Acticissus
Also known as: Veldt grape, Hadjod, Asthisankh, Devil’s Backbone, Acticissus, Cissus quadrangularis
Overview
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, primarily for bone healing, fracture repair, and anti-inflammatory purposes. It is naturally found in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. The supplement is mainly applied for promoting bone regeneration, managing osteoporosis, and sometimes for weight management in combination with other agents. Its key characteristics include osteogenic (bone-forming) potential, antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research on Cissus quadrangularis has matured to include in vitro, animal, and human clinical studies, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses available. The evidence quality varies but includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes, supporting its role in bone health.
Benefits
Cissus quadrangularis primarily promotes bone healing and regeneration, with significant improvements in fracture repair time and bone biomarker profiles. It enhances osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, collagen synthesis, and mineralization, contributing to bone strength and density. Meta-analyses report statistically significant improvements in bone healing markers and clinical outcomes in fracture patients (p < 0.05), with moderate clinical benefit in accelerating bone repair. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may contribute to overall bone health. Some evidence suggests benefits in obesity management when used in combination products, though isolated effects are less clear. It is particularly beneficial for patients with fractures and those at risk of osteoporosis, including elderly populations. Clinical improvements are typically observed within weeks to months of supplementation, depending on the treated condition.
How it works
Cissus quadrangularis stimulates osteoblast activity via MAPK-dependent pathways, enhancing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Runx2 gene expression, which are critical for bone formation. It also modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle regulation in bone cells, exhibiting biphasic dose-dependent effects. The plant promotes collagen synthesis and matrix mineralization, essential for the development of a strong bone matrix. Bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and vitamin C are believed to contribute to these effects. The absorption and bioavailability of Cissus quadrangularis depend on the extract formulation, with standardized extracts improving consistency and efficacy.
Side effects
Cissus quadrangularis is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach upset or diarrhea. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in high-quality studies. However, safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, and caution is advised for these populations. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation. While generally well-tolerated, monitoring for any unusual symptoms is recommended.
Dosage
Effective doses of Cissus quadrangularis in clinical trials typically range from 250 mg to 1000 mg daily of a standardized extract. The optimal dosing depends on the specific formulation and the intended indication; for instance, studies focusing on fracture healing often use 500 mg twice daily. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 1000 mg/day appear to be well tolerated in most individuals. It is often administered orally with meals to potentially enhance absorption. For synergistic effects on bone health, cofactors such as vitamin D and calcium may be recommended alongside Cissus quadrangularis supplementation.
FAQs
Is it safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term data is available; however, short to medium-term use of Cissus quadrangularis appears to be safe and well-tolerated based on current research.
Can it replace conventional osteoporosis treatments?
No, Cissus quadrangularis should not replace conventional osteoporosis treatments. It may serve as an adjunct therapy to support bone health but is not a standalone replacement.
How soon will I see results?
Bone healing effects may be observed within weeks of supplementation. For benefits related to osteoporosis management, longer-term use is typically required to see noticeable improvements.
Does it help with weight loss alone?
Evidence suggests that Cissus quadrangularis supports weight loss primarily when used in combination with other agents, rather than as a standalone supplement for this purpose.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28165166/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Sawangjit et al. (2017) evaluated the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis. It found significant benefits in bone fracture healing but no benefit for hemorrhoids and mixed results for obesity. The study highlighted heterogeneity in included trials but was a high-quality meta-analysis with rigorous inclusion criteria.
- https://www.texilajournal.com/thumbs/article/36_TJ2817.pdf – This systematic review from Texila Journal (2025) synthesized findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. It demonstrated the osteogenic potential of Cissus quadrangularis through its ability to promote osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and collagen synthesis. The review was comprehensive but noted a lack of homogeneous clinical trials for quantitative meta-analysis.
- https://bioengineer.org/cissus-quadrangularis-impact-on-bone-biomarkers-explored/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Takuathung et al. (2025) focused on the impact of Cissus quadrangularis on bone biomarkers. It reported positive dose-dependent effects on various bone biomarkers, suggesting its potential for osteoporosis management. The study acknowledged variability in trial design and emphasized the need for more robust future trials.
- https://stomatology-mfsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PHYTOCHEMICAL-INFUSED-SCAFFOLDS-THE-ROLE-OF-CISSUS-QUADRANGULARIS-IN-ADVANCING-BONE-TISSUE-ENGINEERING-A-SYSTEMATIC-REVIEW-1.pdf – This systematic review from Stomatology-MFS Journal (2025) explores the role of Cissus quadrangularis in advancing bone tissue engineering, particularly in phytochemical-infused scaffolds. It highlights the osteogenic properties of the plant and its potential application in regenerative medicine, summarizing its effects on bone cell activity and matrix formation.
