Hadjod: Cissus quadrangularis Uses, Dose, Research, Side Effects

There is an ancient quote relating the shape of the herb and their effect on certain organs of the body.
Yatra aakrutihi tatra gunaaha vasanti |

For example, Cissus quadrangularis stem resembles the shape of bones and joints in the body. And indeed it is very effective in strengthening the bones and joints. It is explained as Asthisamharaka, Ashti Shrunkhala and Vajravalli.

Botanical names- Cissus quadrangularis Linn.
Family- Vitaceae (Draksha kula)

Hadjod
Hadjod

Names in different languages

Hindi name- Hadjod, hadjora
English name- Edible stemmed vine,  veldt grape, devil’s backbone, adamant creeper
Telugu name- Nalleru, Nallerutige
Kannada name- Mogaroli
Tamil name- Pindai, Perandai, Pirandai
Malayalam name – Changalam Paranda, Changalamparanta
Bengali name – Hodjoda
Marathi name – Kandvel
Gujarati name – Hadsankal

Sanskrit Synonyms

  • Vajra valli, Vajrangi – Makes the body as strong as diamond
  • Asthi Shrunkala, Asthiyuk – stems resemble bones
  • Granthimana – knotted stem
  • Bhutopadrava
  • Chaturdhara, Chatusira – stem having four edges.
    Asthisamhari – One of the best drugs for the fracture of bones and promote union of bones

What is Cissus quardangularis?

Cissus quadrangularis
Cissus quadrangularis

Morphology of Hadjod

  • Cissus quadrangularis is a herb, reaching a height of 1.5 m and has quadrangular-sectioned branches with internodes 8 to 10 cm long and 1.2 to 1.5 cm wide.
  • Stems – leafless, quadrangular, glabrous,
  • Tendrils – long, slender, simple
  • Leaves – 2.5 – 5 cm, broadly ovate, sometimes 3-7 lobes. Petioles – 6 – 12 mm
  • Flowers are cymes, Calyx cup shaped
  • Berry obovoid, 6 mm long, red when ripe, seeded.
  • Flowering and fruiting – post rainy season, autumn.

Classical categorisation:
Bhavaprakasha – Guduchyadi Varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Lakshmanadi Varga

Cissus quadrangularis chemical composition:
Carotenoids, Triterpenoids, traxerol, sitosterol and ascorbic acid.
The plant extract serves as a rich source of calcium ions.

Medicinal Properties

Guna (qualities) – Laghu – light to digest, Rooksha – dryness
Rasa (taste) – Madhura – sweet
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha
Action – Bhagna sandhanakara, Arsoghna, Krimighna, Vrishya, Balya

It enhances the quantity of bowel, appetizer, good for patients of hemorrhoids, gulma (gaseous tumors) and indigestion.

Part used – Stem

Dosage

Fresh juice 10-20 ml; Paste  5-10  g in divided dose per day.
Capsule – extract in capsule form is advised once or twice a day.

Cissus quadrangularis uses

Uses as per Ayurveda

Asthiyuk – strengthens bones.
Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgative, relieves constipation
Krumighna – Relieves worm infestation, useful in infected wounds
Amaghna – Relieves ama – a product of indigestion and altered metabolism.
Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor
Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha
Pittala – Increases Pitta Dosha

It is used in the treatment of obesity, gout, syphilis, Venereal diseases, leucorrhoea, worm infestation, anorexia, diabetes, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids and high cholesterol.
Young shoots of the plant are dried. Put on fire. Lid is closed. The ash is collected and administered internally – 125-500 mg to treat dyspepsia, weak digestion, gastritis.

The mature stem paste is applied externally to heal fractures and dislocations quickly. It is also applied on wounds for quick wound healing.

It is also used as a body building supplement. In North eastern states of India, its stem is used as a vegetable.

  • Leaves and stems are used for making curry in southern India.
  • Stems are boiled and fried in preparation of vegetables.
  • Used in making Papad and Chutney.

In Siddha system of medicine, it is used for healing bone fractures, piles, as an anti aging herb, in Asthma, cough and gonorrhea.

  • Anti helminthic, blood-purifier, carminative and stomachic.
  • Its dry powder is snuffed in epistaxis.

Distribution –

  • Found throughout India, in warmer regions, found in boundary walls, gardens, hanging pots, cultivated fields.
  • Also found in Ceylon, Malay, East Africa

Research studies

Research study on Cissus quadrangularis –
1. It contains a rich source of carotenoids, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid. Compounds that act as receptor antagonists of glucocorticoids have reduced the healing time of broken bones 30 to 50 percent in clinical trials. It has also been used to treat obesity and associated oxidative stress.
Reference: Chopra SS, Patel MR, Awadhiya RP. (1976) “Studies of Cissus quadrangularis in experimental fracture repair: a histopathological study”; Indian Journal of Medical Researches 64(9): 1365-1368.

2. Its bactericidal effects on Helicobacter pylori hold promise as an effective treatment of gastric ulcers and preventive in stomach cancer in conjunction with anti inflammatory therapy.
Reference: Austin, A. Jegadeesan, M. Gowrishankar, R. (2004) “Helico Bactericidal Activity of Cissus quadrangularis L. Variant I”; Natural Product Sciences 10 (5): 217-219. Korean Society of Pharmacognosy

Reduction in joint pain

Inhibition of bone loss

How Veldt Grape Promotes Healing of Bone Fractures?

Use in Arthritis

How to use Cissus quadrangularis for arthritis?

Cissus quadrangularis stem is fried in ghee and administered with milk as the treatment for fractures and osteoarthritis.
Cissus quadrangularis stem processed in sesame oil is very useful to treat Sandhivata.

In Tamil Nadu, its Chutney is prepared with coconut and served as a side dish, used for improving immunity.
In Kerala, traditional healers use its paste to apply over fractured or displaced joints. Its soup is also served to quicken the bone healing process.

Ayurvedic medicine with Cissus as ingredient:
Lakshadi Guggul – widely used in the Ayurvedic treatment of bone related diseases and fracture healing.
Zeotone soft gel capsule
Panchajeeraka Gudam – An effective Ayurvedic medicine for post natal care, useful in digestive and respiratory diseases. It is in herbal jam form.

Side effects

Because of its hotness, people with Pitta body type need to take precaution while taking this. Cissus fried in ghee balances out the excess hotness.
It can be used during the lactation period and in children above 5 years of age. Seek medical advice for its use during pregnancy.

Can Hadjod be taken while having diabetes or high BP? The purpose is to strengthen bones.  
Hadjod can be taken by a person having diabetes or high BP.

Veldt grape fried snacks: 
Vajravalli – Devils back bone/Adamant creeper – Vataka
Sesame powder, asafoetida, cumin seeds and salt are taken and a thick solution is made. 2-3 inch size partially matured but tender Vajravalli stems are taken and dipped in this dough solution. This is cooked in oil till it is crispy.
Reference: Bhojana Kutuhala

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Formulations (Yoga)

Asthisamharadi churna
Asthisamhara taila
Lakshadi guggulu

Read related – Haemorrhoids: Ayurvedic Treatment, Medicines, Remedies

Sthanika karma (Action on different system)

External use – Styptic and helps for fracture healing. Oil and paste is applied on wounds and fractures. Nasya with its juice is indicated in nasal bleeding. In ear infection its juice can be used as ear drops.
Digestive system – Carminative, digestant, Facilitate normal movement of doshas, Anti helminthic. Indicated in low digestive fire, Indigestion, Hemorrhoids etc. Circulatory System – Styptic and blood purifier. indicated in gouty arthritis, Std’s, Syphilis etc.
Reproductive system – Aphrodisiac, indicated in menorrhagia, Leukorrhea etc.
Satmikarana –Promotes fracture healing (Juice can be used for this purpose)

56 comments on “Hadjod: Cissus quadrangularis Uses, Dose, Research, Side Effects

  • vijay

    13/09/2013 - 2:53 pm

    thnks sir.

    Reply to comment
  • Sandy

    08/10/2014 - 11:01 am

    Dr Hebbar,

    Can any individual of any age group take the ZEOTONE SOFT GEL CAPSULES for post fracture healing and gain strength?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      13/10/2014 - 8:38 pm

      It is best to take this under medical advice. Generally, anyone above 10 years of age can take this.

      Reply to comment
      • Sandy

        14/10/2014 - 6:11 pm

        Thank you Dr Hebbar. I am very thankful to you and your blog. I have added lot of healthy tips in my lifestyle now.
        1)I have joined gym which I had been postponing for years.
        2) I have started oiling my hair with natural oil regularly
        3)Started eating chavanprash. In my childhood my mom used to give me Chavanprash but with time we all stoppped it.

        Thank you so much

        Reply to comment
  • sd

    21/07/2015 - 3:41 pm

    will it aggravate pitta? I am mostly vata-pitta and more than occasionally suffer from both imbalances.

    Reply to comment
  • Syed

    09/01/2016 - 9:11 pm

    I got hyperacidity high cholesterol and fracture in my lumbor spine pars how to take hadjod pl advice

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      13/01/2016 - 9:39 am

      Fry a piece of a clean Hadjod in ghee and have it in the morning, after food.

      Reply to comment
  • Dhaval

    09/02/2016 - 1:11 am

    hello dr. i have metatarsal fracture in second toe. i used hadjod as paste(lep(gel form) ) outer side of skin. and cover it with cast. after applying it whenever i eat something, the portion over liver is irritated or little sensation feeling over it. i afraid of any side effect.does it normal???what was that sensation means over liver portion?? plz give solution if any…

    Reply to comment
    • Dhaval

      26/04/2016 - 1:33 am

      But sir liver irritation is not when paste is not applied means that whenever only I use hadjod as paste than only this kind of sensation occurs..so what is that ?? I am not against ayurveda..but it is the confusion only solved by ayurvedic expert.

      Reply to comment
      • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

        27/04/2016 - 9:36 pm

        Hi, please consult your doctor and get the problem resolved.

        Reply to comment
  • Rama Chandrasekhar

    22/07/2016 - 1:24 pm

    Hi, I have fractured my collar bone and want to apply hadjod paste. How to get rid of itchiness?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      22/07/2016 - 5:10 pm

      Apply turmeric paste or six c ointment, after removing the paste to the itchy area.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    29/07/2016 - 3:57 pm

    Dear sir, you need Panchakarma treatment along with oral medicines. Please let me know your place. I will try to find a good Ayurveda center near you.

    Reply to comment
    • CHABRA MANISH

      02/08/2016 - 10:51 pm

      sir i am at living at NOIDA (NCR) sorry for delay replying as due to excessive busy schedule sir but i will follow yous only.
      regards
      chabra manish

      Reply to comment
      • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

        02/08/2016 - 11:04 pm

        Please consult
        Archit Ayurvedic Clinic  

        Address: N-197, Sector 12, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
        Phone:099589 58832

        Reply to comment
  • Shyam Choudhary

    05/08/2016 - 10:55 am

    sir i have a problm on joint knee tightness the sound of kat kat in the knee I m along jumper when I do workout swelling and pain.wt cn I do for this for better and secure atheletic peformance in the next asian games

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    09/09/2016 - 7:33 pm

    Hi, you can take Cissus as a supplement while the cast is applied. It will help in faster healing.

    Reply to comment
    • harsha

      13/09/2016 - 12:38 pm

      Hi Sir,

      Please suggest me which Cissus producut i have to use and how many tablets per day i have to take.

      Reply to comment
      • harsha

        14/09/2016 - 3:12 pm

        Thanks Sir,

        Reply to comment
      • harsha

        04/10/2016 - 8:39 pm

        Hi Sir,

        I didn’t got Osteoseal delivered so am using Himalaya Hadjod, is that fine? or you want me take Osteosealonly

        Reply to comment
  • Mohammed Yunus

    20/09/2016 - 8:45 pm

    Hi Doctor, I heard hadjod is not good in hypertension.Please give information on this. Thanks and regards.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      20/09/2016 - 10:59 pm

      I have not come across such a report. In fact, hadjod is useful in obesity, and thus indirectly useful in hypertension.

      Reply to comment
  • shubh

    22/10/2016 - 2:21 pm

    Sir ,i have compression fracture in my vertebae.i want to use this medicine .i purchased Himalaya hadjod tablet ,but i dont know what is the proper way to use it .?
    1)With milk or with ghee ?
    2)before food or after food
    3)how long it can be use
    4) Any precaution and contraindication in my diet.
    5)Any side effect

    Reply to comment
  • M lakshmanrao

    16/01/2017 - 9:00 pm

    one must take pre-caution while taking the plant raw product in. I took a half inch pieces two numbers when it half fried. I had lot of inconvenience after taking those pieces. I felt that I swallowed small needles inside and they penetrates through my tongue and throat. It subsided after 1 1/2 hour when I took citrigin tab

    Reply to comment
  • Amandeep

    18/02/2017 - 7:34 pm

    Hello,

    Three months back i met with a bike accident due to which, there was complete tear of my ACL. Recently, i had undergone my ACL Surgery and I am at bed rest right now and undergoing rehab process for the same.
    Request you to please suggest some good supplement for faster recovery of my ACL so that I can go back to my physical activities again. Whether i should consume Cissus or Hadjod Tablest or not.??

    Reply to comment
  • Sir James

    15/04/2017 - 12:26 pm

    Dr, what is the half life of Cissus Quadrangularis when taking 500-1000 mg capsules? Via hepatic or renal clearance? Do you find that cissus is estrogenic and therefore may cause night sweats in males age 45 and therefore anxiety? I use cissus for a right knee tendon sprain. It gives anxiety which is relieved when taken with fenugreek herb. Vit d3 in moderation, 1000 units/day, also helps the early morning sweating, i live in cold climate in canada and heat in house is not high, 60 degrees fahrenheit at most.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      05/05/2017 - 11:15 pm

      Hi,
      Its half life is unknown.
      Its ethanol extract is estrogenic. But I have not found it causing night sweats or anxiety in men.

      Reply to comment
  • Narisha

    25/07/2017 - 6:20 am

    Hi my mom had a fungal infection on her finger and due to the severity of the infection, her finger nail had to be removed. She’s in severe pain every night. She’s unable to consume pain medication as it has an adverse effect to her tummy because she has IBS. Can the Hadjor be used to help ease pain? Preferably to be used externally. Your response will be highly appreciated.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    04/09/2017 - 11:22 am

    You can take 2 grams of powder with water, in the morning, after food for 2 month time. Usually it does not cause any irritation.

    Reply to comment
  • Mohammed Yunus

    04/09/2017 - 12:11 pm

    Dear Dr Hebbar
    Can a patient use hadjod who is having osteophytes in L3 L4 L5 vertebral bodies and Scaralization of L5 Vertebral bodybody
    Thanks

    Reply to comment
  • vivek

    25/12/2017 - 12:12 am

    dear sir,
    my mother is 71 and having osteoarthritis, her knee joint have gap, has taken cartigen forte but no relief now , pls suggest what is good for her

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    09/01/2018 - 6:44 pm

    Hadjod capsule / tablet – 1 tablet 2 times a day after food for 2 months can be useful.

    Reply to comment
  • pankaj

    27/01/2018 - 4:12 pm

    Respected sir,
    Sir plz send my any reference (either in book, research article and review) that Cissus quadrangularis (Harjor, family Vitaceae) produce pitta effect.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      09/02/2018 - 5:07 pm

      Bhavaprakasha Guduchyadi Varga.

      Reply to comment
  • Ramji Bariya

    21/02/2018 - 11:31 pm

    Dear Sir,
    I am 35 yrs old and have hip AVN in both legs. Stage 3 at left and 2 at right leg. Will hadjod medicine is helpful for avn.
    Pls reply Sir.
    Rgds,
    Ramji Bariya

    Reply to comment
  • Jeya Ramanathan

    25/02/2018 - 3:03 pm

    I have severe osteoarthritis in my knees. Will Hadjod help regenerate cartilage.Thanking in advance for your response.

    Reply to comment
  • Priya

    04/04/2018 - 8:24 pm

    Sir with above mentioned problems should i discontinue taking hadjod tablets?? And sir i read somewhere that hadjod is best taken with ghee but can tablets be taken with it? If not then with what tabs should be taken milk or water?
    Thankyou for your earlier reply sir 🙂

    Reply to comment
  • Jyotsna

    05/04/2018 - 5:04 pm

    My Mother have lumbar spondylosis and vitamin D deficiency. Can give her Hadjod…Her prakruti is Pitta and vata..Please suggest

    Reply to comment
  • Satender kumar

    10/04/2018 - 6:08 pm

    Sir,
    I have gong thru a fracture on my hrel. Taking harjod tablets once in mormorn with milk.
    Is it OK.

    pls suggest the righr way to take tables, dosage and precautions.

    Somebody says that we shouldn’t take khatai (lemon, curd, etc. ) pls suggest.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      11/04/2018 - 12:54 pm

      Hi, 1 tablet 2 times a day with milk or water, after food. This can be continued for 2 months time and then stop.
      Lemon curd etc are fine to take.

      Reply to comment
  • Satender kumar

    10/04/2018 - 6:09 pm

    Fracture on right leg heel.

    Reply to comment
  • Amit yadav

    04/05/2018 - 12:49 pm

    Sir, my elder father has a fracture in shoulder colar he is taking alopathic medicine flodal p and aceford max. Can he take hadjod along with these medicine for faster recovery?

    Reply to comment
  • Choudary

    07/05/2018 - 9:18 pm

    Hi, i had my leg fracture. One of ayurvedic doctor suggested me to eat the stems directly by boiling. 10 stems per dose, twice daily. I got the plant with difficulty. Ibhave boiled and peeled of skin and eaten 3 pieces. Then whole my mouth, throat , chest and stomach started burning like anything as if i have taken some concentric acid. It took almost 1hr to subside after doing lot of remedies. What could be the cause?

    Reply to comment
  • Haritha

    29/05/2018 - 11:21 am

    Hello sir, my sister has problem in her spine. Recently she had an MRI, doctors told her that there is an posterior annular tear and mild inferior migration at L3-4 and L4-5. Doctor prescribed some muscle relaxants and asked to have good food to improve calcium levels and d vitamin so that her bone strength also improves. Can she use this Himalaya hadjod for any benefit? Is it only enough to improve bone strength or she also need to take calcium and vitamin d related medicines with this? Please let me know.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      05/06/2018 - 4:31 pm

      SHe can take Hadjod tablet – 1 tablet 2 times a day after food for 2 months time. Along with it, she can take calcium and vitamin D tablets as advised.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    03/06/2018 - 1:11 pm

    One or half of a twig, fried in ghee, per day for a month.

    Reply to comment
  • Okay prakash

    03/06/2018 - 5:08 pm

    I am having grade 1 forward slip I am having lot of pain after 30 min .when I stand or walk .what medicines I can take.

    Reply to comment
  • Arvind Singh Rajpoot

    15/06/2018 - 11:09 pm

    Hi Sir,
    My mother is a diabetic patient.
    Is it safe for her to take Harjod tablet for cure of fracture.

    Reply to comment
  • Amrutha

    15/06/2018 - 11:28 pm

    Is this plant useful in increasing ones height?

    Reply to comment
  • Suma

    03/07/2018 - 7:13 pm

    Hello sir,
    For fracture Lakshadi Guggul is better or Harjod, which one is good.

    Reply to comment
  • Saurabh

    07/07/2018 - 12:36 am

    Sir
    Can this plant be used to heal knee ACL ligament tear? Can ligaments be formed again naturally using ayurveda?

    Reply to comment
  • kadugere

    17/11/2018 - 11:42 am

    sir, Hadjod can be taken regularly to strengthen the bones & for calcium after menopause

    Reply to comment

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