Science of Cissus, What Is Cissus?

Cissus Quadrangularis – An Effective Bone Healer

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The herb cissus quadrangularis is extensively used in more traditional ayurvedic medicine for its great bone healing and bone repairing qualities.

New scientific exploration is helping to report the ability of this extraordinary bone support nutrient.

The most current examination reveals that it directly helps bone marrow make the bone-building carpenter cells known as osteoblasts in addition to directly support the formation of calcium matrix (new bone).

Cissus Quadrangularis Bone Healing

The mesenchymal stem cells inside bone marrow offer the ability to eventually become the critical osteoblasts. They can additionally become macrophages. Metabolic indicating guides what will happen. Excessive inflammation encourages macrophage formation and a scarcity of osteoblasts proportionate to too many osteoclasts, consequently promoting bone loss. Nutrients that support osteoblast development are highly beneficial for bone health.

This study shows that cissus quadrangularis not only assists mesenchymal stem cells develop into osteoblasts but that it also helps encourage the generation of more mesenchymal stem cells, which can then develop into more osteoblasts. This herb contains highly bioactive regeneration abilities for bone.

The investigators concluded that “cissus quadrangularis stimulates osteoblastogenesis and may be utilized as preventive/alternative all-natural medicine for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.”.

References:

  1. ^ Cissus Quadrangularis Helps Bone Buiding Cells  Clinics (Sao Paulo).  Potu BK, Bhat KM, Rao MS, Nampurath GK, Chamallamudi MR, Nayak SR, Muttigi MS.
Science of Cissus, What Is Cissus?

Cissus Quadrangularis: A One-of-a-Kind Bone-Building, Weight-Management Nutrient

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Cissus Quadrangularis Bone BuildingClinical evidence supporting the use of cissus quadrangularis for bone and metabolic health continues to shine. Cissus quadrangularis is a time-honored ayurvedic herb being used for a lot more than one thousand years. Its nickname is “bone setter.” We have explained how cissus quadrangularis helps bones in two recent articles, Cissus Quadrangularis – An Effective Bone Healer and Cissus Quadrangularis: Connecting Bones & Metabolic Health and Wellness. One analysis on cissus quadrangularis and bones reveals that cissus quadrangularis works at the level of gene transcription to ignite osteoblasts and to specifically increase their generation of osteocalcin1. This is an impressive finding, as it indicates that the nutrient is a bone-building gene regulator, lifting it to a new standing of effectiveness. Furthermore, osteocalcin2 function as a hormone in other places in your body by increasing adiponectin3 production in your white adipose tissue, in turn serving to help protect against insulin resistance and cardiovascular inflammation4.

Increased Interest in Cissus Quadrangularis

Increased interest in cissus quadrangularis and metabolism centers around its historical use for hemorrhoids, ulcers, asthma, and constipation– all important issues linked with bacterial imbalance in the intestinal tract. I have detailed the adverse effect of these factors on metabolism in a more recent article, How Digestive Problems Prevent Weight Loss. Science advocates the traditional use of cissus quadrangularis to help treat the cellular lining of the digestive tract, lower inflammation, boost antioxidant defenses, and control bacterial imbalance. Cissus quadrangularis has previously been shown to have antibacterial properties5, including against the Staphylococcus family typically found in surplus in obese individuals. One of the metabolic complications caused by bacterial imbalance is overproduction of harmful LPS, which interferes with metabolism.

Cissus quadrangularis also helps reduce LPS-induced free radical damage6

Cissus quadrangularis also helps reduce LPS-induced free radical damage6, helping counteract this problem in overweight people. It does so by helping lessen both inflammatory nitric oxide (iNOS) and the core inflammatory gene signal NF-kappaB. Another recent analysis revealed cissus quadrangularis to be particularly protective of the liver7, offsetting the toxic effects of a TB drug by substantially lessening free radical damage. This is relevant to weight management, as the liver is oftentimes subject to inflammatory and free radical-producing insults coming from both the digestive tract and white adipose tissue. Thus, cissus quadrangularis serves to help counter metabolic stress linked with digestive tract imbalance by a wide array of mechanisms.

Science confirms the benefit of cissus quadrangularis

Science confirms the benefit of cissus quadrangularis as an useful bone support nutrient, and expands on its role in metabolic support. Not only does cissus quadrangularis help greatly improve metabolism through osteocalcin-boosting cissus quadrangularis overweightadiponectin production, it also lowers toxic stress from digestive tract disproportion — a complication confronted by many who struggle with their body weight.

Cissus Featured Posts, Videos From Youtube

Cissus Growing Wildly on a Neem Tree

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Cissus Quadrangularis growing wildly in it’s most vibrant form and environment, on a neem tree.  As you view this very detailed video, notice the structure of the cissus plant;  it is quadrangula shaped.  It is also jointed, just like our bones.  In ayruvedic medicine it is written that herbs and plants shape and structure from the molecular level to the outer, more noticeable layer emulate the parts of our body which the herb or plant medicine may be supportive of.

Dr Brijnath Singh, eminant scholar, MD and PhD in Ayurveda and ethnopharmacology wild-cultivates Harjod (Cissus Quadrangularis) in the Vrindavan farm north of Lucknow. Prashanti interviews him on the magic of this herb whose very name means ‘Bone joiner” as it is so rich in the minerals and healing power to support Bone and Joint health.

In this video Dr. Brijnath Singh and Prashanti discuss Harjod, or in latin, Cissus Quadrangularis, in a very detailed discussion with great views of the herb growing on this majestic neem tree in the beautifully culivated farms of India.

View This Video about Cissus on YouTube

Do you have any great videos or pictures with Cissus?

At The Cissus Experts we are always excited to see videos, images, and great information about Cissus Quadrangularis.  If you find any good pics or videos please share them with us as we can share them with our community.

You can email any information about cissus to info@cissus.org or let us know in the comments section below.  Thanks!

 

 

Cissus Product Reviews

USP Labs Super Cissus Review

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Cissus Experts have taken the time to review the top Cissus Products on the market. We have compared most details from price per 100mg to additional ingredients. These are completely unbiased cissus product comparisons. Although the information was taken from the main website of each product, the prices and information may vary from product listings such as Amazon or other distributors.

Product Name: SuperCissus
Brand: USP Labs
Quantity: 150 Vegetarian 800mg Capsules
Suggested Serving: Take 2 capsules with breakfast and dinner.
Additional Ingredients: Gelatin, Corn Starch, Magnesium Stearate, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Titanium Dioxide Color

USPLabsSuperCissusThis cissus product looks great on the surface – 800mg capsules, 150 count, and a patented Cissus Extract, however we were really turned off by the additional ingredients.  We understand that these ingredients are just for the capsule and are probably very small amounts, but carcinogens such as blue 1 and yellow 5 should not be put anywhere near just an amazing, ayurvedic medicinal herb.  More care should be taken for the consumers health.  At The Cissus Experts we feel cissus should always be placed in a vegetarian capsule free of magnesium stearate, which actually inhibits the bodies uptake of nutrients.

It is not also stated when herbal supplements contain fillers, but the fact that this is an 800mg capsule and they don’t specify that there are not fillers, we are going to go ahead and assume that there are.  We have tasted many forms of pure cissus and cissus extracts, and this one has a funky color and taste compared to 100% pure cissus.

Maybe the most quantity for your buck (if you buy on Amazon), but definitely not the highest quality.  It seems that Cissus Quadrangularis took off in popularity with the body builders due to it’s cortisol inhibiting and tendon repairing capabilities, cissus is also great for older folks suffering from joint pain and to prevent osteoporosis.  We should be looking for a brand who cares about our core health, and not just getting “ripped”.

Overall, The Cissus Experts do not recommend SuperCissus from USPlabs.  We are not sure what “award” it has won, but until they remove the additional ingredients and go with a more ayurvedic approach we are suggesting to go another route.

Note: Cissus can be found in other supplements and can also be found in non-extract form. Cissus is an anti-oxidant and may be used to enhance a supplement. Only the extract can bring you the full benefits of the plant. Almost all studies found on Cissus use the Extract form.

Cissus In The News, What Is Cissus?

Other Names for Cissus Quadrangularis

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Having done research on Cissus Quadrangularis for many years now we, at the Cissus Experts, felt it may be important to note that many herbs, including Cissus Quadrangularis, may have different common names throughout the world.  Cissus, the genus name, is the most common name which stems from the species name Cissus Quadrangularis.  In most studies you will find the name written as C. quadrangularis, CQ, CQE, or CQR-300.

Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus is commonly known as Veldt Grape, Devil’s Backbone, or Winged Treebine.

Cissus in India

Cissus has a long history of medicinal use in India and is commonly referred to as Hadjod, translated as ‘(the one) that unites broken bones’ in Hindi, while its Sanskrit name, asthisamharaka, literally means ‘protecting bones from destruction’.

Cissus in Thailand

In Thai, Cissus is written เพชรสังฆาต, which transliterates to “Phet sang kat” or “Phet Sangkhat”. It is mostly prescribed to relieve hemorrhoids, which is one benefit due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Some Thais are learning more about the wide range of benefits of Cissus.

A list of what Cissus Quadrangularis can otherwise be known as:

Asthisonhara, Chadhuri, Chaudhari, Cissus, Cissus Extract, Cissus Formula, Cissus Formulation, C. Quadrangularis, Cissus Quadrangularis, Cissus Quadrangularis Extract, CORE, CQ, CQE, CQR-300, Extrait de Cissus, Hadjod, Hadjora, Harbhanga, Harsankari, Hasjora, Kandavela, Mangaroli, Nalleru, Namunungwa, Phet Cha Sung Khaat, Phet Sang Kat, Phet Sangkhat, Pirandai, Quadrangularis, Samroi To, San Cha Khuat, Stemmed Vine, Vajravalli, Vedhari, Veld Grape, Veldt-grape, Vitis quadrangularis, Winged Treebine.

Scientific Classification of Cissus:

Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Vitales
Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Cissus
Species: C. quadrangularis

Binomial name: Cissus quadrangularis

Synonyms:  Cissus quadrangula, Vitis quadrangularis

Cissus Case Studies

Cissus Quadrangularis Increases Bone Tensil Strength and Inhibits Cortisol

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This excerpt was taken from a case study done with Cissus Quadrangularis.  One of the benefits of Cissus is its ability to inhibit the absorption of cortisol into our muscle tissue.  This is particularly advantageous for body builders or athletes who are trying to gain more muscle mass.  Cortisol also eventually becomes a toxin in our body, so the faster we can release this from the body, the more toxin free we will be. Continue reading Cissus Quadrangularis Increases Bone Tensil Strength and Inhibits Cortisol →

Cissus Case Studies

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Stem Extract Against Rifampicin-induced Hepatotoxicity

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Hepatotoxicity (from hepatic toxicity) implies chemical-driven liver damage.  The liver plays a central role in transforming and clearing chemicals and is susceptible to the toxicity from these agents.  Many pharmaceutical medications can have harmful affects to your liver.  Cissus may be a great alternative to counter acting these affects.

The Study

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis against rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.The coarse powder of the shade dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis was subjected to successive extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus using solvents petroleum ether (60-80°) and methanol. Liver damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis (500 mg/kg, p.o) was administered 1 h prior to the administration of rifampicin (54 mg/kg, p.o.) once daily for 30 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o) used as reference drug. Elevated levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline posphatase and bilirubin following rifampicin induction were significantly lowered due to pretreatment with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis.

CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS HEPATOTOXICITY
Rifampicin administration significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant activities like reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutas and catalase. Pretreatment of rats with methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the antioxidant activities. Histology of the liver section of the animals treated with the methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis further confirms the hepatoprotective activity. The results of the present study indicated the hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Cissus quadrangularis which might be ascribable to its antioxidant property due to the presence of β-carotene.

Conclusion:
It is concluded from the above observations that the methanol extract of CQ has a hepatoprotective activity against rifampicin-induced liver injury. The mechanism of hepatoprotection may be attributed to its antioxidant activity; this in turn is related to the presence of β–carotene.

CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS HEPATOTOXICITY

 

Note: Most studies done on Cissus, unfortunately used rats as a control where the rats are either put under stress, intoxicated, or sacrificed. The Cissus Experts do not support the harming of animals, but the studies done in India on Cissus have scientifically proven positive effects of cissus quadrangularis on humans and may be used to help humans prevent or fight diseases and injuries.

Cissus Case Studies

Cissus Quadrangularis Enhances Bone Marrow and Prevents Osteoporosis

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Petroleum Ether Extract of Cissus Quadrangularis (Linn.) Enhances Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Facilitates Osteoblastogenesis
Source: Cissus Quadrangularis Full Case Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of the petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis on the proliferation rate of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts (osteoblastogenesis) and extracellular matrix calcification. This study also aimed to determine the additive effect of osteogenic media and Cissus quadrangularis on proliferation, differentiation and calcification.

METHODS

MSCs were cultured in media with or without Cissus quadrangularis for 4 weeks and were then stained for alkaline phosphatase. Extracellular matrix calcification was confirmed by Von Kossa staining. marrow mesenchymal stem cells cultures in control media and osteogenic media supplemented withCissus quadrangularis extract (100, 200, 300 μg/mL) were also subjected to a cell proliferation assay (MTT).

RESULTS
Cissus Quadrangularis Prevents Osteoporosis
Cissus Quadrangularis Prevents Osteoporosis

Treatment with 100, 200 or 300 μg/mL petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis enhanced the differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells into ALP-positive osteoblasts and increased extracellular matrix calcification. Treatment with 300 μg/mL petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis also enhanced the proliferation rate of the marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Cells grown in osteogenic media containing Cissus quadrangularis exhibited higher proliferation, differentiation and calcification rates than did control cells.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Cissus quadrangularis stimulates osteoblastogenesis and can be used as preventive/ alternative natural medicine for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

We sincerely thank Dr. Satyamoorthy, Director of Manipal Life Science Centre, Manipal, and Dr. Narga Nair, Head of Anatomy Department, KMC, Manipal, for their help and support. We thank Ms. Rekha Nayak for her technical help during this project.

We also thank the National Center for Biotechnology Information for making this information public

Cissus Experts Health Corner

Billy’s Infinity Greens will Transform Your Health

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There are a good number of Green “Superfoods” on the market these days. Between Wholefoods and your small health food stores, you can find many products labeled superfood. The main type I look for are ones that include Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Kelp, Probiotics, and a load of other good stuff. I’m not going to go into great detail about all the benefits of taking Super Greens, but let’s just say that they will completely transform your body from the inside out. Not only do Greens provide you with much needed nutrients and enzymes, they also ph balance your system to allow it to work at full potential for nutrient and vitamin absorption.

By far the best Superfood formula I have found is Billy’s Infinity Greens. I know Billy personally so I know how passionate about his health he is. It was his declining health that led him on his journey to create the most powerful, healthy Superfood known to man. He seeked out only the best of the best ingredients including Icelandic Kelp, E3 Klamath Algae, Nova Scotia Dulse, Acai Berry, and Mangosteen Extract. These ingredients alone are hard to find at your local shop, and the list of amazing ingredients goes on:

blend

 

One problem I’ve always had with Greens is that they do not mix well and tend to clump up.  Well,  Billy knew this too.  In recent years he’s even made his formula more mixable.  Nice smooth drinks every time!  He gives many recipes on his website.  I usually just mix with apple juice and it is delicious!

Billy’s Infinity Greens are a little more pricey than your average Superfood such as Garden of Live Perfect Food, but I’m telling you, it is 200 times more powerful.  You can literally feel the healthiness the minute you put this in your mouth.

a7f08f39c41bb0d289cba7b9352fff1b.image.131x160The Cissus Experts are not financially affiliated with Billy, but we do know him personally.  We are not just trying to boost his business either as we have not even told him we are posting this.  With “The Cissus Experts Health Corner” we are just sharing our health habits with everyone.  Mainly because we feel you will gain the most benefits from any health supplement such as Cissus Quadrangularis if your body is healthy and prepared to uptake all the healthy benefits of your supplements.

Hope you treat yourself to some healthy greens, and comment below to let us know how they transform your health!

Click Here For Billy’s Infinity Greens

Cissus Experts Health Corner

“Purple Sauce”: A Healthy Snack for Any Occasion

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Every once in a while a completely raw food comes around that not only feels healthy from the minute you gather the ingredients, but is so delicious you will be craving it on a daily basis. We are always under the assumption that “raw” means “booooring”. Well, “Purple Sauce”, from a well known raw food chef known as “perp-heal”, is everything but booooring. Perp-Heal has found a way to blend a handful of exciting ingredients into a healthy, cleansing, refreshing dressing/dipping sauce. Don’t let the name fool you either, it’s not really purple, that was the name given to credit the artist/chef. The sauce comes out green from the spirulina.

Without further ado, here is how you can create your own Purple Sauce:

List of Ingredients:
Makes about 2 cups
1 Organic Lemon (or Organic Lemon Juice)
1 Cup Sunflower Oil
1/2 cup Organic Tahini
2 tablespoons Ume Plum Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Cumin(powedered)
2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
1 Tablespoon Spirulina

The ingredients may not be what you already have laying around the cabinets and they may seem a little pricey at first, but you will not be using even close to all the ingredients for each batch of your delicious sauce. The only ingredients I found myself having to replenish are the oil, since you use 2 cups, and cumin, which I found really cheap in bulk at my local health store. Your Ume Plum Vinegar will last a long time, as will the Nutritional Yeast since it comes in large quantities. If you’re using fresh lemons than you will obviously have to replenish them, but I usually use my organic lemon juice that I always have in my fridge.