Cissus Quadrangularis (Cissus quadrangularis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Cissus quadrangularis help heal bone fractures?

Cissus quadrangularis is believed to accelerate bone healing through its content of ketosteroids and phytosterols, which may stimulate osteoblast activity and bone mineralization. Research suggests it acts as a glucocorticoid antagonist, potentially reducing stress on bone tissue while promoting the early stages of fracture repair. While these mechanisms are supported by animal studies, human clinical evidence is currently rated as Level C, indicating limited but promising data for its traditional use in fracture management.

Does Cissus quadrangularis interact with diabetes medications?

Yes, Cissus quadrangularis may interact with diabetes medications. The herb has demonstrated hypoglycemic properties, meaning it can lower blood sugar levels. When combined with insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs, this may cause blood sugar to drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia). Diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before adding this supplement to their regimen to avoid adverse interactions.

What is the recommended dosage for Cissus quadrangularis?

The standard adult dosage for Cissus quadrangularis extract is typically 500 to 1000 mg taken twice daily. This dosage is commonly used in studies regarding bone health and weight management. It is generally recommended to take the supplement with meals to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects. Dosage may vary based on the specific product concentration, so users should always follow manufacturer guidelines.

Is Cissus quadrangularis safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Cissus quadrangularis is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Due to a lack of safety data and potential hormonal effects, healthcare providers advise against its use in pregnant or nursing women. Some traditional uses suggest it may affect uterine contractions. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid this herb and consult a medical professional for safer alternatives for bone or joint support.

What are the common side effects of Cissus quadrangularis?

Cissus quadrangularis is generally well-tolerated, but some users report mild side effects including headache, flatulence, dry mouth, and insomnia. These symptoms are typically temporary and often resolve as the body adjusts to the supplement. To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, it is advisable to take the herb with food. If side effects persist or worsen, discontinuation and consultation with a healthcare provider are recommended.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial herb of the Vitaceae family used traditionally in tropical regions for bone health and various other medicinal purposes [PMID:34181958, PMID:34375512].

Background

Also known as 'Hadjod' or 'veldt grape', it is a perennial climber found in hotter parts of India and other tropical regions [PMID:34375512, PMID:40551764].

Traditional uses

It is documented for ethnomedicinal use in treating malaria, fever, epilepsy, gout, piles, skin diseases, colic, osteoporosis, asthma, hemorrhoids, and menstrual disorders [PMID:34181958, PMID:35896310].

Active compounds

The herb contains a rich phytochemical profile including flavonoids (such as quercetin and resveratrol), ketosteroids, phytosterols, polyphenols, stilbenes, iridoids, triterpenes, gallic acid, carbohydrates, and ascorbic acid [PMID:40551764, PMID:22976133, PMID:35896310, PMID:37302672].

Mechanism of action

Cissus quadrangularis exhibits osteoprotective effects by enhancing osteoblast activity and differentiation, promoting collagen and matrix deposition, and inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis [PMID:40551764, PMID:36672152, PMID:42180261]. It may also modulate the host osteoimmune system and inhibit RAAS activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy models [PMID:36672152, PMID:35896310].

Clinical evidence

Evidence ABone Pain

Cissus had significant effects on reducing bone pain [PMID:28165166]

Evidence AWeight Management

Combination products containing Cissus were superior to placebo in reducing body weight, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar [PMID:28165166]

Evidence AHemorrhoids

Effects on hemorrhoid symptoms were not different from comparators [PMID:28165166]

Evidence BAlveolar Ridge Distraction

Bone formation and maturation were faster with Cissus quadrangularis compared to placebo, with significantly increased bone density in the distracted area [PMID:34607598]

Evidence BPostmenopausal Osteopenia

Percent BMD changes in CQ-treated groups did not differ at any site after 24 weeks compared to placebo [PMID:39346168]

Safety & adverse effects

Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at commonly used doses [PMID:22976133]; no serious adverse effects were reported in a meta-analysis of RCTs [PMID:28165166].

Evidence summary

Evidence is strongest (Level A) for weight management and bone pain reduction via meta-analyses. There is supporting clinical evidence (Level B) for its use in alveolar bone regeneration, though results in postmenopausal osteopenia were not significant. Preclinical evidence (Level D) strongly supports its osteoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 11051143 (2000) — Bone setter's gangrene. · Journal of pediatric surgery
2.PMID: 34181958 (2021) — Cissus quadrangularis L: A comprehensive multidisciplinary review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 34375512 (2021) — Role of Cissus quadrangularis in the Management of Osteoporosis: An Overview. · Critical reviews in therapeutic drug carrier systems
4.PMID: 36672152 (2023) — Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Augments Bone Health in an Estrogen-Deficient Preclinical Model of Osteoporosis Via Modulating the Host Osteoimmune System. · Cells
5.PMID: 40551764 (2025) — Morphological, molecular, and pharmacological review of veldt grape (Cissus quadrangularis L.): an underutilized medicinal plant. · Frontiers in plant science

Cissus Quadrangularis

Sources & Citations

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