Cissus Quadrangularis
OTHER NAME(S): C. quadrangularis, Cissus quadrangularis, Devil’s backbone, Hadjod, Veldt grape
Overview
Cissus quadrangularis is an herbal supplement that is taken for a variety of reasons, including bone health, metabolic health, arthritis, and hemorrhoids. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined. Cissus quadrangularis seems to be well tolerated when taken by mouth, but it may cause gas, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, headaches, or diarrhea. Before taking Cissus quadrangularis, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is Cissus quadrangularis used for?
Cissus quadrangularis is extracted from a vine in the grape family that grows in Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. Other common names include veldt grape, hadjod, and devil’s backbone.
Cissus quadrangularis is used for a variety of reasons, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. Some reasons for taking it include the following.
- Bone health, including pain after a fracture
- Arthritis
- Hemorrhoids
- Metabolic health, including weight loss
Note: The FDA has not reviewed Cissus quadrangularis for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does Cissus quadrangularis work (mechanism of action)?
Cissus quadrangularis contains chemicals, including flavonoids, indanes, phytosterols, ketosteroids, vitamin C, and beta carotene. These chemicals are strong antioxidants. Some evidence also suggests that Cissus quadrangularis blocks lipase and amylase, which are enzymes made by the pancreas that help break down fat and carbohydrates from food.
These effects could help lower inflammation and improve how your body uses glucose (sugar) and digests carbohydrates. Phytosterols seem to lower cholesterol, mostly by mimicking cholesterol in your gut and reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. A small group of studies using Cissus quadrangularis did show some metabolic benefits. However, larger studies have not been able to confirm these results. More studies are needed to know if it truly provides benefits for metabolic health or weight loss.
Cissus quadrangularis may have effects on the bone healing process because of its ketosteroid and flavonoid activity. It may have some effects on reducing pain and inflammation by its effects on arachidonic acid, which is a naturally occurring chemical in your body involved in pain and inflammation. However, studies have not shown that using Cissus quadrangularis helps relieve bone pain, arthritis, or hemorrhoids.
Herbal products, such as Cissus quadrangularis, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Cissus quadrangularis product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are taking.
How should I store Cissus quadrangularis?
You should store Cissus quadrangularis according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Cissus quadrangularis?
The most common side effects of Cissus quadrangularis are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are taking. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Flatulence or gas
- Headache
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
There may be other side effects of Cissus quadrangularis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Cissus quadrangularis?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Cissus quadrangularis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cissus quadrangularis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Cissus quadrangularis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use Cissus quadrangularis?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Cissus quadrangularis.
- Cissus quadrangularis
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Cissus quadrangularis products they stock.
What should I know about Cissus quadrangularis before using it?
Cissus quadrangularis is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep Cissus quadrangularis out of the reach of children.
If you have arthritis or metabolic health problems, such as overweight, high cholesterol, or diabetes, talk to your health care provider about your treatment options before taking Cissus quadrangularis. There are many available options with proven results for these conditions.
Herbal products, such as Cissus quadrangularis, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific Cissus quadrangularis product can vary for many reasons. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested Cissus quadrangularis products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Cissus quadrangularis?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Cissus quadrangularis is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if Cissus quadrangularis could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cissus quadrangularis passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does Cissus quadrangularis interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Cissus quadrangularis and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cissus quadrangularis.
Does Cissus quadrangularis interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
The interactions between Cissus quadrangularis and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Cissus quadrangularis is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Cissus quadrangularis with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cissus quadrangularis?
If you or someone else has used too much Cissus quadrangularis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Cissus quadrangularis is typically available as an herbal supplement that is taken by mouth. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use this product safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Bioinformation: “A short review on pharmacological activity of Cissus quadrangularis.”
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies: “The effects of Cissus quadrangularis on bone-related biomarkers in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism: “Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”
- Holistic Nursing Practice: “Metabolic syndrome: a proprietary extract of Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and central obesity.”
- Journal of Epidemiology and Population Health: “Evaluation of use and efficacy of African traditional medicine for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review.”
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: “Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects of Cissus quadrangularis Linn.”
- Lipids in Health and Disease: “The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome,” “The use of Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.”
- Phytotherapy Research: “Efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis L. in clinical use: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.”