Cissus extract 20:1 | Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus extract 20:1 | Cissus quadrangularis

Properties: In India, cissus quadrilateral goes by the name “bone healer” because for centuries it has been used in bone fractures therapy. Today, we know for sure that C.quadrangularis does not only help to rebuild the bone tissue after damage, but also prevents its loss – which might be useful in osteoporosis prophylaxis. What else can this strange plant offer? 

For now let’s stick with the motor apparatus. Cissus efficiently supports the work of osteogenic cells, which produce collagen too. This protein is needed not only to construct bones. Its increased availability benefits the condition of the joints and, naturally, the skin. This effect was confirmed in an experiment run with participation of sportsmen who suffered from joint aches after workouts. In their case cissus turned out to be an excellent remedy – its supplementation significantly decreased the unpleasant sensations. Noteworthy, that result could be also caused by analgesic properties of this plant, which are often compared to aspirin. Thus, most likely the combined influence was observed. 

Here, it is worth mentioning that C.quadrangularis extract helps to maintain physical fitness too. Clinical trials confirmed that it supports weight loss. Results indicated a 10% decrease of body weight on average across a few weeks. Thus, cissus excellently accompanies the diet of those people who are physically active and want their training to bring results faster, as well as for the elderly who suffer from joint aches or fight osteoporosis.  

Until now our attention was focused on the body in the macroscopic scale. However, it is important to remember that cissus works also in more subtle ways. This is because it contains a wide range of active compounds, which benefit the entire organism. Among most known are: provitamin A, vitamins C and E, quercetin, caffeine, resveratrol –  to name a few. This last one is often called “the youth elixir”, because it actually prolongs the lifespan of laboratory animals. In our case, one of the most prominent effects of C.quadrangularis supplementation is the decrease of triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol levels, which can undoubtedly extend our lives.     

Speaking of long life… For sure there are many ways to obtain it. Nevertheless, in the common core of all of them lie the inner peace, smile, and positive thinking. In sum – less stress. As it turned out, modern research has proven that supplementation of  C.quadrangularis can also help us to deal with the unpleasant aspects of everyday life. This is because cissus regulates the secretion of GABA neurotransmitter, which in general induces relaxation. Thus, if your neck muscles are often stiff, it might be a sign that it’s the right time to begin cissus supplementation. 

Occurrence: Cissus quadrangularis is a plant from the grapevine family (Vitaceae). It grows in tropical and southern parts of Africa and in Asia, from the Arabian Peninsula, through the Indian Peninsula, to the Indochinese Peninsula and the Philippines. In contrast to other species of this genus it is a succulent. This means that its tissues evolved specifically to store water, thus it can grow even in dry soils low in nutrients.  

It is a creeping plant. Its stem forms segments 8-10 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and has a quadrilateral shape in cross-section, hence the species name “quadrilateral”. The shape of these thickened shoots has made this plant also known as the “devil’s backbone”. C.quadrangularis has thin, bright green leaves. Their lamina can take various shapes: from ovoid or heart-shaped to three-lobed. During the hot season they are shed due to unfavorable conditions. The flowers with four white or pink petals are approx. 2 mm long. They are gathered in small, umbel-like inflorescences with peduncles up to 2.5 cm long. They produce red, single-seed berries that are 6-10 mm wide and very sour.

Traditional Asian medicine has admired this plant for centuries. Its shoots and roots have been applied both fresh or powdered either internally or externally. In Ayurveda, they are considered to stimulate the healing of fractures as well as damaged ligaments and tendons. In other Far East medical systems cissus has been used to cure sexually transmitted diseases, indigestion, food poisoning, menstrual irregularities, back aches and osteoporosis.

Biochemistry: Cissus quadrangularis contains a plethora of biologically active compounds.  Among them are carotenoids (along with provitamin A), triterpene compounds, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), flavonoids, phytosterols, phytoestrogens, quercetin, resveratrol and caffeine. This plant also contains minerals, including calcium.

Fun fact: The most valued activity of cissus quadrangularis is the acceleration of bone fusion after fractures. This is highlighted by its traditional Indian names: “Harjor” (meaning “bone healer”) and “Asthi Shrinkhala” (which stands for “the one who protects the bones”).