What Is Cissus Quadrangularis, and What Are Its Health Benefits and Uses?

Cissus quadrangularis is a fast-growing plant that's part of the succulent and grape families. It has leggy green stems that look similar to that of a cactus plant. Its flowers are often yellow or green, attached to small red bundles of berries. This plant can be used both for ornamental and medicinal purposes.

For centuries, Cissus has been used in traditional Indian medicine as a pain reliever and a treatment for broken bones. In fact, one of its other common names is “Asthisamharaka,” which is Sanskrit for "bone setter” or “that which prevents the destruction of bones". Today, you may still find the name Cissus quadrangularis on the labels of many supplements marketed to promote bone and joint health. 

This article will examine some of the historical and present-day uses of Cissus quadrangularis, its benefits, and some possible side effects you might experience from ingesting this medicinal plant.

Cissus quadrangularis (also known as veld grape, Cissus succulent, and horjora) is a perennial herb, meaning it can naturally grow year after year without needing to be manually replanted. It has various medicinal properties and is one of the most commonly used healing plants in India. 

Cissus quadrangularis is native to various tropical and subtropical regions around the world, though. It can be found in many Southeast Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Java, as well as West Africa.

Some common habitats where Cissus quadrangularis grows include:

• Dry forests 
• Coastal areas with dense shrubbery
• Savannas 
• Scrublands

Cissus quadrangularis is used to treat various illnesses and disorders. Some of these include: 

• Gout
• Syphilis
• Venereal diseases
• Hemorrhoids
• Scurvy
• Asthma
• Earaches
• Fractured bones or muscle aches
• Vaginal infections
• Various intestinal infections
• Eye disorders
• Anemia

In India, Cissus quadrangularis is commonly used to help speed up the healing of bone fractures. The fleshy stems and leaves of Cissus quadrangularis are also used in Indian culture as a source of food that can be cooked, fried, or curried. In Cameroon, people use Cissus quadrangularis to treat dehydration, and in Kenya, it's sometimes used as a stimulant or aphrodisiac. 

More research needs to be done to scientifically confirm whether Cissus quadrangularis can actually provide the full range of benefits claimed by various sources. However, several studies have helped medical experts draw closer to a conclusion. In fact, one 2009 study found that the vitamins and steroids contained in Cissus quadrangularis helped treat patients with osteoporosis.

Also, as an antioxidant, Cissus quadrangularis works well to lower lipid levels in people with conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol.

In addition, the plant is made up of other chemical compounds like flavonoids, indanes phytosterols, and ketosteroids: all beneficial antioxidants for the body.

The various parts of this plant have also been commonly used to treat various ailments: 

• Stem: A treatment for asthma, amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation), and hemorrhoids
• Leaves or newer stems: A pain reliever or treatment for physical injuries. This is done by crushing the leaves and young stems to create a paste and then applying it to the area or even to broken bones.
• Dried roots: Formed into a powder and used to treat indigestion or fractured bones

Cissus quadrangularis dosing recommendations

There is no official dosage recommendation for Cissus quadrangularis. If you look at most supplements on the market, you'll most likely find they come in 500 or 1,000 mg doses that you take once per day.

Cissus quadrangularis supplements come in the form of a powder, capsule, or syrup. It should be fairly easy to find one online, at the pharmacy, or at any health supplement shop.

According to most healthcare professionals, though, you should not use Cissus quadrangularis for more than 10 weeks.

Cissus quadrangularis for weight loss

While there is still some skepticism concerning how well Cissus quadrangularis promotes weight loss, there are some studies to support its use. 

In 2006, researchers found that taking Cissus quadrangularis as a daily supplement for 8 weeks could help patients bring down their weight. Patients who took a 1,028 mg Cissus quadrangularis pill together with  B vitamins, green tea, soy, chromium, and selenium brought down their BMI and reduced the overall circumference of their waists. 

Another study that was performed in 2008 aimed to verify these results. It found that patients who take Cissus quadrangularis and Irvingia gabonensis (African Mango) together saw a significant difference in their weight and overall improvement in the functioning of their metabolism.

Cissus quadrangularis and testosterone levels

 Some supplements for sale on the market today seem to suggest that Cissus quadrangularis can help regulate male testosterone levels. In 2016, a team of researchers at the Phytochemistry Department of Himalaya Drug Company in Bengaluru, India published a study on their findings. This study aimed to establish whether or not the ketosteroid and anabolic in Cissus quadrangularis would increase male testosterone levels. 

To test these claims, the researchers extracted and treated orchidectomized rats (rats with surgically removed testes) with the ketosteroid content in the plant. They ran the same test on standard male lab rats, making this their control group. At the end of the 12-week study, neither group of lab rats showed any signs of increased testosterone levels. The researchers concluded that there was no correlation between ketosteroid content in Cissus quadrangularis and anabolic activity.

Cissus quadrangularis is generally well-tolerated and should not lead to too many harmful side effects. Some patients, though, have reported headaches, flatulence, diarrhea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and insomnia. It's best not to take Cissus quadrangularis if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is not yet enough research to confirm its safety.

In fact, you should always be sure to talk to your medical provider before taking Cissus quadrangularis or any other supplement to treat an ailment.