Cissus quadrangularis
Cissus quadrangularis is a plant belonging to the grape family that grows in Africa and parts of Asia
Cissus quadrangularis has been used in traditional medicinal practices for thousands of years because of its ability to promote bone health, relieve joint pain, and protect against chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Recently, more positive effects of Cissus quadrangularis have been discovered and modern research has found that it can assist with weight loss and body fat reduction.
123 participants classified as obese (BMI>30) and overweight (BMI 25-29) were divided into three Cissus formulation consumption groups and a non-consumption group for 8 weeks. Participants were divided into four groups: a group taking a placebo, a group with BMI>30 taking the Cissus formulation without dieting, a group with BMI>30 taking the Cissus formulation while dieting, and a group with BMI 25-29 taking the Cissus formulation without dieting. Participants took two daily doses (514 mg per dose) of the Cissus formulation or placebo for 8 weeks.
After 8 weeks researchers found that the groups consuming the Cissus formulation showed a decrease in body weight, body fat, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol), and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) when compared to the group who took the placebo. It is important to note that waist circumference is a major criterion in the diagnosis of obesity and metabolic syndrome and is generally considered a surrogate measure of abdominal visceral fat.
In conclusion, Cissus quadrangularis is effective for weight loss and metabolic syndrome management and improves satiety by increasing serotonin levels which helps to suppress appetite. The decrease in total cholesterol levels also indicates a reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
This paper was published in Lipids In Health And Disease.
Reference
Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, Momo C, Talla X (2006) The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.
Lipids Health Dis.2006 Sep 2;5:24.
