Cissus quadrangularis L., a succulent perennial plant belonging to the Vitaceae family, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Java, and parts of Africa. Commonly known as Hadjod, Horjora (Hindi), and Pirandai (Tamil), this plant has long been valued in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, for its broad therapeutic applications.
Traditionally used as both a medicinal plant and a dietary component in India, Cissus quadrangularis is especially recognized for its role in promoting bone health and accelerating fracture healing. Various parts of the plant, including stems, leaves, and roots, are utilized in different regions for managing a wide range of health conditions. In addition to its use in fracture healing, it has been employed as an anthelmintic, digestive tonic, analgesic, and in the treatment of asthma, irregular menstruation, and ear and eye disorders. In regions like Cameroon, the whole plant is also used in oral rehydration practices.
Phytochemical investigations of Cissus quadrangularis reveal the presence of several bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, carotene, calcium, ketosteroids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, and glycosides. Specific constituents such as β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, δ-amyrin, δ-amyrone, resveratrol, piceatannol, pallidol, parthenocissine, and quadrangularins contribute to its diverse pharmacological properties. These compounds are associated with antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging, antimicrobial effects, anti-inflammatory action, pain relief, diuretic effects, and ulcer management.Scientific studies have further highlighted its potential role in metabolic regulation, including anti-obesity effects through the inhibition of digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and α-glucosidase. Despite extensive research on its pharmacological activities and phytochemical profile, certain therapeutic potentials, such as its role in metabolic syndrome, remain underexplored.Given its extensive traditional use and promising pharmacological properties, Cissus quadrangularis continues to be an important subject of scientific investigation for its potential applications in modern healthcare.
Introducing Cissuslean®
Cissuslean® is a carefully standardized extract of Cissus quadrangularis, developed to ensure quality, consistency, and performance. Derived from dried stems and leaves, it undergoes a controlled aqueous extraction process, followed by purification and spray drying to yield a stable powder, with defined levels of key bioactives ensured through advanced analytical standardization.
Cissuslean® is designed to support healthy weight management and metabolic balance. It helps limit excess fat accumulation while promoting the breakdown of stored lipids, contributing to improved body composition. By assisting in the regulation of fat cell formation, it supports balanced weight maintenance over time.
It also supports healthy lipid metabolism by helping maintain balanced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while contributing to stable blood glucose regulation for sustained energy and metabolic efficiency.In addition, Cissuslean® supports liver health by helping reduce excess fat deposition and promoting efficient metabolic function. Its influence on key metabolic pathways enhances how the body processes and utilizes energy.
What differentiates Cissuslean® is its ability to act on multiple pathways of fat metabolism supporting fat breakdown, limiting fat formation, and regulating key metabolic functions simultaneously.
Weight Management & Body Composition
- Cissuslean® was evaluated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6J mice at graded doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg to assess its effectiveness in managing body weight and composition.
- The treatment led to a significant reduction in both body weight gain and final body weight compared to the HFD control group, indicating its ability to counteract diet-induced obesity.
- It also markedly reduced the food efficiency ratio (FER), suggesting improved utilization of dietary energy and a lower conversion of consumed calories into stored fat.
- DEXA-based analysis confirmed a substantial decrease in whole-body fat mass and overall fat percentage across treated groups, reflecting its impact on total adiposity.
- Cissuslean® effectively reduced adipose tissue accumulation in both visceral and subcutaneous fat depots, demonstrating a broad influence on fat distribution.
- Histological evaluation further supported these findings by showing a reduction in adipocyte size and number, indicating suppressed fat storage and limited expansion of adipose tissue at the cellular level.
Effects of Cissuslean® on body weight in male C57BL/6J mice fed with HFD. The data were shown relative mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was calculated using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey’s test.**P<0.05 Control vs All other groups., #P<0.05 HFD vs all other treatment groups
Table 1. Body composition measured by DEXA after 9 weeks of Cissuslean® administration
H&E-stained images of liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples from the normal diet (control), vehicle-treated, Cissuslean®-treated groups
Adipogenesis & Lipid Regulation
- Cissuslean® was investigated using 3T3-L1 preadipocyte models to evaluate its effect on adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation processes.
- The treatment significantly inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes, indicating its ability to interfere with early stages of fat cell formation.
- It resulted in a pronounced reduction in intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride content, demonstrating its effectiveness in limiting fat storage within cells.
- Cissuslean® downregulated key adipogenic regulators responsible for fat cell development and lipid storage, further supporting its role in controlling adipogenesis at the molecular level.
- In addition, it significantly reduced serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL levels under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions, reflecting its beneficial impact on circulating lipid parameters.
- These combined effects contributed to the normalization of dysregulated lipid profiles associated with obesity, highlighting its role in maintaining balanced lipid metabolism.
Effect of Cissuslean® on lipid accumulation: Differentiated NIH3T3 cells were treated with various concentrations of Cissuslean® and subjected to triglyceride glow assay to estimate triglyceride levels.
Effects of Cissuslean® on biochemical parameters in C57BL/6J mice fed a HFD. The data were shown relative mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was calculated using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey’s test. ** P>0.05 vs. Control and # P>0.05vs.HFD. TG, triglycerides; TC, total cholesterol; LDL, low density lipoprotein; HDL, high density lipoprotein
Metabolic Balance & Liver Health
- Cissuslean® demonstrated effective regulation of elevated blood glucose levels associated with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic imbalance, supporting improved glycemic control.
- The treatment significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels, indicating attenuation of hepatic stress and enhancement of overall liver function.
- It also contributed to a reduction in hepatic lipid accumulation, thereby helping to mitigate fat deposition in the liver and associated fatty liver conditions.
- Histopathological evaluation further confirmed these effects by showing restoration of near-normal liver architecture, particularly at higher treatment doses.
- Collectively, these findings highlight its dual role in supporting metabolic balance while protecting against diet-induced hepatic dysfunction.
Effects of Cissuslean® on biochemical parameters in C57BL/6J mice fed a HFD. The data were shown relative mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was calculated using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey’s test. ** P>0.05 vs. Control and # P>0.05vs.HFD. AST, aspartate amino transferase; ALT, alanine transaminase
Mechanistic Pathway Modulation
- Cissuslean® enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, promoting fatty acid oxidation and supporting improved energy homeostasis at the cellular level.
- It upregulated PPARα expression, facilitating increased fatty acid catabolism and efficient utilization of stored lipids.
- Simultaneously, it downregulated PPARγ expression, thereby suppressing adipogenesis and reducing lipid storage within adipose tissue.
- The treatment inhibited AKT phosphorylation, leading to a decrease in lipogenic activity and limiting the synthesis of new fatty acids.
- Increased phosphorylation of ACC further contributed to the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis, reinforcing its role in controlling lipid production.
- Cissuslean® also reduced NF-κB activity, indicating modulation of inflammatory pathways commonly associated with metabolic disorders.
- Collectively, these effects demonstrate a coordinated regulation of multiple signaling pathways involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis, supporting overall metabolic balance.
Effect of Cissuslean® on the expression of proteins related to lipogenic and lipolytic activity in 3T3-L1. PPAR- α, PPAR-γ, pAKT/AKT, pAMPK/AMPK, p-ACC/ACC, p-NFkB/NFkB, Actin and Tubulin. All results are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent in triplicate. Bars with different letters indicate significant differences at p < 0.05 using Duncan’s multiple range test
Safety & Cellular Compatibility
- Cissuslean® was evaluated for cytotoxicity using normal HFF1 cells through the MTT assay to assess its safety at the cellular level.
- The treatment maintained high levels of cell viability across all tested concentrations, indicating minimal impact on normal cell function.
- It exhibited no significant cytotoxic effects at functional doses, supporting its safety for practical applications.
- Cellular morphology remained intact, with no visible signs of membrane damage, shrinkage, or cellular stress under microscopic observation.
- These findings collectively confirm a favorable safety profile, supporting its suitability for use in nutraceutical and therapeutic formulations.
Effect of Cissuslean® on normal cells: NIH3T3 cells were exposed to Cissuslean® at various concentrations and subjected to MTT assay to evaluate toxicity.
Flexible Formulation Compatibility
Designed for versatile formulation, these ingredients can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of product formats. They are well-suited for applications such as functional foods, ready-to-drink beverages, wellness shots, gummies, capsules, tablets, and other innovative delivery systems.
About Star Hi Herbs
Star Hi Herbs is a globally recognized manufacturer of high-quality herbal extracts, nutraceutical ingredients, and botanical solutions serving the wellness, personal care, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. Built on a strong base of traditional plant knowledge and supported by modern science, the company focuses on delivering safe, consistent, and effective herbal actives that meet international standards.
Our Strengths:
- Star Hi Herbs supports extensive cultivation through 30,000 acres of contract farming, ensuring consistent supply and quality of raw materials.
- The company operates with an advanced manufacturing capacity of 6,000 MT per annum, enabling large-scale production.
- It holds over 27 globally registered patents, reflecting its strong focus on innovation and proprietary technologies.
- The organization is backed by more than 20 scientific research publications, highlighting its commitment to evidence-based development.
- Star Hi Herbs serves a global network of 550+ customers, demonstrating its strong international presence.
- It maintains a firm commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and rigorous quality assurance practices.
- The company is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that comply with ISO, FSSC, GMP, and USDA Organic standards.
Conclusion
Cissuslean® represents a scientifically supported, standardized extract of Cissus quadrangularis designed to address multiple aspects of weight management and metabolic health. Through its ability to reduce body weight gain, limit fat accumulation, and regulate lipid profiles, it demonstrates a comprehensive approach to managing obesity-related parameters. Its influence on adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, and key metabolic pathways further highlights its role in improving overall metabolic efficiency.
Cissuslean® contributes to liver health and metabolic balance by supporting healthy biochemical parameters and reducing diet-induced stress on vital organs. Its demonstrated safety profile, along with its multi-targeted mechanism of action, positions it as a reliable and effective ingredient for advanced nutraceutical formulations aimed at weight management and metabolic wellness.
FAQ:
1. What is the primary application of Cissuslean®? Cissuslean® is a plant-based extract from Cissus quadrangularis developed for weight management. It is mainly used to reduce body fat accumulation and support metabolic health.
2. How does Cissuslean® help in reducing body fat? Cissuslean® works by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and reducing lipid accumulation. It also regulates genes involved in adipogenesis and enhances AMPK signaling, which plays a key role in energy metabolism.
3. Can Cissuslean® support liver health? Yes. It has been shown to lower elevated ALT and AST levels, indicating protection against fatty liver-related damage caused by obesity.
4. Does Cissuslean® influence blood lipid profiles? Cissuslean® helps regulate triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels, contributing to improved metabolic balance in obesity conditions.
5. What is the mechanism behind its anti-obesity effect? Its effects are linked to inhibition of lipase activity, suppression of adipogenic regulators, and modulation of lipid metabolism pathways..
