Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Cissus Quadrangularis

Also known as: Harjor, Asthi Shrinkhala, Bone Setter

Overview

Cissus quadrangularis is a traditional medicine for joint and bone health as well as various feminine disorders and menopause, and shows promise in promoting bone growth rates. It is popular as a joint aid for athletes, with preliminary evidence supporting this property of cissus. Cissus quadrangularis is usually said to come from Ayurveda but appears to have a wide range of locations which have used it medicinally due to it growing in numerous locations. Its traditional usages are mostly catered around treating feminine disorders (menopause, libido, and menstrual disorders) or treating bones (increasing bone mass or accelerating fracture healing rates) which gives it the traditional name of the 'Bone Setter'; some other traditional usages are in regards to its supposed antiulcer properties, antihemhorroid properties, and pain relieving properties. It is most frequently used by athletes, and the anecdotes of cissus seem to precede much of the science on the topic. It appears to be a very effective pain killer in rodent studies, but at this moment in time only one preliminary study has been conducted in humans; while it showed promise in athletes who experienced joint pain due to exercise by reducing overall joint symptoms by about a third it was still a lone study. More research is needed, but it seems promising as an alterative for joint pain in athletes since most joint health supplements do not have evidence in athletes rather, most research is in osteoarthritis persons. Although a potential complication in athletes is that preliminary rodent evidence suggests that cissus has sedative and muscle relaxing properties at high doses (active within 30 minutes of ingestion), suggesting that it might not make the best pre-workout supplement. In regards to bone health, there are limited human reports of increased fracture healing rate which are poor quality of evidence due to not disclosing adequate methodology and not disclosing the source of the compound. Animal studies do show a great deal of promise in promoting bone growth, but this traditional claim also needs to be assessed in greater detail. Finally, there are two human studies which suggest that cissus can be used as a fat loss agent but they have problems with their structure. In particular both studies are confounded with possible financial biases and since the supplements were consumed before meals with water while food intake was not measured making it wholly possible the observed effects could be due to reduced food intake, which is what happens when a gum (glucomannan, for example) is taken before a meal with water. Overall, cissus has a good deal of promise in regards to joint and bone health in regards to athletic adults and menopausal women alike but requires a great deal more evidence to fully evaluate this promise.

Benefits

Cissus quadrangularis is believed to work through several mechanisms that may contribute to its effects on joint and bone health. It is thought to promote bone growth and healing, potentially by enhancing the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. Additionally, cissus may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling in joints, making it beneficial for athletes and individuals with joint pain. The sedative and muscle-relaxing properties observed in animal studies suggest that it may also help alleviate discomfort associated with muscle tension.

How it works

Cissus quadrangularis is associated with several potential benefits, including: 1. Joint Health: Preliminary evidence suggests that cissus may help reduce joint pain and improve overall joint function, particularly in athletes. 2. Bone Health: It shows promise in promoting bone growth and accelerating fracture healing rates, making it potentially beneficial for individuals recovering from bone injuries. 3. Pain Relief: Cissus has been noted for its pain-relieving properties, which may be effective in managing discomfort related to various conditions. 4. Weight Management: Some studies indicate that cissus may aid in fat loss, although more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Side effects

The one study to note benefit with oral supplementation in humans (for the purpose of reducing joint pain) has used 3,200mg of cissus quadrangularis as a daily supplement, which is also in the range for what animal studies suggest sedative and pain killing effects should occur with the water extract. Elsewhere, 300-600mg of a cissus quadrangularis extract standardized to 2.5% ketosteroids has shown biological activity in humans. Either of the two aforementioned doses should work but the optimal dose is not known as this moment in time.

Dosage

Cissus quadrangularis is generally considered safe for most individuals when taken at recommended doses. However, potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and headaches. Due to its sedative properties at high doses, it may not be suitable for individuals who need to remain alert or active, such as before workouts. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications, should consult a healthcare professional before using cissus.