CylarisT (containing Cissus quadrangularis, ChromeMateTM [niacin-bound 10% chromium concentrate], green tea extract, selenium, soy albumin extract, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid).
Note: The Cissus quadrangularis plant is referred to by several other names, such as Cissus succulent, Cissus tetragona, Vitis quadrangularis, and Vitis succulent. However, Cissus quadrangularis will be the principal name used throughout the remainder of this monograph.
Though other species of Cissus have been previously studied, such as Cissus assamica, Cissus deblis Planch., Cissus hamaderohensis, Cissus ibuensis Hook, Cissus pteroclada, Cissus populnea, Cissus repens, Cissus rheifolia, Cissus rotundifolia, Cissus rubiginosa, Cissus rufescens, Cissus sicyoides, and Cissus verticillata, the intent of this monograph will be to focus solely on Cissus quadrangularis.

Background

Cissus quadrangularis is a vine native to Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. Historically, Cissus quadrangularis was used for bone health, pain relief, and stomach conditions.
Traditionally, parts of the Cissus plant have been mashed, roasted, juiced, pulped, or cooked before application. In modern times, Cissus quadrangularis has been taken as a powder or capsule.
Cissus quadrangularis has been studied for its potential to treat osteoporosis and obesity. Additional research on these topics is needed.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Cissus quadrangularis may decrease body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Cissus quadrangularis may decrease body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Limited research suggested that a combination product containing Cissus quadrangularis may improve bone healing and bone density. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggested that a combination product containing Cissus quadrangularis may improve bone healing and bone density. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


The effect of Cissus quadrangularis on tooth regrowth is unclear. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


The effect of Cissus quadrangularis on tooth regrowth is unclear. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests Cissus quadrangularis may reduce the size, pain, and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests Cissus quadrangularis may reduce the size, pain, and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
In general, the appropriate dose of Cissus quadrangularis depends on the person's age, health, and other conditions. Sufficient information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Cissus quadrangularis is lacking.
For obesity or weight loss, 150 milligrams of Cissus quadrangularis (standardized to 2.5% ketosteroids) has been taken by mouth twice daily for 10 weeks.
For hemorrhoids, three 500-milligram Cissus quadrangularis tablets have been taken by mouth twice daily for four days, followed by two tablets twice daily for three days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Cissus quadrangularis may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Cissus quadrangularis may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Cissus quadrangularis may also interact with 5-HT receptor agonists (which mimic serotonin); agents for cancer, malaria, or osteoporosis; agents for inflammation or pain relief; agents that inhibit convulsions or spasms; agents that stimulate or suppress immune function; agents that treat disorders of the nervous system, stomach, or intestines; agents toxic to the liver; antibiotics; antidepressants; antifungals; cholesterol-lowering agents; cholinergics (which mimic acetylcholine); sedatives; SSRIs; and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Dhatrak Sarang, Thawani Vijay Gharpure Kunda Apte Indrayani Masand Anil Hingorani Lal and Khiyani Raj. Effect of Herbal Combination in Low Bone Mass Density Patients. International Journal of Drug Discovery and Technology 2011;2(1):9-14.
Hasani-Ranjbar, S., Nayebi, N., Larijani, B., and Abdollahi, M. A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used in the treatment of obesity. World J Gastroenterol 7-7-2009;15(25):3073-3085.
Oben, J. E., Enyegue, D. M., Fomekong, G. I., Soukontoua, Y. B., and Agbor, G. A. The effect of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) and a Cissus formulation (CORE) on obesity and obesity-induced oxidative stress. Lipids Health Dis 2007;6:4.
Oben, J. E., Ngondi, J. L., Momo, C. N., Agbor, G. A., and Sobgui, C. S. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis 2008;7:12.
Oben, J., Kuate, D., Agbor, G., Momo, C., and Talla, X. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Lipids Health Dis 2006;5:24.
Panpimanmas, S., Sithipongsri, S., Sukdanon, C., and Manmee, C. Experimental comparative study of the efficacy and side effects of Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae) to Daflon (Servier) and placebo in the treatment of acute hemorrhoids. J Med Assoc.Thai. 2010;93(12):1360-1367.
Thawani VR, Kimmatkar N Hingorani LL Khiyani RM. Effect of herbal combination containing cissus quadrangularis in fracture healing. The Antiseptic 2002;99(9):345-347.