Cissus quadrangularis has been used for centuries by Indian and Asian cultures to heal bones and relieve pain. Today, it is used by athletes and bodybuilders as a post-workout recovery supplement, while others take it to accelerate weight loss. Do the advertisements and user reviews match what researchers have discovered about the benefits of Quadrangularis ? Read on to find out.
What is Cissus Quadrangularis?
The Cissus quadrangularis, a member of the grape family, is a plant native to Asia and Africa. It is also called the veldt grape, the devil’s backbone, and the inflexible vine. Several cultures have highly valued C. quadrangularis as a plant beneficial to health: in Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to heal broken bones – in fact, in India it is known as “Hadjod” which means “bone fixer” – and In South Asia it is traditionally used as a remedy for hemorrhoids and indigestion.
This plant has also gained popularity as a training supplement. It is said to reduce joint pain after intense exercise , a very attractive benefit for athletes and bodybuilders.
Components included in the Cissus quadrangularis
The plant owes many of its health benefits to the active components found inside:
- Carotenoids (provitamin A).
- Triterpenes.
- Vitamin C.
- Flavonoids.
- Phytosterols.
- Resveratrol.
These plant substances have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties . However, one of its key components is ketosterone, which is believed to play an important role in bone healing.
Benefits of Cissus quadrangularis
Accelerates weight loss
The Cissus Quadrangularis supplement can help people achieve their weight loss goals by controlling their appetite and blocking the absorption of certain fats and carbohydrates . Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is easier with this plant, as it helps you choose food appropriately, take reasonable portions, and maintain adequate levels of physical activity.
One study showed that a group of obese people were able to lose weight more quickly by taking the Cissus Quadrangularis supplement twice a day before meals. In another study, researchers concluded that Cissus Quadrangularis supplementation reduces body weight, fasting blood glucose measurements, cholesterol levels, C-reactive protein, and triglycerides.
Improves liver function
Other benefits of Cissus Quadrangularis is that it improves the detoxification process by promoting liver health and function. A better action of this organ enhances the elimination of toxins and waste products, this allows the body to function more efficiently while expending less energy. This also translates into significant improvements in general health over time. The benefits of this plant in this regard include a greater ability to break down, digest and use food, and efficiently expel waste products.
Power muscle building
Recent research suggests that Cissus Quadrangularis supplementation may be effective in building muscle mass. Typically, when people work out at the gym to build muscle mass, they lift weights. This exercise leads to the release of anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and growth hormone from the endocrine system. But due to stress, cortisol is also released, which inhibits protein synthesis and promotes amino acid breakdown. Therefore, the release of this hormone slows the results of strength training. Studies indicate that Cissus Quadrangularis binds and interacts with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and serves as an antagonist. By doing so, it prevents cortisol from binding to the receptor, thereby reducing its levels and enhancing muscle development.
