Cissus quadrangularis is a vine that grows in Africa and parts of Asia. It is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Thailand, and is also used in traditional African and Ayurvedic medicine. All parts of the plant are used for medicine.
Cissus quadrangularis is commonly used for bone health and weight loss. It is also used for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hemorrhoids, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
How does it work ?
There is not enough information to know how Cissus quadrangularis might work for medicinal purposes in people. Test tube studies and research in animals show that it has antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It might have activity against the organism that causes malaria.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
Obesity. Most research shows that taking Cissus quadrangularis extract, alone or with other ingredients, reduces weight by a small amount in people who are overweight or obese. But many of these studies are low to moderate quality and lasted for only 6-10 weeks. Longer-term, larger studies are need to confirm these results.
Insufficient Evidence for
Fractures. Early research shows that taking Cissus quadrangularis dried herb preparations or extracts can decrease pain and swelling and improve the rate of healing in people with various types of bone fractures. However, this research is generally low quality.
Hemorrhoids. Early research shows that taking Cissus quadrangularis by mouth for 1-2 weeks, or applying a cream containing Cissus quadrangularis to hemorrhoids for 1 week, does not improve hemorrhoid symptoms.
Joint pain. Early research shows that taking a Cissus quadrangularis product for 8 weeks decreases pain and stiffness in men with joint pain caused by exercise.
Low bone mass (osteopenia). Early research shows that taking Cissus quadrangularis with other ingredients might help to increase bone mass in people with low bone mass.
Allergies.
Asthma.
Bodybuilding.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
Gout.
Heart disease risk factors that occur together (metabolic syndrome).
High cholesterol.
Loss of appetite (anorexia).
Malaria.
Osteoporosis.
Pain.
Painful menstrual periods.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Scurvy.
Seizures.
Upset stomach.
Wound healing.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Cissus quadrangularis for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Cissus quadrangularis is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 10 weeks. Cissus quadrangularis can cause side effects such as headache, intestinal gas, dry mouth, diarrhea, and insomnia. There is not enough information to know how often these side effects might occur.
The long-term safety of Cissus quadrangularis is not known.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Cissus quadrangularis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes: Cissus quadrangularis might lower blood sugar. Taking Cissus quadrangularis along with medications for diabetes might lower blood sugar too much. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar levels closely if you have diabetes and use Cissus quadrangularis.
Surgery: Cissus quadrangularis might lower blood sugar and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using Cissus quadrangularis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS
Cissus quadrangularis might lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Cissus quadrangularis along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
For obesity: 300 mg of Cissuc quadrangularis extract has been taken once daily or in two divided doses daily for 6-10 weeks.
