The Ingredient
Cissus quadrangularis L.: The Source of Cissuslean®
Cissuslean® begins with Cissus quadrangularis L., a distinctive succulent medicinal vine belonging to the grape family, Vitaceae. Native to India, the plant has a long history of traditional use and is particularly associated with bone and joint health.
The plant
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial, succulent climbing plant recognized by its thick, fleshy, four-angled stems. The botanical name refers to this characteristic structure, with “quadrangularis” describing the stem’s four-sided appearance.
The plant belongs to the Vitaceae family, which also includes grapevines. It grows as a vigorous, branching vine and can spread across nearby vegetation or climb with the support of tendrils. Its stems are green, jointed and adapted to store moisture, helping the plant tolerate hot and seasonally dry conditions.
Small leaves emerge at the nodes of the stem. The plant also produces clusters of inconspicuous flowers, followed by small berry-like fruits that become reddish as they mature.
In India, Cissus quadrangularis is widely known as Hadjod, a name traditionally associated with supporting broken bones. It is also referred to in Sanskrit as Asthisamhara or Asthisamharaka.
The part used
Cissuslean® is derived from the stems of Cissus quadrangularis. The succulent stems are the plant part most closely associated with its traditional use and are a natural source of diverse phytochemicals.
The Cissuslean® extract contains a full spectrum of compounds, including the polyphenols resveratrol and piceatannol; flavonoids such as myricetin, quercitrin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, luteolin and 3-O-rhamnopyranosylkaempferol; the glycosides genistein and daidzein; and the saponin diosgenin.
Retaining this diverse phytochemical profile distinguishes Cissuslean® from preparations built around a single isolated molecule.
Native habitat and cultivation
Cissus quadrangularis is native to India and is well adapted to tropical and subtropical environments. Its moisture-storing stems allow it to grow under warm conditions and withstand periods of limited rainfall.
The plant performs well in sunny locations and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from stem cuttings, which develop into vigorous vines when suitable growing conditions are maintained.
For standardized botanical extraction, plant identity, harvest maturity and post-harvest handling must be carefully controlled. The stems selected for Cissuslean® are processed to preserve their naturally occurring bioactive compounds and provide a consistent phytochemical profile.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Genus | Cissus |
| Species | Cissus quadrangularis L. |
| Botanical synonym | Vitis quadrangularis (L.) |
| Common names | Veld grape, Devil’s backbone, Cissus |
| Indian names | Hadjod, Hadjora, Asthisamhara, Asthisamharaka |
| Plant type | Perennial succulent medicinal vine |
| Plant part used | Stem |
Formulate with a traceable Cissus extract
Request a sample of Cissuslean® or discuss your application with our technical team.