Naming of Cissus Quadrangularis

What is Cissus Quadrangularis? Cissus is commonly known as Veld Grape, which as the name suggests, puts it into the grape family.  It has been called the “Devil’s Backbone” due to its physical appearance.  In Thailand cissus is called

Phet Sang Kart(เพชรสังฆาต).  You will also see the word “ketosterones” which are plant sterols and are the active ingredient for muscle defense, joint health, tendon recovery, and many other  benefits we will be discussing.

Discovery of Cissus

No, we did not discover cissus, but we would like to re-introduce this amazing herb back into our modern day society.  Cissus has been used by ancient civilizations for many different uses.  Cissus Quadrangularis was originally written about in an Ayurveda Yoga text.  It was used primarily to heal bone fractures and torn ligaments.  Since it is mostly found throughout India and Southeast Asia, it was mostly these civilizations who have recorded the most uses of cissus.  It has been used orally and topically, and not all of the benefits were recorded from ancient history as ones such as weight loss was probably not a hot topic back then.  We have been discovering more and more benefits the more we research cissus quadrangularis.

Uses and Benefits of Cissus

Now that we know what is Cissus Quadrangularus, let’s take a look at the benefits.  Cissus can be found(more hidden) in many supplements and medications.  Cissus can be taken as an extract or blended with other supplements.  The list of benefits goes on and on as we discover more about this ancient medicinal herb.

• Muscle Repair – Cissus is used by body builders to repair torn muscles, ligaments, and bones.  It can be used by all athletes who suffer bone fractures or torn tendons such as ACL/MCL tears, Achilles tendon tears, or any joint/tendon injury.
• Joint Health – Cissus is a natural joint health supplement similar to DHEA or MSM.  Cissus allows for joint, tendon, and ligament repair.
• Bone Support – A latest study shows that cissus directly helps bone marrow make the bone-building cells known as osteoblasts as well as directly promote the formation of calcium matrix (new bone)
• Workout Recovery – Cissus can improve your workout recovery time and allow your body to gain maximum benefits from over strenuous exercise.
• Cortisol Blocker – This is one of the main goals of body builders since cortisol, a natural hormone in our bodies, breaks down muscle when they are stressed.  This means cortisol is working against heavy workouts.  By blocking cortisol your body allows muscles to get ripped.  Cortisol also plays a part in breaking down sugars and amino acids which can get stored as fats, another thing bodybuilders don’t want.
• Weight Loss/Management – When we are stressed, either physically, mentally, or emotionally, our bodies send out hormones to defend itself.  Cortisol is one hormone our bodies send out.  What happens then is our body finds sugars to break down to store as fat in order to protect our cells from stress.  Cissus prevents the cortisol from interfering with our muscle growth and prevents the fat build up.
• Anti-Oxidant – Cissus is in the grape family and therefore carries great anti-oxidant properties for the human body.  This makes cissus healthy for everyone.
• Gastroprotective Activity- Cissus has been used to treat hemorrhoids and other digestive aids such as ulcers, asthma, and constipation – all important issues that are associated with bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract.
• Malaria – Cissus has been used by Africans to relieve symptoms of Malaria

How to take Cissus Quadrangularis

All parts of Cissus quadrangularis are usable, including the stem, leaf, flower and fruit.  Throughout history cissus has been used topically and orally.  Currently cissus is used in nutritional suppliements.  The plant can be broken down into a powder which can be just the plant itself or the extract, which is a more potent form.  For athletes the extract form is the most useful way to take cissus.  The taste may be bitter making capsule form the best way to take it.

The recommended dosages of cissus is anywhere from 600mg to 1000mg per serving.  Studies have found that cissus is most effective when taken 30 minutes prior to meals.  Servings may be taken 2-3 times per day.  Like any other herbal supplement, your body may have different reactions to the newly introduced supplement.  Some people see and feel results within 1 week, while others may not feel the effects of cissus for 1-3 months.  Your dosage may be increased over time.

Studies done with Cissus

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn (CQ) on the healing process of experimentally fractured radius–ulna of dog. CQ treated animals revealed faster initiation of healing process than the control animals on radiological and histopathological examinations. The treated group also revealed a decrease in serum calcium level to a greater extent than the control group. Healing was almost complete on 21 st day of fracture in the treated animals and remained incomplete in the control animals. No significant alteration ofserum calcium level was observed on 21 st day of fracture in both the groups.

-taken from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cissus_quadrangularis

Cissus Products

When you’re looking for a cissus supplement, you will want to find a pure extract preferably in capsule form.  While cissus comes in powder, it has a strong, bitter taste and may be difficult for you to measure correct amounts.

Muscle Defense – Pure cissus extract from Thailand.  This is the most pure cissus you can find.  It comes in 500mg capsules for 60 servings.  Serving suggestion is 1000mg per serving.

Super Cissus RX – A cissus extract at 800mg per serving.  It is not a very potent extract and the servings actually suggest 1600mg for therapeutic use.

Any Questions about cissus and its uses please contact us, the Cissus Experts and/or leave comments below.