The Ingredient
Mechanism of Action
Cissuslean® is a standardized extract of Cissus quadrangularis developed to support healthy body composition, lipid metabolism and joint function. Its activity is associated with a full spectrum of naturally occurring polyphenols, flavonoids, glycosides and saponins that act across multiple biological pathways.
How Cissuslean® works
Cissuslean® supports weight management primarily by influencing cellular pathways involved in adipocyte development, fatty-acid synthesis and fat oxidation. Preclinical research indicates that Cissuslean® activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) while regulating downstream proteins involved in lipid metabolism.
AMPK functions as a cellular energy sensor. When activated, it shifts cellular metabolism away from energy storage and toward energy utilisation. Cissuslean® has also been shown in cellular models to downregulate adipogenic signalling, reduce triglyceride accumulation and limit the maturation of preadipocytes into fat-storing adipocytes.
Three converging pathways
01
AMPK activation and fatty-acid oxidation
In preclinical testing, Cissuslean® increased AMPK phosphorylation during adipocyte differentiation and upregulated PPARα, a regulator of fatty-acid transport and oxidation. It also increased phosphorylated ACC — a marker of reduced fatty-acid synthesis — indicating a metabolic shift away from new fat production.
02
Regulation of adipogenesis and lipid storage
In differentiated cell models, Cissuslean® reduced intracellular triglyceride accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner, downregulated PPARγ and reduced AKT phosphorylation — mechanisms consistent with reduced fat accumulation observed in high-fat-diet animal models.
03
Inflammatory signalling and metabolic balance
Cissuslean® reduced phosphorylated NF-κB in cellular models, and in the human trial was associated with favourable changes in leptin and adiponectin — signalling molecules involved in appetite, energy balance and adipose-tissue metabolism.
From botanical actives to measurable outcomes
Complementary joint-support pathway
Cissuslean® may also support joint health through complementary anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective activity. In the human clinical study, 300 mg of Cissuslean® daily for 84 days was associated with reductions in IL-6, leukotriene B4, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and MMP-3 — an enzyme associated with extracellular-matrix and cartilage degradation.
Inflammatory signalling regulation → lower cartilage-degrading activity → support for cartilage and subchondral bone → improved comfort and mobility.
Formulate with a multi-target botanical
Discuss dosing, positioning and formulation options with our technical team.