Cissus quadrangularis L., a succulent plant of family Vitaceae, is known to have medicinal properties. The plant is used for healing of fractures of bones. It can be given internally and applied externally in cases of fractures, and is also used in complaints of the back and spine. It is a potential treatment option for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis.¹

The herb is commonly known as the ‘bone setter.’ An anabolic steroid found in C. quadrangularis seems to act on the estrogenic receptors of the bone. It leads to early ossification and remodeling of bones. The herb has been shown to stimulate metabolism and increase the uptake of calcium, sulphur, and strontium by osteoblasts. The vitamins and steroids found in C. quadrangularis exercise specific effect on bone fracture healing.¹

C. quadrangularis affects the rate of fracture healing by influencing early regeneration of connective tissues associated with healing and quicker mineralization of callus. This herb has been shown in experimental models to lead to complete restoration of normal composition of bone, after fracture in a period of four weeks. The early completion of calcification process and earlier remodeling with this herb results in early recovery.¹

Giri and colleagues² assessed the fracture healing effect of ethanolic extracts of C. quadrangularis on fractured tibia in experimental models. Skiagram revealed beginning of callus formation and bridging of gap by the 2^nd week in C. quadrangularis treated group while no such results were noted in normal saline treated group. By the 4^th week, there was union in C. quadrangularis group with almost complete bridging of the fracture ends with extensive bony deposition.

C. quadrangularis also seems to regulate osteoblastic activity by enhancing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization process.³

Evidence suggests the beneficial properties of this bone-setting herb that can be used effectively to speed up the process of bone healing.

References

1. Ghouse MS, Baig MS. Bone healing activity of Cissus quadrangularis Linn.International Journal of Pharmacognosy 2015;2(11):527-31.
2. Giri RR, Giri KR, Palandurkar K. Evaluation of Fracture Healing Property of Ethanolic Extract of Cissus quadrangularis Using 3-Point Bending Model in Rats. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci 2017;6(6):2924-31.
3. Parisuthiman D, Singhatanadgit W, Dechatiwongse T, Koontongkaew S. Cissus quadrangularis Extract Enhances Biomineralization through Up-Regulation of MAPK-Dependent Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Osteoblasts.In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Animal 2009;45(3/4):194-200.