ANTI-OSTEOPOROTIC AND BONE-HEALING POTENTIAL OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS: A REVIEW

Cissus quadrangularis is a medicinal plant with a wide range of traditional uses as an Ayurvedic herb for the treatment of fractures and musculoskeletal problems. Recent research has emphasised the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of the plant by conducting human clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence of the use of Cissus quadrangularis in maintaining bone health, particularly with respect to biomarkers, fractures, and osteoporosis. Clinical and biomarker studies of Cissus quadrangularis supplementation have demonstrated an increase in the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the serum, indicating a possible stimulatory effect of the plant on bone remodelling. However, there is no change in the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, indicating that the plant is safe with respect to mineral metabolism. Clinical studies of patients with fractures, especially mandible and facial fractures, have demonstrated a reduction in pain, swelling, and inflammation, as well as faster radiographic healing and early callus formation. Furthermore, placebo-controlled studies on postmenopausal women with osteopenia indicate that Cissus quadrangularis may assist in the slowing down of bone loss, as observed after about 24 weeks. However, the increase in bone mineral density was not significantly observed, as the studies were limited in duration and had small subject pools. It can be concluded that, based on the current evidence, Cissus quadrangularis exhibits promising effects on bone healing and fracture healing, and more clinical studies are warranted.