Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a well-known osteoprotective agent. The herb extract has been shown to enhance bone fracture healing, ossification of fetal bone, and increase the thickness of trabecular bone.

A study evaluated the anti-osteoporotic effect of petroleum ether extract of C. quadrangularis on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in experimental models. These models were segregated into five groups with six models in each group: The normal control (NC) group received no surgery and no treatment; sham control (SHAM) group received sham surgery but was not given any treatment; the ovariectomized (OVX) group received an ovariectomy and treatment with normal saline for 90 days; the ovariectomized + raloxifene (OVX + RAL) group underwent an ovariectomy and was administered raloxifene for 90 days starting on 22nd post-ovariectomy day; and the ovariectomy + C. quadrangularis (OVX + CQ) group received an ovariectomy and were treated with the petroleum ether extract of C. quadrangularis 500 mg/kg body weight daily for 90 days starting on 22nd post-ovariectomy day. Investigators assessed the right femur for biomechanical analysis, and the left femur for histomorphometrical analysis.

C. quadrangularis led to a significant increase in the force required to break the femur and significantly enhanced the thickness of both cortical and trabecular bone (Fig. 1and 2). The action of the herb was comparable to that of raloxifene.

Investigators thus concluded that petroleum ether extract of C. quadrangularis exerts anti-osteoporotic activity in experimental models.

Fig. 1. Cortical thickness in study groups

Fig. 2. Trabecular thickness in study groups

Reference

1. Potu BK, Rao MS, Nampurath GK, et al. Anti-osteoporotic Activity of the Petroleum Ether Extract of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. in Ovariectomized Wistar Rats. Chang Gung Med J 2010;33:252-7.