Cissus Quadrangularis: Linking Bones & Metabolic Health

Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb in use for over a thousand years.  The Sanskrit name for this herb is Hadjod which translates literally to bone-union.  An emerging body of exciting new science is linking bone health and metabolic health (weight loss and blood sugar metabolism).  Interestingly, CQ has new studies further supporting its role for both issues.

Last August I explained this new body of science in my cutting-edge article The New World of Bones – Thyroid, Leptin, Blood Sugar, and Bone Strength, which I highly recommend to any person interested in this topic.  In short, bone building cells called osteoclasts Type of bone cell that removes old, damaged bone by the process bone resorption. produce a protein called osteocalcin Hormone secreted by osteoblasts for the bone formation process. It is also involved with pancreatic and insulin function and adiponectin secretion. which is vital for the formation of bone.  Additionally, osteocalcin Hormone secreted by osteoblasts for the bone formation process. It is also involved with pancreatic and insulin function and adiponectin secretion. acts as a hormone, traveling to stored fat where it boosts the production of adiponectin Protein hormone that modulates metabolism including glucose and fatty acid catabolism. High levels are associated with low body fat. , in turn helping liver metabolism and preventing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.  On the other hand bone remodeling cells called osteoclasts Type of bone cell that removes old, damaged bone by the process bone resorption., when active in excess, cause bone loss.  They make too much of a substance called TRAP (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) Enzyme that functions with osteoclast and osteoblast activity, iron transport, along with cell growth and differentiation. which also goes to fat cells and has the undesirable effect of helping to make a person fat.  This information makes it clear that bone health and metabolic health are highly linked.

There is an effort going on around the world seeking use the new science to document many long-standing practical uses of herbs and plants to support health.  In a recently published study CQ was able to stop insulin resistance¹, liver damage, fat accumulation, and oxidative damage in animals fed a high-fat fructose diet (the typical diet of obese/diabetic Americans).  This supports a 2006 study² showing that QC can help overweight and obese adults lose weight.

At the same time recent cell and animal studies show that CQ can enhance osteoblast activity³ (which naturally produces more osteocalcin Hormone secreted by osteoblasts for the bone formation process. It is also involved with pancreatic and insulin function and adiponectin secretion.) while reducing osteoclast activity⁴ (lowering TRAP).  Earlier animal studies⁵ have demonstrated the bone-mending power of CQ.  In 1964 it was shown that the herb sped up fracture healing in dogs and rats by 33%.  In 1976 detailed studies of the ability of osteoblasts to lay down new bone cells was undertaken during fracture recovery.  At three weeks the CQ-treated animals were making dramatic progress compared to controls and at six weeks their healing process was complete while the untreated animals were still healing.

Building on this research in 2002 a study was undertaken using CQ extract at a dose of 250 mg three times per day to help 10 patients with fracture of the long bones⁶ in their leg, whose fractures had been stabilized with interlocking nails.  The typical healing time for this injury is 16-20 weeks.  The healing time for this group was 12-14 weeks, confirmed by X-ray analysis.  This is a similar to the 33% increased rate of healing seen in earlier animal studies.

An organically grown standardized extract of CQ (CALZBONE) has recently been tested in 40 perimenopausal with low bone density⁷.  Study participants took 250 mg three times per day for six months.  At the end of the study the average increase in bone density was 17%. 

Since CQ has no known adverse side effects and a long history of traditional use, the collective body of science shows that it is a natural way to help support both bone and metabolic health.