Cissus Quadrangularis Aerial Parts Extract

## Introduction to Cissus Quadrangularis Cissus quadrangularis, often referred to as the 'Veldt Grape' or 'Devil's Backbone,' is a perennial plant belonging to the grape family. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, where it earned the Sanskrit name *Asthisamharaka*—literally translating to 'that which prevents the destruction of bones.'

In recent years, this ancient botanical has transitioned from traditional folklore to modern sports nutrition. Today, it is highly sought after by athletes, bodybuilders, and active individuals looking for natural ways to manage exercise-induced joint pain, support connective tissue recovery, and promote overall bone health. But does the modern science hold up to the ancient claims?

## The "Bone Setter": Traditional Roots to Modern Science Historically, practitioners of traditional medicine crushed the stems and leaves of Cissus quadrangularis into pastes and tonics to treat bone fractures, injured ligaments, and chronic pain. Modern biochemical analysis has revealed exactly why this plant was so effective.

Cissus is packed with a unique matrix of phytochemicals, including high levels of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), carotene, calcium, and specific plant sterols known as 3-ketosteroids. It is these ketosteroids that are believed to be the primary drivers of the plant's therapeutic effects.

*A Note on Ketosteroids:* Because the term 'ketosteroid' sounds similar to 'anabolic steroid,' a persistent myth in the fitness industry claims that Cissus quadrangularis acts as a testosterone booster or muscle builder. This is unequivocally false. The ketosteroids in Cissus are plant sterols (phytosterols); they do not bind to human androgen receptors, do not increase testosterone levels, and do not possess anabolic muscle-building properties. Their power lies entirely in their ability to modulate inflammation and bone metabolism.

## How Cissus Quadrangularis Works: Mechanisms of Action

### Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Pathways The primary reason athletes use Cissus is to combat joint pain. When you subject your joints to heavy loads—such as during weightlifting or high-impact sports—micro-trauma occurs in the connective tissues. This trauma triggers an inflammatory response, releasing enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which produce pain-inducing prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Research indicates that the active compounds in Cissus quadrangularis act as natural inhibitors of these COX and LOX enzymes. By blocking the production of these inflammatory mediators, Cissus effectively dampens the pain signal. In fact, animal studies conducted in 2008 and 2010 demonstrated that specific doses of Cissus extract were able to inhibit pain responses as effectively as standard over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin, without the associated gastrointestinal side effects.

### Osteogenic (Bone-Building) Properties Beyond pain relief, Cissus is actively involved in bone remodeling. Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly being broken down by cells called osteoclasts and rebuilt by cells called osteoblasts.

Cissus quadrangularis has been shown to stimulate the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts. It increases the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme crucial for bone mineralization. By enhancing the mobilization of calcium and phosphorus into the bone matrix, Cissus helps accelerate the healing of micro-fractures and supports overall bone mineral density.

## Clinical Evidence: What the Science Says

### Joint Pain in Athletes The strongest clinical evidence for Cissus quadrangularis lies in its ability to treat joint pain in highly active populations. A landmark 2013 study by Bloomer et al. investigated the effects of Cissus supplementation on exercise-trained men experiencing chronic joint pain. The participants took 3,200 mg of Cissus daily for 8 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in joint pain scores (measured via the WOMAC index) compared to the placebo group. Examine.com currently grades the evidence for Cissus reducing joint pain as a 'B' (Moderate), noting a notable effect magnitude.

### Bone Fracture Healing While human clinical trials on fracture healing are sparse, the animal data is robust. Numerous studies on rodents and canines have shown that Cissus supplementation can reduce the healing time of bone fractures by up to 33%. It achieves this by accelerating the formation of the initial soft callus and speeding up its conversion into hard, mineralized bone. Examine.com grades this evidence as a 'C' (Low) purely due to the lack of large-scale human trials, though the mechanistic data is highly promising.

### The Weight Loss Myth You may occasionally see Cissus marketed as a weight-loss or fat-burning supplement. This stems from a few early studies that showed weight loss in participants taking Cissus. However, a closer look at the data reveals that these studies almost always used multi-ingredient formulations (often combining Cissus with *Irvingia gabonensis* or African Mango). There is currently no reliable evidence to suggest that Cissus quadrangularis alone is an effective weight-loss agent.

## Optimal Dosing and Standardization If you decide to supplement with Cissus quadrangularis, getting the dose and the form right is critical.

According to clinical data, the recommended dose of standard Cissus powder is 3,200 mg per day. However, taking over 3 grams of raw powder can be inconvenient. Therefore, most high-quality supplements use standardized extracts.

Look for products that provide: * **3,200 mg** of powder standardized to **2.5% ketosteroids**. * OR **300 mg to 600 mg** of a highly concentrated **20:1 extract**.

It is generally recommended to take Cissus with a meal to enhance the absorption of its fat-soluble phytosterols and to minimize any potential stomach upset.

## Safety, Side Effects, and Interactions Cissus quadrangularis is generally well-tolerated by most healthy adults. In clinical trials, the reported side effects have been mild and infrequent. They may include: * Headaches * Flatulence or mild gastrointestinal distress * Dry mouth * Diarrhea * Insomnia (rare)

**Important Interactions:** Cissus has been shown to have mild blood-sugar-lowering effects. If you are a diabetic taking medication to control your blood glucose, combining it with Cissus could potentially lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Always consult with a physician before starting Cissus if you are on anti-diabetic medication.

Additionally, due to a lack of safety data, pregnant and nursing women should avoid using Cissus quadrangularis.

## Conclusion Cissus quadrangularis is a fascinating botanical that bridges the gap between ancient Ayurvedic tradition and modern sports science. While it won't boost your testosterone or magically melt away body fat, it stands as a highly credible, evidence-based supplement for athletes dealing with nagging joint pain and those looking to support their skeletal health. By choosing a properly standardized extract and committing to consistent daily use, Cissus can be a valuable tool in your recovery arsenal.