Cissus quadrangularis is a climbing plant that belongs to the grape family. The plant is also known as veldt grape or asthisamharak. It is native to tropical areas of Africa, Asia, and India.
The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, Cissus quadrangularis is often used to treat bone fractures and obesity. The plant is also said to be beneficial for treating diabetes, joint pain, and hemorrhoids.
Also, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. It also contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Its leaves, stem, and roots are all used for medicinal purposes. The plant is available in capsules, tablets, powder, and extract. Also, it is a good source of antioxidants. In this article, we will look closely at the potential benefits, uses, and side effects of Cissus quadrangularis.
Cissus Quadrangularis Uses
Veld grape can be used in the following conditions:
- Bone fractures/ bone loss
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Joint pain
- Hemorrhoids
- Asthma
- Gout
- High cholesterol
While the plant has been noted to help treat the conditions above. No research has been done to confirm these effects.
Components of Cissus Quadrangularis
Veld grape contains a variety of bioactive components with potential biological effects. They are the following.
- Flavonoids
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Triterpenes
- Phytosterols
- Resveratrol
- Ketosterone
These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, which provide the beneficial effects of Cissus quadrangularis.
Cissus Quadrangularis Benefits
1. Bone Health
Cissus quadrangularis has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bone fractures by helping speed up their healing. [1] The plant is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus — two minerals that are essential for strong bones.
It may also be used to help prevent conditions like osteoporosis. An 11-week research demonstrated that feeding Cissus quadrangularis to mice with osteoporosis altered bone metabolism proteins to prevent bone loss. [2]
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Cissus quadrangularis contains compounds that can help reduce pain and swelling. An eight-week study indicated that taking 3,200 milligrams of the plant extract daily can considerably decrease the amount of exercise-induced joint pain in 29 men who suffered from chronic joint pain. [3]
It can also help reduce swelling and several markers of inflammation, making it a potential treatment for arthritis. [4, 5] Human studies in this area, however, are sparse, and additional study is required to examine the possible advantages of Cissus quadrangularis on joint health.
3. Metabolic Syndrome
Cissus quadrangularis may help prevent metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with a high risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Regardless of diet, it may help decrease weight, body fat, blood sugar, and bad cholesterol levels. [6] Additionally, it may increase fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, total, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. [7]
4. Respiratory Conditions
Specifically, Cissus quadrangularis can reduce the intensity of asthma attacks. It may be as effective as steroids in treating asthma, which is also used to treat this condition. [8]
5. Type II Diabetes Management
Cissus quadrangularis’ purported and demonstrated efficacy in reducing weight makes it particularly useful in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Doctors agree that being overweight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Taking it in the right quantities has the potential to reduce blood sugar levels. When it comes to treating type 2 diabetes, this is a wonderful all-natural alternative to using prescription drugs. However, it is wise to consult a medical professional before trying this supplement..
6. Wound Healing
Vitamin C is also an essential component of collagen, which the body uses to construct everything from muscle tissue to blood veins and arteries. The high vitamin C content of Cissus quadrangularis suggests that it may promote development and repair, which in turn may accelerate the healing of wounds and recovery from disease. [9]
Cissus Quadrangularis: Effects on Testosterone
Cissus quadrangularis may also have anabolic and androgenic characteristics due to its ability to increase testosterone levels.
One study found that Cissus quadrangularis extract can help to increase testosterone levels and reduce body fat in rats. [10] However, this research is limited, and more studies are required to confirm these effects in humans.
Cissus Quadrangularis for Weight Loss
Cissus quadrangularis may also promote weight loss by helping to reduce appetite and calorie intake. One study discovered that ingesting a water-based extract of Cissus Quadrangularis resulted in an 8.9% reduction in body fat after eight weeks. [11]
It may also help people lose weight and improve their blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It may also help lower fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, and body fat percentage.
Cissus Quadrangularis: Bodybuilding Benefits
Cissus quadrangularis can also help with bodybuilding and sports performance. The plant is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by exercise.
Cissus quadrangularis is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to increase stamina, strength, and muscular mass. Cissus Quadrangularis began to see a rise in popularity in the field of bodybuilding around ten years ago, when some individuals were searching for a good alternative to synthetic supplements used to block cortisol and stimulate muscle development.
It may have the potential to be used as a natural remedy for accelerated post-workout and injury recovery, reduced joint discomfort and muscle soreness, enhanced strength and muscle mass increases, and enhanced fat reduction.
How Long Should You Take Cissus Quadrangularis?
The typical daily dosages for Cissus quadrangularis supplements are 500 or 1,000 mg. Doses between 300 and 3,200 milligrams have been shown to be safe in human studies. Adults typically take 300 milligrams (mg) of Cissus quadrangularis extract orally, once daily, for up to ten weeks.
However, there is not enough reliable evidence to know if it is safe to take Cissus quadrangularis for a longer period. It is important to note that natural medicines are not always necessarily safe, and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional before using it.
What is Cissus Quadrangularis Good for?
Cissus Quadrangularis is good for treating various conditions. But its most common applications include weight loss, inflammation, bone, and joint health, and testosterone production.
Side Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis Benefits and Side Effects
Dry mouth, headaches, sleeplessness, and gastrointestinal problems are some of the minor adverse effects you can experience after using Cissus quadrangularis. If you are pregnant or using diabetes medication, you should also talk to your doctor before using it.
Bottomline: Cissus Quadrangularis
Cissus quadrangularis is widely used as a dietary supplement because of its wide variety of possible health benefits. It can help in losing weight, keeping joints and bones healthy, metabolic syndrome, and boosting testosterone levels. Cissus Quadrangularis has only been the subject of a small number of human investigations. So further study is required to verify any possible health advantages it may offer.
Adding veld grape to your natural healthcare regimen may be a good idea, but you should check with your doctor first to be sure it’s the right choice for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Brahmkshatriya HR, Shah KA, Ananthkumar GB, Brahmkshatriya MH. Clinical evaluation of Cissus quadrangularis as osteogenic agent in maxillofacial fracture: A pilot study. Ayu. 2015 Apr-Jun;36(2):169-73. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.175542. PMID: 27011718; PMCID: PMC4784127.
- Banu J, Varela E, Bahadur AN, Soomro R, Kazi N, Fernandes G. Inhibition of Bone Loss by Cissus quadrangularis in Mice: A Preliminary Report. J Osteoporos. 2012;2012:101206. doi: 10.1155/2012/101206. Epub 2012 Jun 21. PMID: 22779034; PMCID: PMC3388386.
- Bloomer RJ, Farney TM, McCarthy CG, Lee SR. Cissus quadrangularis reduces joint pain in exercise-trained men: a pilot study. Phys Sportsmed. 2013 Sep;41(3):29-35. doi: 10.3810/psm.2013.09.2021. PMID: 24113700.
- Kumar R, Gupta YK, Singh S, Arunraja S. Cissus quadrangularis attenuates the adjuvant induced arthritis by down regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine and inhibiting angiogenesis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 4;175:346-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.058. Epub 2015 Sep 3. PMID: 26342521.
- Arti Bhujade, Suhas Talmale and Patil MB. In vivo Studies on Antiarthritic Activity of Cissus quadrangularis against Adjuvant Induced Arthritis. May 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9899.1000327.
- Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, Agbor GA, Sobgui CS. 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 Mar 31;7:12. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-7-12. PMID: 18377661; PMCID: PMC2330043.
- Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, Momo C, Talla X. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Lipids Health Dis. 2006 Sep 2;5:24. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-5-24. PMID: 16948861; PMCID: PMC1570348.
- Vava Mohideen, Hazeena & Sadique, J. (1999). Antihistaminic activity of Cissus quadrangularis. Ancient science of life. 18. 271-4.
- Marume A, Matope G, Katsande S, Khoza S, Mutingwende I, Mduluza T, Munodawafa-Taderera T, Ndhlala AR. Wound Healing Properties of Selected Plants Used in Ethnoveterinary Medicine. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Sep 6;8:544. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00544. PMID: 28932192; PMCID: PMC5592899.
- Kokilavani, Suriyakalaa, Elumalai, et. al. Antioxidant mediated ameliorative steroidogenesis by Commelina benghalensis L. and Cissus quadrangularis L. against quinalphos induced male reproductive toxicity. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology. Volume 109. 2014. Pages 18-33. ISSN 0048-3575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2014.01.002.
- Nash R, Azantsa B, Kuate D, Singh H, Oben J. The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants. J Altern Complement Med. 2019 Jan;25(1):98-106. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0016. Epub 2018 Nov 12. PMID: 29912570; PMCID: PMC6352552.
