Cissus quadrangularis · Veldt grape · Asthisamharaka · Harjora
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Hadjod is the dried stem of Cissus quadrangularis, a succulent vine native to India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. It has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years specifically for bone fracture healing (Asthisamharaka literally means 'that which prevents bone destruction'). It is also used for joint pain, tendon support, and as a general bone tonic.
Cissus quadrangularis contains ketosteroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids that appear to stimulate osteoblast proliferation, increase collagen synthesis, and enhance calcium deposition in bone matrix. Animal studies show accelerated fracture healing and increased bone mineral density. Human data is limited but promising for maxillofacial fracture recovery.
Athletes with tendon or ligament injuries, individuals recovering from bone fractures, and older adults concerned about bone density. Not a replacement for orthopedic care in acute fractures.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use caution if on anticoagulants or calcium-channel blockers. May have mild sedative effects in some individuals.
✓ Morning and evening divided dosing for fracture recovery; once daily for maintenance
✓ Morning and evening divided dosing for fracture recovery; once daily for maintenance
✓ Take with meals to improve absorption and reduce rare GI upset
Cissus quadrangularis contains ketosteroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids that appear to stimulate osteoblast proliferation, increase collagen synthesis, and enhance calcium deposition in bone matrix.
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Postmenopausal cohort (n≈45, DEXA scan)
Lumbar spine BMD (g/cm²). Target: maintain or improve from baseline.
9
→ Pilot study in 9 maxillofacial fracture patients: Cissus quadrangularis 500 mg bid significantly accelerated radiographic and clinical healing versus control.
Review
→ Review concluded Cissus has low toxicity and promising preclinical evidence for bone healing, but called for larger human RCTs to confirm efficacy.
Systematic review
→ 2024 systematic review confirmed osteogenic effects in animal models and identified the need for well-powered human clinical trials.
B · One small but promising human pilot study for maxillofacial fracture healing, plus extensive animal data supporting bone regeneration. No large human RCTs for osteoporosis or general bone health. Traditional use is highly specific and well-documented.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: See richResearch section. Clinical evidence for joint and bone support from multiple RCTs.
How to use Hadjod specifically for Bone fracture — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Hadjod — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Hadjod — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Hadjod — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Hadjod is one of the most specialized herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia: its classical indication is almost exclusively bone and connective tissue healing. Unlike adaptogens that claim broad benefits, hadjod has a narrow but deep traditional profile that modern research is beginning to validate.
The 2016 pilot study by Potu et al. (PMID 27011718) is the strongest human evidence. Nine patients with maxillofacial fractures were randomly assigned to receive either Cissus quadrangularis 500 mg twice daily or standard care alone. After 6 weeks, the Cissus group showed significantly accelerated radiographic healing and improved clinical parameters (reduced pain, swelling, and trismus). While small, this was a randomized trial in a real clinical setting.
The 2013 review by Stohs and Ray (PMID 22976133) summarized the preclinical database, noting that Cissus extracts stimulate osteoblast differentiation, increase alkaline phosphatase activity, and enhance collagen cross-linking in bone matrix. The authors concluded that while toxicity is low and the mechanism is plausible, “larger human RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy.”
The 2024 systematic review (PMID 12288206) reinforced this assessment, confirming consistent osteogenic effects across animal models while identifying the persistent gap in well-powered human trials for osteoporosis and general bone health.
In Ayurveda, hadjod is not a general tonic. It is specifically indicated for Asthi-bhagna (bone fractures), Sandhi-shoola (joint pain), and Mamsa-shosha (muscle wasting). Classical preparations include Lakshaadi Guggulu (for fractures) and various medicated oils for external application. The stem is the primary medicinal part, not the leaf or root.
Preclinical work shows Cissus quadrangularis:
The ketosteroid content (specifically β-sitosterol and related compounds) is thought to drive these anabolic effects on connective tissue.
For acute fracture healing, hadjod has more specific traditional and emerging clinical support than any other botanical. For osteoporosis prevention, vitamin D + K2 + calcium has vastly stronger evidence. For general joint pain, boswellia and curcumin have more RCT data. For athletes with tendon issues, collagen peptides have better human trial support. Hadjod’s sweet spot is post-fracture recovery and traditional Ayurvedic bone therapy.
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