Ketosteroid Standardized Cissus quadrangularis L. Extract and its Anabolic Activity: Time to Look Beyond Ketosteroid?
BACKGROUND
Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) L. reported to contain 3-ketosteroids and have bone health benefits.


OBJECTIVE
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Phytochemistry, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Atul N
AN
Jadhav
Department of Pharmacology, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Mohammed
M
Rafiq
Analytical Development Laboratory, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Rajendran
R
Devanathan
Department of Pharmacology, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Mohammed
M
Azeemuddin
Department of Pharmacology, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Suryakanth D
SD
Anturlikar
Department of Phytochemistry, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Akhil
A
Ahmed
Analytical Development Laboratory, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Ramchandran
R
Sundaram
Department of Phytochemistry, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
U V
UV
Babu
Head, R and D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Tumkur Road, Bangalore 562 123, India.
Rangesh
R
Paramesh
Anabolic activity; Cissus quadrangularis L.; bone health; ketosteroid; standardization