Ketosteroid standardized Cissus quadrangularis L. extract and its anabolic activity: Time to look beyond ketosteroid?

Abstract

Background:Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) L. reported to contain 3-ketosteroids and have bone health benefits.Aim:This study aimed at establishing the relationship between the ketosteroid content and anabolic as well as bone health-promoting activities of various Cissus extracts in well-established orchidectomized (ORX) rat model.Materials and Methods:Supercritical carbon dioxide, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts (AE) of CQ L. were prepared and standardized for ketosteroid content by two methods used in commerce. Moreover, ketosteroid standardized extracts of this plant were evaluated for anabolic activity in rats in well-established ORX rat model.Results:The increase in the absolute weight was appreciable in the CQ-AE treated group. Similarly, with respect to bone parameters, a similar trend was seen. The mean bone density, strength, and calcium content were found to be highest in the group treated with CQ-AE compared to groups treated with other extracts. This study reveals for the first time that 3-ketosteroids are not linked to the beneficial activities on bone and highlights the need for extensive characterization of biological active principles from CQ L.Conclusion:In light of the above estimation studies, we believe that current standardization of Cissus extraction “3-ketosteroids” is incorrect. We also did not find any report suggesting the presence of androgenic steroids in this plant and hence the characterization based on “3-ketosteroids” is scientifically incorrect. This study highlights the insufficient understanding of biological active principles from CQ L. and underlines the need for extensive bioactivity guided studies.SUMMARY Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) L. reported to contain 3.ketosteroids and have bone health benefitsWe did not find correlation between ketosteroid content obtained by conventional methods and its biological effectStudies indicate that claims of ketosteroid content need not necessarily correlate to biological effects and hence warrants extensive phytochemical characterization of biological active principles from CQ L. Abbreviations used: CQ: Cissus quadrangularis, ORX: Orchidectomized, AE: Aqueous extract, EE: Ethyl acetate extract, SFE: Supercritical fluid extract.

Osteoprotective Medicinal Plants - Part 1 (A Human Clinical Evidence-Based Review)

“…Ketosteroid content, which is currently used for the standardization of CQ supplements in USA, was not correlated with the plant effect on the bone parameters (mean bone density, strength, and calcium content) in an animal model of osteoporosis (Jadhav et al, 2016).…”

“…Several studies showed the capacity of CQ to reduce bone loss, as evidenced by the bone weight gain, density, strength, and calcium content in ovariectomised or orchidectomized animals (Jadhav et al, 2016;Potu et al, 2009). Maternal administration of CQ extract during pregnancy stimulated the development of fetal bone growth during the intra-uterine period in rats (Potu et al, 2008).…”

An Overview of Cissus Quandragularis

“…The plant is a significant medicinal herb due to its numerous therapeutic properties and diversified uses stated above. The talk that follows goes into great detail into pharmacological activity [14][15][16][17][18].…”

Cissus Quadrangularis is a Potential Anticancer Herb: A-Review

“…Quercetin from CQ causes its toxic effects on breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian carcinoma, and leukaemia cells, according to in vitro and in vivo research. According to toxicological studies, the CQ extract has no harmful toxic effects 24,9,20 . Numerous molecules possessing anti-tumour characteristics have been isolated from CQ and examined for its anticancer properties in human glioblastoma U87 MG cells.…”