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Owing to its environment‐friendly, biocompatible, non‐toxic nature of nanoparticles attained from green plant extract, it has remarkable significance in the field of nanotechnology towards effective biomedical application. This work reports the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles by means of Cissus quadrangularis and Piper betle via green‐synthesis route. The medicinal leaf extracts possessing phytochemicals such as alkaloids and polyphenols act as a reducing agent in the current synthesis. The characterization of functional groups of CuO NPs by two different leaf extracts was investigated by FTIR analysis which measures reduction and stabilization of CuO NPs. X‐ray diffraction confirms the orthorhombic structure with an average crystallite size of about 32.54 and 32.09 nm. The irregular spherical‐shaped morphology of the samples is evidenced from scanning electron microscopy analysis. The transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated 50 nm sized prepared CuO nanoparticles. The bioactivity of the prepared sample is confirmed from antibacterial studies and zeta potential.

In continuation of the investigation of osteogenic potential of solvent fractions of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), an ancient medicinal plant, most notably known for its bone-healing properties, to isolate and identify antiosteoporotic compounds. In the current study, we report the effect of hexane fraction (CQ-H) and dichloromethane fraction (CQ-D) of CQ on the differentiation and mineralization of mouse preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 (subclone 4). Growth, viability, and proliferation assays revealed that low concentrations (0.1, 1, and 100 ng/ml) of both solvent fractions were nontoxic, whereas higher concentrations were toxic to the cells. Differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 with nontoxic concentrations of CQ-D and CQ-H revealed that CQ-D delayed the mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. However, early and enhanced mineralization was observed in cultures treated with nontoxic concentrations of CQ-H, as indicated by Von Kossa staining and expression profile of osteoblast marker genes such as osterix, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen (Col1a1), integrin-related bone sialoprotein (IBSP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN). These findings suggest CQ-H as the most efficacious solvent fraction for further investigation to isolate and identify the active compounds in CQ-H.

Cissus quadrangularis L. (Cissus) is a medicinal plant commonly used for centuries for various conditions, but lacks critical appraisal of its clinical effects. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of Cissus in all conditions. Publications from 12 electronic databases were searched from inception through November 2016. A total of nine studies with 1108 patients were included. Each outcome was pooled using a random effects model. Effects of Cissus on hemorrhoid symptoms were not different from any comparators but had significant effects on bone pain. Effects of Cissus combination products on body weight reduction, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar were superior to placebo, with weighted mean difference of -5.19 kg (-8.82, -1.55), -14.43 mg/dl (-20.06, -8.80), -37.50 mg/dl (-48.71, -26.29), -50.50 mg/dl (-70.97, -30.04), and -10.39 mg/dl (-14.60, -6.18), respectively. No serious adverse effects were reported. Quality of evidence based on Grades of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) indicated low (bone fractures) to high quality (hemorrhoids, body weight reduction).In conclusion, Cissus had benefit for bone fractures, but not for hemorrhoids. For obesity/overweight, only combination products are pooled and show benefit. However, high-quality studies remain needed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Traditional medicinal literature and previous studies have reported the possible role of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) as an anti-osteoporotic agent. This study examines the effectiveness of CQ in promoting osteoblast differentiation of the murine pre-osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. Ethanolic extract of CQ (CQ-E) was found to affect growth kinetics of MC3T3-E1 cells in a dosage-dependent manner. High concentrations of CQ-E (more than 10 μg/ml) have particularly adverse effects, while lower concentrations of 0.1 and 1 µg/ml were non-toxic and did not affect cell viability. Notably, cell proliferation was significantly increased at the lower concentrations of CQ-E. CQ-E treatment also augmented osteoblast differentiation, as reflected by a substantial increase in expression of the early osteoblast marker ALP activity, and at later stage, by mineralization of extracellular matrix compared to the control group. These findings suggest dose-dependent effect of CQ-E with lower concentrations exhibiting anabolic and osteogenic properties. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 540-547, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The main aim of this work was to study the effects of chemical treatments on veldt grape fibers (VGFs) and their composites with unsaturated polyester (UP) as the matrix. Alkalis such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and silane coupling agent (NaOH + silane) were used to modify the surface of optimally selected 40mm long fibers. The chemical treatments were carried with different concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% of chemical agents for 1 hr. The chemically treated single fibers were subjected to tensile testing. The chemical analysis, crystallinity and functional group identification of both untreated and surface modified VGFs were carried out. The untreated and chemically treated 40 mm fiber length VGFs/UP composites were prepared with a loading of 40 wt% for studying the mechanical properties. The enhanced tensile strength of VGFs was found at the optimized concentration of 10% (NaOH), 15% [Ca(OH)2] and 10% (NaOH + silane) for various chemical treatments. The thermal stability of treated VGFs was higher when compared to untreated ones. Among all, the Ca(OH)2 treated VGF/UP composites possessed better mechanical properties. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis was performed to identify the failure mechanism for the impact fractured samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Objectives This report highlights phytoconstituents present in Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extract and examines biphasic (proliferative and anti-proliferative) effects of its extract on bone cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, ROS generation, cell cycle progression and Runx2 gene expression in primary rat osteoblasts. Materials and methods Phytoconstituents were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Osteoblasts were exposed to different concentrations (10–100 μg/ml) of CQ extract and cell proliferation and cell differentiation were investigated at different periods of time. Subsequently, intracellular ROS intensity, apoptosis and matrix mineralization of osteoblasts were evaluated. We performed flow cytometry for DNA content and real-time PCR for Runx2 gene expression analysis. Results CQ extract's approximately 40 bioactive compounds of fatty acids, hydrocarbons, vitamins and steroidal derivatives were identified. Osteoblasts exposed to varying concentrations of extract exhibited biphasic variation in cell proliferation and differentiation as a function of dose and time. Moreover, lower concentrations (10–50 μg/ml) of extract slightly reduced ROS intensity, although they enhanced matrix mineralization, DNA content in S phase of the cell cycle, and levels of Runx2 expression. However, higher concentrations (75–100 μg/ml) considerably induced the ROS intensity and nuclear condensation in osteoblasts, while it reduced mineralization level, proportion of cells in S phase and Runx2 level of the osteogenic gene. Conclusions These findings suggest that CQ extract revealed concentration-dependent biphasic effects, which would contribute notably to future assessment of pre-clinical efficacy and safety studies.

Extracts and powders of Cissus quadrangularis have been used for many years to promote bone and tissues healing, as an analgesic, to treat infections, as an anabolic, and to promote weight loss and weight management. This review summarizes the studies in animals, humans and in vitro systems that have been conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of various Cissus preparations. Animal and in vitro studies provide support for the use of Cissus in promoting bone fracture healing and as an anti-osteoporotic. Several human studies support the use of Cissus extracts in weight management. No studies have been conducted demonstrating that Cissus exhibits anabolic and body building activities. Based on studies to date, Cissus extracts appear to be exceedingly safe and free of adverse effects at the doses commonly used. A wide variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Cissus extracts, including steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes, iridoids, triterpenes and gallic acid derivatives. However, in few cases have specific physiological effects been related to identifiable constituents. Better standardization of extracts and more well-controlled human studies are required.

Osteoporosis is a public health problem which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The repair of bone defect is still a big challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Traditional use of Cissus quadrangularis (C. quadrangularis) in the treatment of bone disorders has been documented. The present study was employed to delineate the effects of ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis on the proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization of human osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells. Lactate dehydrogenase assayed in the conditioned medium of control and C. quadrangularis treated cells did not differ significantly indicating that ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis is nontoxic to osteoblastic cells. [(3)H] Thymidine incorporation assay revealed that C. quadrangularis treatment has increased the DNA synthesis of human osteoblastic SaOS-2 cells indicating increased proliferation of these cells. The data on alizarin red and ALP staining revealed increased matrix mineralization of human osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells. The study also revealed that the anabolic actions of ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis in human osteoblast like cells are mediated through increased mRNA and protein expression of Runx2, a key transcription factor involved in the regulation of bone matrix proteins. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed increased transcriptional activity of Runx2 on the promoter of osteocalcin after C. quadrangularis treatment. These results indicate positive regulation of C. quadrangularis on the proliferation, differentiation, and matrix mineralization of human osteoblast like SaOS-2 cells.

Papad is an indigenous savory food item found in most Indian homes. It is commonly made with black gram (Phaseolus mungo) flour. The composition of the papad varies by addition of a large number of ingredients such as cereal flour, pulse flour, soya flour, spice mixes, chemical mixes and different vegetable juices to improve both organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. Diametrical expansion is one of the desirable sensory attributes during frying of papads. The present work was taken up to study the effect of incorporation of various ingredients namely nalleru (Cissus quadrangularis), gum karaya(Sterculia urens ) and soya flour on diametrical expansion and oil absorption of papads. Papads of 10 cm diameters were deep fat fried at 185 ± 5C after different storage periods up to 60 days. It was observed that the diametrical expansion and oil absorption did not show any major changes with the addition of Cissus extract. The addition of soya flour reduced the oil absorption. Gum karaya helped in retaining the dough’s moisture, which in turn resulted in increased diametrical expansion on deep fat frying.

Four marker constituents, namely, onocer-7-ene-3 alpha, 21 beta-diol, delta-amyrin, delta-amyrone and 3,3',4,4'-tetrahydroxybiphenyl of an Ayurvedic crude drug Cissus quadrangularis Linn. are defined for standardisation purposes. 3,3',4,4'-Tetrahydroxybiphenyl has been isolated for the first time from this drug. The contents of the marker constituents were quantitatively determined by HPTLC and HPLC methods in samples collected from five different geographic zones of India.