Cissus quadrangularis L. is well-known for its antiosteoporotic activity. A study by Aswar and colleagues extracted the phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND-HE) from C. quadrangularis and investigated its effect on osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in experimental models.

Ovariectomized models were segregated into the following four groups (n = 6 each):

• Group I was the control group and received distilled water
• Group II received IND-HE (75 mg/kg p.o.)
• Group III was given IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.)
• Group IV formed the standard estradiol group, and was given estrogen (1 mg/kg, s.c. bi-weekly).

All the models were treated for a period of 8 weeks. Investigators assessed the effects on body weight and conducted dual energy-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis of whole body bone and femur. Biochemical parameters were also assessed. A biomechanical study of right tibia and histopathology of pelvic bone was also done.

Both doses of IND-HE and estrogen led to a statistically significant increase in bone thickness, bone density and bone hardness. IND-HE and estrogen treatment also significantly increased serum estradiol. In comparison with controls, IND-HE (100 mg/kg) (P<0.05) and estrogen treatment were shown to enhance serum vitamin D3 and serum calcium levels as well. Alkaline phosphatase demonstrated significant reduction with IND-HE (100 mg/kg p.o.) and estrogen treatment. IND-HE (75 and 100 mg/kg) was shown to prevent bone loss on histopathology and DEXA analysis.

The study thus revealed that phytoestrogen-rich fraction (IND- HE) of C. quadrangularis has potential antiosteoporotic activity.

Reference

1. Aswar UM, Mohan V, Bodhankar SL. Antiosteoporotic activity of phytoestrogen-rich fraction separated from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Cissus quadrangularis in ovariectomized rats. Indian J Pharmacol. 2012 May;44(3):345-50.