A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts.

2012-09-13
Phytotherapy research : PTR 27(8)
- Sidney J Stohs
- Sidhartha D Ray

PubMed: 22976133
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4846

Study Design

Type: Review

Extracts and powders of Cissus quadrangularis have been used for many years to promote bone and tissues healing, as an analgesic, to treat infections, as an anabolic, and to promote weight loss and weight management. This review summarizes the studies in animals, humans and in vitro systems that have been conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of various Cissus preparations. Animal and in vitro studies provide support for the use of Cissus in promoting bone fracture healing and as an anti-osteoporotic. Several human studies support the use of Cissus extracts in weight management. No studies have been conducted demonstrating that Cissus exhibits anabolic and body building activities. Based on studies to date, Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at the doses commonly used. A wide variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Cissus extracts, including steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes, iridoids, triterpenes and gallic acid derivatives. However, in few cases have specific physiological effects been related to identifiable constituents. Better standardization of extracts and more well-controlled human studies are required.

Research Insights

Cissus quadrangularis→Improved Body Building Activity
No studies have been conducted demonstrating that Cissus exhibits anabolic and body building activities.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cissus quadrangularis→Improved Bone Fracture Healing
Animal and in vitro studies provide support for the use of Cissus in promoting bone fracture healing and as an anti-osteoporotic.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Body Weight
Several human studies support the use of Cissus extracts in weight management.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Osteoporosis
Animal and in vitro studies provide support for the use of Cissus in promoting bone fracture healing and as an anti-osteoporotic.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate

Adverse Events Reported

Cissus quadrangularis→Overall tolerability
Based on studies to date, Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at the doses commonly used.
Finding
Reported