Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceWeight management

Cissus Quadrangularis

Almost all human data on Cissus come from a small cluster of trials testing proprietary multi-ingredient products, so the eye-catching weight-loss numbers cannot be credited to Cissus itself. Its popular use for tendon and joint pain has virtually no trial support.

What the science says

  • Weight and metabolic benefits, but only from combination products Limited evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs in 1,108 patients found Cissus-containing formulations beat placebo for body weight (-5.19 kg, 95% CI -8.82 to -1.55), LDL (-14.4 mg/dL), triglycerides (-37.5 mg/dL), total cholesterol (-50.5 mg/dL) and fasting glucose (-10.4 mg/dL). The authors emphasized that only combination products were pooled, so the active ingredient is unidentified, and called for higher-quality studies.

  • The main obesity trial is a single-group, proprietary-blend study Limited evidence

    In 123 overweight and obese adults over 8 weeks, a Cissus formulation produced significant net reductions in weight, central obesity, fasting glucose, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and CRP, with or without calorie restriction. The magnitude exceeds anything achieved by approved anti-obesity supplements, it used a proprietary blend, and it has not been replicated by an independent group.

  • Joint, tendon and bone healing Limited evidence

    The lifter-favorite use for tendon and joint pain rests on rodent fracture-healing studies and traditional use. The meta-analysis graded the bone and fracture evidence as low quality, found no benefit over comparators for hemorrhoid symptoms, and no adequate RCT has tested Cissus for exercise-related joint pain.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseDoses from 300 to 3,200 mg/day of extract have been used. The weight-loss trials used proprietary blends, often around 300 mg of standardized extract twice daily alongside other ingredients, so there is no clean dose-response for Cissus on its own.
SafetyShort-term trials reported no serious adverse effects; mild GI upset, headache, dry mouth, gas and insomnia have been described. Long-term safety is untested. It may lower blood glucose, so monitor if you are diabetic or on glucose-lowering drugs. Commercial Cissus products are frequently combined with stimulants and other fat-burner ingredients that carry their own risks - read the full label. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding for lack of data.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Double Wood Supplements, Cissus Extract, 150 Capsules (500 mg per Capsule)

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