Role of Cissus quadrangularis in bone loss pathologies

Abstract

Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a well-known medicinal plant from Vitaceae family. It shows various pharmacological activities such as, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-osteoporotic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antiglucocorticoid, and antidiabetic activity. Among these, bone healing and anti-osteoporotic properties are the most studied and demonstrated across multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies. Bone loss is a condition which must be treated with proper medication at its early stages for faster recovery and to maintain quality of life. Bone loss may be due to impaired remodeling or bone fracture or due to pathological conditions like osteoporosis. Current management strategies include most of the synthetic agents that need to be administered for long durations and associated with several adverse effects. Hence there is a need for supportive herbal treatment options which can reduce or prevent bone loss with minimal safety concerns. CQ enhances bone formation and reduces bone resorption process to maintain bone remodeling and bone homeostasis through various mechanisms. With an increasing number of studies and publications on this subject, the exact role played by CQ in the management of bone loss is getting clearer. This narrative review provides a summary of the mechanisms of action of CQ extract as demonstrated across various in-vitro, animal model and clinical studies.