Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a known anti-osteoporotic agent and is used for the treatment of fractures. This herb has been shown to have osteogenic potential.

Tasadduq and colleagues conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of CQ in promoting osteoblast differentiation of experimental pre-osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. Ethanolic extract of CQ (CQ-E) was used for the purpose of this study. The extract affected growth kinetics of MC3T3-E1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Researchers noted that cell proliferation significantly increased at lower concentrations of CQ-E. Treatment with the herb also enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by a considerable increase in expression of the early osteoblast marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and by mineralization of extracellular matrix at a later stage, when compared with the control group.

The study thus suggested that CQ-E exerts a dose-dependent effect and exhibits anabolic and osteogenic properties at lower concentrations.

Reference

1. Tasadduq R, Gordon J, Al-Ghanim KA, et al.Ethanol Extract of Cissus quadrangularis Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation and Mineralization of Murine Pre-Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells.J Cell Physiol. 2017 Mar;232(3):540-547.