Meta Information
ID:cissus-quadrangularis
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Cissus quadrangularis may lower blood glucose levels, potentially enhancing the effects of antidiabetic drugs and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
It is important to consult a doctor before combining and to monitor blood glucose levels closely, as medication dosages may need adjustment.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Compared with the placebo, the CQR-300 group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, as well as leptin levels.
Label source:
PubMed: The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants. (PMID 29912570)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/condition/diabetes-mellitus
Target name:
Diabetes Mellitus
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Due to its blood sugar-lowering properties, individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia when taking Cissus, especially if they are on medication.
Actionable advice:
If you have diabetes, consult your physician before use and monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
BACKGROUND: Previous work had shown the ability of an aqueous leaf and stem extract of Cissus quandrangularis (300 mg of CQR, CQR-300) to improve components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight individuals.
Label source:
PubMed: The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants. (PMID 29912570)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Cissus may affect blood glucose levels and potentially has mild CNS depressant effects, which could interfere with blood sugar control and anesthesia during and after surgery.
Actionable advice:
Use should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
CQR-300 treatment effectively reduced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels.
Label source:
PubMed: Frontiers in pharmacology (2024)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is insufficient reliable safety data on the use of Cissus during pregnancy. Due to a lack of evidence and theoretical risks, it is contraindicated.
Actionable advice:
This should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There isn't enough reliable information to know if Cissus quadrangularis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if the active compounds in Cissus pass into breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant. It should be avoided due to a lack of safety data.
Actionable advice:
It should be avoided completely while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Cissus quadrangularis if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Label source:
Anecdotal: RxList
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining Cissus with other supplements known to lower blood sugar (e.g., berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, cinnamon) can have an additive effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Caution is warranted, and it is worth monitoring for symptoms of low blood sugar, when combining with other glucose-lowering supplements.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Compared with the placebo, the CQR-300 group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, as well as leptin levels.
Label source:
PubMed: The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants. (PMID 29912570)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
informational
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Cissus with food may improve gastrointestinal tolerance and reduce the risk of reported side effects such as gas, dry mouth, or headache.
Actionable advice:
Cissus Quadrangularis is generally best taken with a meal to minimize potential stomach discomfort.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Based on studies to date, Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at the doses commonly used.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytotherapy research : PTR (2013)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
No serious adverse effects were reported.
Label source:
PubMed: Phytotherapy research : PTR (2017)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
No adverse events, no blood chemistry changes were reported.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet (2010)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
CONCLUSION: Cissus quadrangularis formulation appears to be useful in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.
Label source:
PubMed: Lipids in health and disease (2006)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/nsaids
Target name:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Cissus possesses inherent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may work additively with NSAIDs, potentially enhancing overall pain relief.
Actionable advice:
This combination may provide additional pain relief, but it is best not used to replace medical advice for chronic conditions.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
AFCQ extract showed COX and 5-LOX inhibition with IC(50) values of 7 μg/ml, 0.4 μg/ml, and 20 μg/ml for COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX respectively.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2012)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The results suggest peripheral and central analgesic activity of CQ. In acute phase of inflammation CQ elicited the inhibitory effect on the edema formation of the rats' ear induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate as well as on the formation of the paw edema in rats induced by both carrageenin and arachidonic acid.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
CQHE produced a dose dependent inhibition of joint swelling in both formaldehyde-induced and adjuvant induced arthritis. CQHE treatment also reduced serum TNF-α level, oxidative stress and synovial expression of inflammatory and angiogenesis marker.
Label source:
PubMed: Journal of ethnopharmacology (2015)
Action type:
avoid