The increasing prevalence of individuals classified as overweight or obese has become a significant global health concern. Excess body weight is a major risk factor for various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This has led to a surge in the demand for effective and safe weight management strategies. Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), particularly a specific extract known as CQR-300, has gained attention as a potential aid in weight loss and metabolic health. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of CQR-300, examining the scientific evidence supporting its use for weight loss, its potential mechanisms of action, and any associated side effects.
What is Cissus Quadrangularis (CQR-300)?
Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), a succulent vine native to West Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history in traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and African medicine for various purposes, including the treatment of pain, regulation of menstruation, and repair of bone fractures. The unique chemical constituents of CQ, including flavonoids, indanes, phytosterols, and keto-steroids, are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties. CQR-300 is a proprietary extract of Cissus quadrangularis standardized to contain 2.5% keto-steroids.
The Rationale Behind Using CQR-300 for Weight Loss
The potential of CQ in fighting obesity and symptoms of metabolic syndrome has attracted interest worldwide. The unique chemical constituents of CQ-novel flavonoids and indanes, as well as phytosterols and keto-steroids-have shown promise as powerful and efficient antioxidants. They also appear efficient for lipase and amylase inhibition, thereby providing a mechanism for weight loss via reduced oxidative stress, dietary fat, and carbohydrate blocking.
Clinical Studies on CQR-300 and Weight Loss
Several clinical studies have investigated the effects of CQR-300 on weight loss and related metabolic parameters. These studies have employed various designs, dosages, and combinations with other ingredients.
CQR-300 Alone
- Pilot Trial on Overweight and Obese Individuals: An eight-week double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted on 61 overweight or obese individuals who maintained their normal exercise routines and received individual dietary counseling. Participants were divided into four groups: placebo overweight, placebo obese, overweight receiving 300 mg CQR-300, and obese receiving 300 mg CQR-300. After eight weeks, the CQR-300 groups showed a significant decrease in body weight compared to the placebo groups. The decrease in weight was paralleled by a significant decrease in waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures. There were also significant decreases in total cholesterol after four and eight weeks for the overweight but not the obese group. Triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels were also significantly reduced in overweight but not obese participants on CQR-300.
- Study on Overweight Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: An eight-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 67 overweight individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants received either 300 mg of CQR-300 or a placebo daily and were instructed to maintain their normal exercise and dietary routines. The CQR-300 group showed significant decreases in body fat, waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and leptin levels compared to the placebo group. In addition, there were significant increases in HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels.
- Study on Obese Subjects: Supplementation of 300 mg/day CQ extract (CQR-300) with no dietary restriction for 8 weeks decreased body weight and waist circumference.
CQR-300 in Combination with Other Ingredients
- CQR-300 and Irvingia gabonensis (IG): A 10-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 72 obese or overweight participants to evaluate the effects of CQR-300 alone and a CQR-300/IG combination on weight loss. Participants were divided into three groups: placebo, CQR-300-only, and CQR-300/IG combination. Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals, with no major dietary changes or exercises suggested. Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed a statistically significant difference on all six variables (body weight, body fat, waist size, total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose level) by week 10. The magnitude of the differences was noticeable by week 4 and continued to increase over the trial period. The CQR-300-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group, but the CQR-300/IG combination resulted in even larger reductions.
- CQR-300 with Other Supplements: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 123 overweight and obese persons to investigate the use of a CQR-300 formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome. The formula also included a soy albumin extract, a green tea extract, caffeine, and niacin-bound chromium. Participants received two daily doses of the formulation or placebo and remained on a normal or calorie-controlled diet for eight weeks. Statistically significant net reductions in weight and central obesity, as well as in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein, were observed in participants who received the formulation, regardless of diet.
- CQR-300 with Antioxidants: A study investigated the in-vitro antioxidant properties of CQR-300 and a proprietary formulation containing CQR-300 (CORE) on weight, blood lipids, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese people. In addition to CQR-300, the CORE formula also contained a soy albumin extract, a green tea extract (with caffeine), niacin-bound chromium, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid. CQR-300 as well as CORE exhibited antioxidant properties in vitro. They also acted as in-vivo antioxidants, bringing about significant reductions in plasma TBARS and oxidative carbonyls. Both CQR-300 and CORE also brought about significant reductions in weight, body fat, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose levels over the respective study periods. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol levels, plasma serotonin, and creatinine.
GLP-1 Levels
Dyglomera® and CQR-300® increased GLP-1 blood levels by 68% and 56%, respectively, after 12 weeks, while reducing body weight by 17% and 14%.
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Potential Mechanisms of Action
Several mechanisms of action have been proposed to explain the potential weight loss effects of CQR-300:
- Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes: CQR-300 may inhibit the activity of lipase, amylase, and α-glucosidase, enzymes involved in the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates. By inhibiting these enzymes, CQR-300 may reduce the number of calories absorbed from food, leading to weight loss.
- Antioxidant Properties: CQR-300 possesses antioxidant properties, which may help reduce oxidative stress associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Reducing oxidative stress could improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
- Modulation of Metabolic Hormones: Research has shown that CQR-300 may help restore sensitivity to key metabolic hormones, including insulin, leptin, and adiponectin, which play crucial roles in regulating metabolic homeostasis, satiety, and appetite.
- Increased GLP-1 Levels: CQR-300 can significantly increase endogenous GLP-1 levels, a peptide hormone that stimulates insulin release in response to meals. This, in turn, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce hunger, and promote satiety. The mechanism for elevating GLP-1 is through the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme responsible for breaking down GLP-1.
Other potential benefits
Cissus quadrangularis is used particularly to treat the following conditions: hemorrhoids, obesity, allergies, asthma, bone loss, gout, diabetes, high cholesterol.
Safety and Side Effects
When taken as directed, Cissus quadrangularis can be used safely with minimal risk of side effects. However, some minor side effects have been reported, the most common of which include gas, diarrhea, dry mouth, headaches, and insomnia. Given the limited research on the safety of taking Cissus quadrangularis during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, check with your healthcare provider before starting Cissus quadrangularis supplements if you’re receiving treatment for diabetes. It may lower blood sugar levels and could interfere with your medications.
One reviewer of CQR-300 mentioned experiencing very vivid dreams when taking the product and chest pain on the left side when taking two capsules.
Dosage Recommendations
Currently, there is no official recommended dosage for Cissus quadrangularis. Most supplements come in powder, capsule, or syrup form and are widely available online and at natural health shops and pharmacies. Most of these products recommend doses of 500 or 1,000 mg per day. However, studies have found doses of 300-3,200 mg per day to provide benefits. Ideally, you should start with a lower dose and slowly work your way up to assess your tolerance. As with any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare provider before taking Cissus quadrangularis.
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