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Cissus quadrangularis reduces joint pain in exercise-trained men: a pilot study.
Richard J Bloomer1, Tyler M Farney, Cameron G McCarthy
1Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN. rbloomer@memphis.edu.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|October 12, 2013
Summary
Supplementation with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) significantly reduced joint pain in exercise-trained men. This 8-week intervention improved pain scores without impacting clinical measures, suggesting CQ as a potential joint pain therapy.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Strenuous exercise can lead to inflammation and joint pain.
- Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Investigating CQ's efficacy for exercise-induced joint pain is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) supplementation.
- To assess CQ's impact on joint pain in healthy, exercise-trained men.
- To determine if CQ reduces chronic joint pain associated with strenuous physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involved 29 male subjects (ages 20-46) with chronic joint pain from exercise.
- Participants received 3200 mg of CQ daily for 8 weeks.
- Joint pain was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire before and after intervention. Clinical measures were also recorded.
Main Results:
- Total WOMAC scores significantly decreased by approximately 31% (P < 0.05) post-intervention.
- Subjective joint pain ratings improved significantly across multiple WOMAC variables.
- No significant changes were observed in clinical measures like heart rate, blood pressure, or blood biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Eight weeks of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) supplementation effectively reduced joint pain in young, healthy, exercise-trained men.
- CQ shows promise as a non-pharmacological approach to managing exercise-induced joint pain.
- Further research, including placebo-controlled trials and studies in diverse populations (women, older adults), is recommended.
