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.

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.

How do we eat this stuff?

Cissus Quadrangularis is used in supplements and medications that you may not even be aware of.  It’s healing abilities and antioxidant properties make this plant a great addition to many health and fitness supplements.  However, the most effective way to take cissus is in extract powder form.

Cissus extract contains high amounts of ketorsterones which is the most active part of cissus and its healing powers.  The extract powder should be taken orally 2-3 times a day.  Click here to see a full article on cissus dosages.

The powder can be purchased capsulized or in straight powder form.

Cissus Powder

Cissus is best taken in extract powder

Cissus can be found in bulk powder form.  The powder can be mixed with any drink or juice.  Many have found that the taste is extremely bitter and is very difficult to candy coat with a juice.  It also makes eating the supplement more of a chore with all the measuring.  So what’s the best way to take an herb in powder form?

Cissus Capsules

The fastest and most bitter-free way to consume cissus extract is in capsule form.  Ideally you want to find 500mg

Cissus Powder is easy to eat in Capsule form

capsules.  This makes your dosage very easy.  Most active, or injured, adults can start with 1000mg doses, but just to maintain health you can stay at 500mg doses.  Either way, the capsules help make consuming cissus extract simple.

When should I take cissus?

We suggest taking cissus first thing in the morning and in the evening before dinner.  The morning is the most important time to take cissus.  Throughout the night your levels of cortisol peak leaving you with the highest amount of cortisol in the morning.  You want to counter these high levels with cissus extract.

Cortisol Levels are highest in the A.M

Cissus also prevents your body from storing too many sugars as fat due to high levels of stress and cortisol.  By taking cissus before your first meal of the day you can counter this as well.

Some find taking cissus right before or after workouts gives them the most benefits.  It could be a mental thing with some that the timing to taking supplements is so important.  The truth is cissus can be taken anytime, night or day, and it will have beneficial effects to your well-being.

When should I NOT take cissus?

Although there are no proven adverse effects of cissus quadrangularis you could consult a physician or homeopathic doctor about cissus.  We have seen warnings about pregnant women taking any supplements without consulting with their doctor first.  There are no proven studies to show adverse effects on pregnancies, and in fact there have been studies that show cissus may actually help with bone growth development in new borns.

There have been no studies that show adverse effects in children as well.  Like any herbal supplement, the dosage for children should be lower.

Anyone taking cissus for the first time should start with low dosages (500-1000mg) and see how your body reacts.  Everyone’s body is unique and responds differently to new foods.  Give your body time to adjust and then raise dosage level depending on your needs.

Is Cissus Safe?

Cissus has been use as a natural treatment for many centuries by people all over the world and it has been considered by some as a “wonder plant”.  Cissus has also been used, in the past few years, by athletes, either in supplements or taken as an extract by itself.  There have been very little, if any, complaints that cissus has cause any ill effects.

It has been written that cissus may cause side effects such as headache, intestinal gas, dry mouth,diarrhea, and insomnia.  There is no sufficient evidence to support this.  We have read through many forums, blogs, and articles, and have not found any complaints that cissus quadrangularis caused any of these side effects.

Cissus is a plant in the grape family and is therefore a very effective anti-oxidant for the body.  This alone makes damage, and tendons.  Cissus also aids with digestion and helps with weight management.  Cissus is 100% natural (when taken in pure extract form) and has been used since ancient times.  It is written about in ancient Ayurveda texts.

There have been a few clinical studies done with cissus to test the bone mending capabilities and the tendon/ligament repair (collagen production).  Both of these studies were successful in showing that cissus does have healing capabilities.  One of the tests was done on pregnant rats to see if, when given cissus quadrangularis during pregnancy, there would be an effect on the fetal bone growth.  The offspring were healthy and showed enhanced bone growth and the mothers were safe and healthy.

Click Here to see a study how Cissus Quadrangularis extract during pregnancy stimulates fetal bone growth

Is Cissus Safe during Pregnancy?

It has been written that Cissus should not be taken by pregnant women.  Like anything, you should consult your physician if you are not sure of ingesting something while pregnant.  There have been no cases of cissus adversely affecting a pregnancy.   Due to the fact that there has been little, or no, testing of Cissus on humans it is hard to say whether cissus is 100% safe or not during pregnancy.

Is Cissus safe for Children?

Cissus is Safe for Everyone

Since cissus is a 100% completely natural plant and has been shown to have multiple positive healing capabilities on humans, there should be no reason why Cissus is not safe for children.  I would suggest, however, lower doses than the recommended for bodybuilders.  I would suggest 500-700 milligrams per day at first for children.  Just check daily to see if there are any adverse effects as everybody should do with anything they ingest.

 Is Cissus safe for Adults and Elderly?

Cissus is suggested for older adults as it has been clinically tested and shown to be used as preventive/alternative natural medicine for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.  It’s anti-oxidant qualities provide older adults with a good environment to fight sickness and disease.  There have not been any side effects found with adults using a normal dosage of Cissus Quadrangularis Extract.  The suggested dosage of Cissus Extract is 800-2000 milligrams per day.  Athletes who train heavy or those with serious ligament, bone, or tendon injuries can work up to 5000 milligrams per day.

Cissus Quadrangularis may sound too good to be true, and that is why the Cissus Experts are sure your experience with Cissus Extract will be a positive one.  The healing qualities of this plant are powerful and never cease to amaze.  With no found adverse effects and no negative side effects, cissus can heal and help just about everyone.

Cissus and Collagen Production

One of the primary effects of Cissus is thought to be an increase in collagen turnover, so with increased synthesis & replacement you could expect a quicker recovery from overuse injuries, cartilage & tendon repair.

Cissus Promotes Collagen Production

Collagen, a fibrous protein that makes up about 25% of your body, connects the many cells and tissues of your body together, including bone, muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Without collagen your body would literally fall to pieces.

Ligaments link bones to other bones and provide support to joints. They allow a normal range of movement to occur within a joint, but prevent unwanted movement that would render the joint unstable. In order to fulfill this function, ligaments must possess immense mechanical tensile strength.

When a ligament, tendon, or muscle is injured the collagen fibers are damaged and your body works to inflame the area and send collagen to repair the fibers.

Since training tears your body down and can cause injury, collagen is needed for tissue repair. An increased amount of available collagen will quicken the process of recovery, whether you’re recovering from a workout or recovering from an injury. That means less time sidelined with sore or injured muscles!

How does Cissus increase the amount of Collagen?

Cissus quadrangularis, an ancient herb found in India, is said to cause an increase in collagen production and aid the healing of joint ailments (Jainu and Mohan, 2008).

Cissus Repairs Injured Tendons

Studies show that Cissus may increase the amount of collagen in animal cells.  Although clinical studies were not done on humans, there have been many testimonials by athletes and bodybuilders claiming Cissus did, in fact, speed up their injury recovery.

“My Achilles Tendon was healing in record time. My doctor told me I wouldn’t be walking on it for another 2 months. Well, in just 3 weeks I was putting pressure on it.” Pete, injured athlete

Cissus and DHEA

Cissus inhibits cortisol from breaking down muscle and bone when our bodies are under stress.  By lowering the levels of cortisol, this allows the body to produce more DHEA and make the DHEA more effective in providing it’s strengthening powers to muscles and bones.

Yes, Cissus is truly an amazing plant with many positive healing powers for our bodies.  With virtually no side effects, this completely natural cissus plant extract is a great alternative to many synthetic supplements.

Resources Used:

• Ligament Damage & Repair
• Investigating Effects of Cissus
• Restorative Agent CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS