Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Winged treebine

Also known as: Winged treebine, veldt grape, devil's backbone, Cissus quadrangularis

Overview

Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as winged treebine, is a perennial plant native to tropical Asia and Africa, traditionally used in herbal medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential in promoting bone and tissue healing, as well as its analgesic effects and role in weight management. The plant contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes (like resveratrol and piceatannol), iridoids, triterpenes, and various antioxidants. Research into Cissus quadrangularis is ongoing, with studies ranging from in vitro and animal models to human clinical trials. While promising, particularly for bone health and metabolic support, the evidence base is still developing, with a need for more standardized and larger-scale human studies to fully elucidate its efficacy and mechanisms.

Benefits

Cissus quadrangularis offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in bone health and metabolic support. For bone health, numerous animal and in vitro studies consistently demonstrate its ability to enhance osteoblast proliferation, increase alkaline phosphatase activity, and accelerate matrix mineralization, suggesting significant anti-osteoporotic potential. These effects are supported by preclinical data showing accelerated fracture healing. In terms of weight management and metabolic syndrome, human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol over 8-10 weeks. However, these effects are often observed when Cissus is combined with other supplements, making it challenging to attribute the benefits solely to Cissus. Additionally, preclinical studies indicate analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to pain relief and joint health. While bone healing effects are promising in animal models, more robust human data are needed. Metabolic benefits typically appear within 8-10 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Cissus quadrangularis exerts its effects through several biological pathways. In bone health, it promotes osteoblast activity and bone matrix formation by increasing alkaline phosphatase and RUNX2 gene expression. It also reduces oxidative stress in bone cells by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS). Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds like phytoestrogenic steroids and resveratrol-like compounds, contribute to tissue repair and overall healing. While the specific pharmacokinetics are not fully characterized, the diverse array of bioactive constituents is believed to interact with various bodily systems to produce its observed benefits, including metabolic regulation and pain relief.

Side effects

Cissus quadrangularis appears to have an excellent safety profile at commonly used doses, with no serious adverse effects consistently reported in human studies. Common side effects are rare and not consistently reported above 5% in clinical trials. There are no significant reports of uncommon or rare side effects in the literature. However, specific drug interactions have not been well studied, so caution is advised, particularly for individuals taking medications that affect bone metabolism or blood sugar levels. There are no clearly established contraindications, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use due to limited data. Similarly, data on its safety in special populations such as children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic diseases are limited, warranting caution and professional medical advice.

Dosage

Clinical studies on Cissus quadrangularis have utilized daily doses ranging from 300 mg to approximately 1,000 mg. An optimal dosage, based on human randomized controlled trials, appears to be around 300-1,000 mg per day, often administered in divided doses. The maximum safe dose is not precisely defined, but doses up to 1,028 mg/day have been well tolerated in studies. There is no specific timing established for supplementation; consistent daily intake is generally recommended. For best results, extracts standardized for bioactive compounds are often preferred over raw powders. The absorption factors and bioavailability of Cissus quadrangularis are not well understood, and co-administration with other supplements may influence its overall effects.

FAQs

Is Cissus quadrangularis effective for weight loss alone?

Evidence suggests that weight loss benefits are more pronounced when Cissus quadrangularis is combined with other supplements, rather than when used as a standalone intervention.

Can it be used for bone healing in humans?

Promising preclinical data exist for bone healing, but more rigorous human trials are needed to definitively confirm its efficacy in humans for this purpose.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Current data suggest Cissus quadrangularis is safe at studied doses, but comprehensive long-term safety data are still limited, warranting ongoing research.

When will benefits appear?

Metabolic benefits, such as improvements in weight and blood parameters, may begin to appear within 8-10 weeks of consistent supplementation. Bone healing effects may require longer.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22976133/ – This systematic review by Stohs & Ray (2013) analyzed various studies on Cissus quadrangularis, concluding that its extracts promote bone healing and weight management with an excellent safety profile. The review highlighted the need for better standardization and controlled human trials, noting variability in extract composition and small human sample sizes as limitations.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cissus-quadrangularis – This Healthline article provides a general overview of Cissus quadrangularis, discussing its potential benefits for bone health, weight loss, and pain relief. It summarizes common uses and dosages, drawing from various studies, and emphasizes its traditional use and modern research findings.
https://www.orthopaper.com/archives/2024/vol10issue1/PartC/10-1-33-985.pdf – This narrative review (2024) summarizes in vitro and animal studies on Cissus quadrangularis, demonstrating its ability to enhance osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix mineralization. It delves into molecular mechanisms, including reduced ROS and increased RUNX2 expression, while noting the limited human clinical data and recommending further RCTs.
https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/cissus_quadrangularis.htm – RxList provides information on Cissus quadrangularis, detailing its common uses, potential effectiveness, and safety profile. It outlines conditions for which it is used, such as bone fractures and weight loss, and lists common side effects and precautions, emphasizing the need for more research.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1166/cissus-quadrangularis – WebMD offers a summary of Cissus quadrangularis, covering its traditional uses, scientific evidence for various conditions like bone fractures and obesity, and safety considerations. It provides a concise overview of what is known about its efficacy and potential side effects based on available research.