Cissus Benefits for Bone Health

Cissus benefits include strengthening bones and aiding muscle recovery. Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) is the Master of Recovery.

Cissus Benefits

Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as Veldt Grape, Devil’s Backbone, or Bone Setter, is a perennial plant of the grape family, is known as the “master of recovery.” Its Ayurvedic name, Hadjod, means bone-joiner.

Key health benefits of Cissus quadrangularis, supported by scientific studies, include bone health, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, metabolic health, antioxidant properties, and gastrointestinal health.

Bone Health
Cissus benefits include promoting bone healing. Cissus quadrangularis is well-known for its ability to enhance bone healing. It has been traditionally used to support treatment of bone fractures. Studies suggest that it may stimulate osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, which can accelerate the healing process of fractured bones.

Research also indicates that Cissus quadrangularis may improve bone density. This is particularly beneficial for people with osteoporosis or those at risk of bone density loss due to aging. The herb is believed to enhance the absorption of calcium, a critical mineral for bone strength.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
Cissus quadrangularis has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which can help manage conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

Also, the analgesic effects of Cissus quadrangularis can alleviate pain associated with inflammation and injury. It is believed to work by modulating pain signals and reducing inflammation, thus providing relief from chronic pain conditions.

Metabolic Health
Cissus benefits include support for weight loss and weight management. It is thought to influence lipid metabolism and reduce the accumulation of body fat. Additionally, it may have appetite-suppressing effects, making it useful for people seeking to manage their weight.

Cissus quadrangularis has shown potential in regulating blood sugar levels. It may improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain stable blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidant properties of Cissus quadrangularis help reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. This can protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Gastrointestinal Health
Cissus quadrangularis may help to protect the gastrointestinal tract by preventing the formation of ulcers. It is believed to enhance the production of gastric mucus, which acts as a protective barrier against stomach acids and other harmful substances.

Cissus Benefits and Traditional Uses

The use of Cissus is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts, however the oldest use might come from Yoruba tradition. Yorubic medicine says that Cissus was a gift from the Orisha, the heavenly ones. Traditional healers across Africa, South Asia and India all have knowledge of the plant. While the many uses may vary across traditions, all revere it for it ability to speed the healing of bones. Many see it as essential for women to maintain bone strength after menopause.

In the vedic tradition, the Rasa(palate) is Katu-madhura, pungent sweet. The Gun(quality)a is laghu-ruksho, lightness and dryness. Lightness is associated with improving digestion. The Virya (potency) is considered ushna or heating, Heating potency is associated with improving overall vitality. The plant’s Vipaka is katu. This speaks to the plant’s ability to balance the doshas after digestion, promoting holistic well-being.

Traditional Cissus benefits in Ayurvedic practice involve support for the muscle and tissue repair. In ancient times, a torn muscle might mean an inability to grow or hunt food for survival. Thus, Cissus’ ability to speed natural healing was revered. Today, athletes and people recovering from injuries may find it valuable.

Traditional healers believed that consuming Cissus with a meal improve nutrient absorption. By improving digestion, Hadjod may help with metabolic syndromes, improve energy, and reduce hypertension, thus supporting heart health. Ayurveda reveres its rejuvenating properties. Regular consumption is thought to enhance vitality, slow aging, and promote overall longevity.

In Thai literature, the different parts of the plant have been used for a special therapeutic purpose. The stems are used to support treatment of diseases of the bone, the fruits to treat muscle diseases, the leaves to treat skin diseases.

Traditional medicine also recognizes a role for Cissus in women’s health. It is believed to support menstrual health and ease discomfort associated with menstrual disorders. Its diuretic properties aid in promoting urinary health by flushing out toxins from the body. This can contribute to the prevention of urinary tract infections.

Cissus Health Studies

Spurred by these many traditional uses, modern researchers are now looking at additional Cissus benefits. The medicinal properties of Hadjod under investigation include bone re-growth, cortisol balance, hormonal balance, metabolic balance, joint pain relief, improving blood flow, support for tendon repair, tendonitis treatment, and support for liver function.

Cissus Key Characteristics

Hadjod is a fast spreading low-growing succulent shrub with a distinctive four-sided stem. Its flowers are often yellow or green and produce small red bundles of round fruits. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical jungles, and in sandy soils near bodies of water. It is drought tolerant. The plants can be found throughout India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Africa as well as in Southeast Asia.

Botanically, Hadjod is in the order Vitales, family Vitaceae (the grape family). In India, it is used for food as well as medicine. At Linden Botanicals, we prefer to source Cissus from a region that subjects the plants to significant heat stress as this increases the phyto-active content. We source our Hadjod from the Kerala region in India, where days with temperatures over 110F are seasonally common.

The Latin name for Hadjod, Cissus quadrangularis, refers to the stem of the plant. The stems are smooth fleshy and in cross-section shaped like a ridged box. The fruits are spherical and orange to red when ripe. The leaves and stems have a sweet tangy taste. The fruit and the pulp inside the stems are both used for medicinal purposes.

Try the Master of Recovery

Potential Cissus benefits, supported by both traditional use and scientific research, make it a versatile herb. Its effects on bone health, inflammation, metabolic function, antioxidant capacity, and gastrointestinal protection make it a valuable addition to natural health regimens.

Hadjod is indeed a wonderful plant. But to be clear, we sell Cissus not because it may relieve any specific condition but because it may benefit the function of a variety of body systems, particularly bone health, joint health, and muscle recovery.

We sell Cissus in sizes from 20 grams to 200 grams. We love it, and we think you will too! A great place to start is with the Cissus FAQ and this helpful article.