What is a Cis Supplement? Decoding the Term for Health and Wellness

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically used in traditional medicine for centuries, the term “cis supplement” can be confusing because it doesn’t refer to a single product but rather several distinct contexts within health and science. Most commonly, it relates to the botanical ingredient Cissus quadrangularis for bone and joint support, though it also appears in chemical naming and other product titles.

Quick Summary

The term 'cis supplement' can refer to different products, most frequently those containing the herb Cissus Quadrangularis for bone and joint health. It also applies to chemical configurations or other branded products, necessitating clarification based on the specific context.

Key Points

Cissus Quadrangularis: Most often, a 'cis supplement' refers to products containing the botanical Cissus Quadrangularis, used for bone and joint health.
Bone and Joint Support: This ingredient helps accelerate fracture healing, improve bone density, and reduce joint inflammation due to compounds called ketosterones.
Urinary Health Confusion: The term can be confused with other products like 'Cis-Control' supplements, which target urinary tract health using ingredients like cranberry.
Chemical Context: Scientifically, 'cis' describes a molecular structure, such as the arrangement in cis-beta-carotene, which has different properties than its trans counterpart.
Importance of Ingredient Check: Due to the term's ambiguity, always read the label to identify the active ingredients and their intended purpose before purchasing.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.

What Does “Cis Supplement” Mean?

The term "cis supplement" is ambiguous and lacks a single, universally accepted definition in the health and wellness industry. It doesn't denote a specific ingredient like Vitamin D but can represent various concepts depending on the product's purpose. The most frequent association is with supplements containing Cissus quadrangularis. However, "cis" also appears in supplements for conditions like cystitis (e.g., Cis-Control). In chemistry, "cis" describes a molecule's configuration, such as cis-beta-carotene, a more technical use. Understanding the context is key to deciphering the intended meaning.

The Most Common Cis Supplement: Cissus Quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis, also known as "Veldt Grape" or "Devil's Backbone," is a plant-based ingredient popular in supplements for bone, joint, and weight management. Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, its healing properties are now being explored through modern research.

Benefits Associated with Cissus Quadrangularis

Bone Health: Cissus Quadrangularis is recognized for supporting bone health and aiding fracture healing. Its natural ketosterones help strengthen bones and improve density, beneficial for athletes and those with bone issues.
Joint Support: It can alleviate joint pain and inflammation. Antioxidants within protect cells and may assist cartilage repair, offering broad musculoskeletal support.
Weight Management: Some studies indicate potential in weight management through hormone optimization and metabolic support.

Ingredients Often Paired with Cissus

To enhance effectiveness, Cissus Quadrangularis is often combined with other ingredients in bone and joint products:

Calcium: Essential for bone strength.
Vitamin D3: Facilitates calcium absorption.
Vitamin K2-7: Guides calcium to bones.
Moringa Oleifera: Provides additional nutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Other Uses of “Cis” in Supplements

Beyond Cissus quadrangularis, "cis" appears in other contexts causing confusion. Supplements for urinary tract health, addressing cystitis, may use "cis" in branding, like Cis-Control, which uses ingredients such as cranberry and heather.

Chemically, "cis" describes a molecule's spatial arrangement, like in beta-carotene, which has cis and trans isomer forms with different properties. This is a technical term not typically relevant to consumers choosing a general "cis supplement."

Choosing the Right “Cis” Supplement

When encountering "cis" or a related term on a product, identify the primary ingredient and intended use. This table compares different types of supplements using the term:


Feature	Cissus Quadrangularis Supplement	Cis-Control (Urinary Health)	Standard Bone/Joint Supplement	cis-Beta-Carotene (Technical)
Primary Purpose	Supports bone healing and joint health.	Promotes urinary tract health.	Provides fundamental nutrients for bones (e.g., Calcium, Vit D).	Defines a molecular configuration, not a product type.
:---	:---	:---	:---	:---
Key Ingredients	Cissus Quadrangularis, Algae Calcium, Vitamin D3, Moringa.	Cranberry, Heather, essential oils.	Calcium Carbonate or Citrate, Vitamin D.	A specific isomeric form of beta-carotene.
What to Look For	High concentration of Cissus quadrangularis extract, often with bone-supporting co-factors.	Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs), supporting urinary herbs.	Elemental calcium amount, quality certifications (e.g., USP).	Mention of natural sources, or specific testing for isomer ratio.
Best For	Athletes, individuals with fractures, or those seeking advanced joint support.	Individuals prone to UTIs or seeking urinary system maintenance.	General bone maintenance and prevention of deficiency.	Technical discussion or selecting specific formulations.

What to Consider Before Taking a Cis Supplement

Before adding any supplement, consider safety and effectiveness. While natural products like Cissus quadrangularis are generally safe, risks and interactions are possible.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially with pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other medications. Choose products from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing and follow recommended dosages.

Conclusion

The term "cis supplement" most often refers to products with Cissus quadrangularis for bone health. However, due to potential confusion with urinary health products or chemical terms, research the specific product and its ingredients. Understanding active components and intended use allows informed choices. While Cissus quadrangularis shows promise for bone and joint health, proper research and professional guidance are vital.

For further information, Verywell Health offers a comprehensive review on Cissus quadrangularis.

Verywell Health: Cissus Quadrangularis: Uses and Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Cissus Quadrangularis is a medicinal plant used for centuries, primarily to support bone and joint health. It is valued for its ability to accelerate the healing of fractures, reduce inflammation, and improve bone density.

No, "cis supplement" is not a standard industry term. The term is ambiguous and can refer to different products or chemical properties. Consumers should clarify what a specific product is intended for by reading its ingredients and product description.

Supplements containing Cissus Quadrangularis provide compounds like ketosterones that help strengthen bones, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the body's natural bone repair processes.

Yes, some supplements for urinary tract health, particularly those addressing cystitis, may use "Cis" in their branding, which can lead to consumer confusion. It is important to distinguish these from Cissus Quadrangularis products.

You should check the product's active ingredients to determine its purpose. Look for reputable manufacturers, third-party testing certifications, and clearly stated dosages to ensure product quality and safety.

While generally safe for most people when used as directed, some users may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

No, cis-beta-carotene is a technical chemical term describing the molecular structure of the carotenoid. While supplements may contain cis-beta-carotene, the term itself is not a consumer-friendly product label but rather a scientific descriptor.