Aim : To evaluate the effects of two formulations, Cissus quadrangularis-only and a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination, on weight loss in overweight and obese human subjects.
Methods : The study was a 10 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 72 obese or overweight participants (45.8% male; 54.2% female; ages 21–44; mean age = 29.3). The participants were randomly divided into three equal (n = 24) groups: placebo, Cissus quadrangularis-only, and Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination. Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals; no major dietary changes nor exercises were suggested during the study. A total of six anthropomorphic and serological measurements (body weight, body fat, waist size; total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose level) were taken at baseline and at 4, 8 and 10 weeks.
Results : Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed a statistically significant difference on all six variables by week 10. The magnitude of the differences was noticeable by week 4 and continued to increase over the trial period.
Conclusion : Although the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group, the Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination resulted in even larger reductions. This apparently synergistic formulation should prove helpful in the management of obesity and its related complications.
The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study - Julius E Oben, Judith L Ngondi, Claudia N Momo, Gabriel A Agbor and Caroline S Makamto Sobgui

ABSTRACT: Since ancient ages plants have served human beings as a natural source of treatments and therapies, amongst them medicinal herbs have gain attention because of its wide use and less side effects. In current scenario focus on plant research has increased throughout the world and a huge amount of evidences have been collected to show immense potential of medicinal plants used in various traditional systems. More than 15000 plants have been studied during the last 5 year period. Recently scientists are using these renewable resources to produce a new generation of therapeutic solutions. Inspite of many synthetic compounds, the most efficient drugs available are directly or indirectly related with the plant kingdom. Many of the plant extracts have proven to posses pharmacological actions. Production and cost advantages of plant-made pharmaceuticals can allow more capital to be invested in research and development of new therapeutics, giving patients access to new drugs faster. This review highlights some of the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Cissus quadrangularis, a perennial climber widely used in traditional medicinal systems of India has been reported to posses bone fracture healing, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antihemorrhoidal and analgesic activities. Cissus quadrangularis Linn. has been recognized as a rich source of carotenoids, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid and is proved to have potential for medical effects, including “Gastroprotective activity” in conjugation with NSAID therapy and in “Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress”. Needless to say that versatile uses and various therapeutic activities has made the plant a valuable medicinal herb.
KEYWORDS: Cissus quadrangularis, phytochemical constituents, Hadjod, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activitie
Pharmacological and Therapeutic Activity of Cissus quadrangularis: An Overview - International Journal of PharmTech Research - Garima Mishra, Saurabh Srivastava, B.P.Nagori - Vol.2, No.2, pp 1298 - 1310