Cissus quadrangularis
What's the taxonomical classification of Cissus quadrangularis?
Cissus quadrangularis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Vitales. This plant is a representative of the family Vitaceae, situated within the genus Cissus, and is specifically identified by its species name, quadrangularis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Vitales |
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Genus | Cissus |
| Species | quadrangularis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Ciissis quadrangularis has woody, climbing vines characterized by quadrangular stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of small, greenish-white flowers. The stems are distinctly four-angled and can reach significant lengths as they scramble through forest canopies. Its leaves are typically palmately lobed with three to five segments and possess serrated margins. Small, fleshy berries develop from the inflorescences, turning dark or reddish upon ripening. This climbing habit allows the plant to effectively compete for light in dense tropical environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions spanning across Africa, southern Asia, and parts of the Pacific islands. It thrives primarily in warm, humid climates where it can grow along forest edges and riverbanks. The species is commonly documented in countries such as India, Thailand, and various nations throughout the African continent. Its range extends to many islands in the Indo-Pacific region where moisture levels are consistently high. These diverse habitats allow the plant to establish itself in many different tropical ecosystems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as cucurbit, requires well-drained sandy loam soil and full sunlight to thrive in tropical or subtropical climates.
Growers must ensure regular irrigation while avoiding waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Because it is a climbing vine, providing sturdy trellises or supports is essential for healthy development. Planting is typically done during the warm seasons to take advantage of high temperatures.
Successful cultivation often involves managing pests and ensuring adequate nutrient availability through organic composting.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Cissus quadrangularis, is utilized medicinally through its aerial parts, including the succulent leaves, the quadrangular stems, and the whole plant. The stem is most frequently employed in traditional medicine to promote bone healing and treat fractures due to its high mineral content. Leaves are often used in topical applications or processed into extracts to address various inflammatory conditions. Practitioners also utilize the whole plant in decoctions to support digestive health and overall systemic wellness. These diverse applications highlight the versatility of the various botanical components found above the ground.
According to a study published by "Saudi journal of biological sciences", the aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis (L) are used to create ethanolic and methanolic extracts for medicinal purposes. These extracts from the aerial portions demonstrate marked antioxidant and anticancer behaviors through various assays including DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide, metal chelation, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging. The methanolic extract (MECQ) and ethanolic extract (EECQ) both show pronounced anticancer efficacy against HL-60 leukemic cell lines. Specifically, the EECQ possesses an IC50 value of 36 μg/mL, while the MECQ possesses an IC50 value of 40 μg/mL. The ethanolic extract also exhibited a significant dose-dependent free radical activity when compared with the methanolic extracts.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial part
- leaf
- stem
- whole plant
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Cissus quadrangularis, has been utilized extensively in Ayurveda and other Indian traditional medication systems for its medicinal properties. Practitioners in these ancient traditions primarily employ the stem to treat various bone and joint ailments. It is commonly prescribed to accelerate the healing of fractures and to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. Beyond skeletal health, the plant is also used in traditional practices to manage weight and support digestive wellness. These historical applications highlight its long-standing importance in regional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Cissus quadrangularis is an ancient medicinal plant and an active ingredient of one Ayurvedic formula called Laksha Gogglu. Its stem is used in food preparation in India and is traditionally used to treat various diseases like asthma, indigestion, ear diseases, irregular menstruation, skin diseases, piles, and fractured bones. The active acetone fraction of Cissus quadrangularis (AFCQ) showed COX and 5-LOX inhibition with IC(50) values of 7 μg/ml, 0.4 μg/ml, and 20 μg/ml for COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX respectively. This extract also showed anti-inflammatory activity on the RAW 264.7 cell line with an IC(50) value of 65 μg/ml. AFCQ is a COX and 5-LOX inhibitor isolated from the stems of Cissus quadrangularis that effectively downregulates iNOS and TNFα.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Indian traditional medication
What are the pharmacological activities of Cissus quadrangularis?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-osteoporotic, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and bone healing properties. Its unique bioactive compounds help regulate blood glucose levels and manage metabolic disorders related to obesity. The plant also functions effectively to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Furthermore, it promotes bone healing and strengthens skeletal density, making it a valuable resource for treating osteoporosis. These combined medicinal effects highlight its significant therapeutic potential in modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Journal of cellular physiology", Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) has been reported as a possible anti-osteoporotic agent. The ethanolic extract of CQ (CQ-E) affects the growth kinetics of MC3T3-E1 cells in a dosage-dependent manner. While concentrations more than 10 μg/ml have adverse effects, lower concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μg/ml are non-toxic and do not affect cell viability. At these lower concentrations, CQ-E significantly increases cell proliferation. Treatment with CQ-E also augments osteoblast differentiation by increasing ALP activity and promoting mineralization of the extracellular matrix.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-diabetic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-osteoporotic
- bone healing
- weight loss
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including quadrangularin A, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and beta-sitosterol. These chemical constituents contribute to the various therapeutic properties attributed to the species in traditional medicine. Specifically, the presence of steroids and terpenoids supports its role in managing metabolic functions. Flavonoids within the plant offer significant antioxidant benefits to the human body. Additionally, the phytosterol known as beta-sitosterol plays a crucial role in its pharmacological profile.
According to a study published by "Natural product research", Cissus quadrangularis Linn. contains two new iridoids named 6-O-[2,3-dimethoxy]-trans-cinnamoyl catalpol (1) and 6-O-meta-methoxy-benzoyl catalpol (2). The plant also contains the known iridoid picroside 1 (3) and two stilbenes, quadrangularin A (4) and pallidol (5). Additional constituents isolated from Cissus quadrangularis include quercitin (6), quercitrin (7), beta-sitosterol (8), and beta-sitosterol glycoside (9). Compounds 3 and 7 are the first reported from this plant. This study marks the first reported occurrence of iridoids in C. quadrangularis.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- quadrangularin A
- beta-sitosterol
- flavonoids
- steroids
- terpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for improving bone density, accelerating bone healing, managing bone fracture healing, treating osteoporosis, and supporting weight management. Its unique bioactive compounds work to strengthen the skeletal structure by stimulating osteoblast activity. These properties make it a valuable natural supplement for individuals suffering from age-related bone loss. Furthermore, it is frequently utilized in holistic wellness programs to assist with healthy weight regulation. This combination of benefits supports both skeletal integrity and metabolic health.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", Cissus quadrangularis is used for promoting bone health, which includes promoting bone healing and bone density improvement. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 studies involving 354 participants evaluated its effects on bone-related biomarkers. The intervention significantly elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels with a standardized mean difference of 1.23 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.79 to 1.67, where p < 0.0001. However, the plant did not result in significant changes in other biomarkers such as calcium, phosphorus, and serum alkaline phosphatase. These findings suggest potential for modulating bone health, though the certainty of evidence was very low for all 4 parameters assessed.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bone health
- bone density
- bone fracture healing
- osteoporosis
- weight
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal forms including 80% acetone extract, aqueous extracts, capsule, powder, and rectal suppository. Researchers utilize these different preparation methods to isolate specific bioactive compounds like ketosteroids. The aqueous extracts are often studied for their solubility in water, while the 80% acetone extract helps in concentrating lipophilic constituents. Patients may ingest the plant in the form of a standardized capsule or a simple powder to support bone health. Additionally, specialized rectal suppositories are sometimes developed for targeted therapeutic delivery.
According to a study published by "Current therapeuatic research, clinical and experimental", aqueous extracts of Cissus quadrangularis were investigated for curative effects on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. The study utilized doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, PO, given as a single daily dose 4 hours after acetaminophen administration of 300 mg/kg, PO, for 2 days. Treatment with Cissus quadrangularis at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mean (SEM) body weight loss by 16.67% [7.16%] and 1.25% [0.51%], respectively. These extracts also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity by 17.62% and 11.14%, respectively, and bilirubin levels by 29.62% and 49.14%, respectively. Furthermore, the extracts significantly (P < 0.05) reduced levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde and normalized levels of nitrite, superoxide dismutase, and catalase.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80% acetone extract
- aqueous extracts
- capsule
- powder
- rectal suppository
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause hypoglycemic activity, increased serum parathyroid hormone levels, and general toxicity in certain biological systems. The hypoglycemic properties may lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels in individuals already managing diabetes. Furthermore, elevations in serum parathyroid hormone levels can disrupt calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. There is also evidence suggesting that excessive consumption may lead to systemic toxicity. These physiological impacts necessitate careful monitoring and professional medical oversight when using the plant for therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuatical biology", the ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis stem (CQSF) was administered to diabetic rats at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. At a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, CQSF significantly decreased altered blood glucose levels by about 56%. The extract modulated enzyme activities by increasing hexokinase by 1.9-fold and pyruvate kinase by 2.2-fold. Furthermore, CQSF significantly reduced the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase by 41.23%, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase by 29.43%, and glycogen phosphorylase by 35.07%. GC-MS analysis of the extract identified 10 chemical constituents, with N-methyl-1-adamantane acetamide being the prevailing compound.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hypoglycemic activity
- increased serum parathyroid hormone levels
- toxicity
What herbs are paired with Cissus quadrangularis?
This plant, Cissus quadrangularis, is frequently paired with ashwagandha, amla, and Shatavari to enhance its bone-healing and vitality-boosting properties.
These combinations are often formulated into Ayurvedic powders or capsules to synergize their medicinal effects. Pairing the succulent with ashwagandha helps reduce inflammation and supports physical strength during recovery. When combined with amla, the high vitamin C content aids in collagen synthesis and overall nutrient absorption.
These traditional herbal mixtures aim to provide a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health and metabolic support.