Cissus quadrangularis – 40% Ketosterones
Considered the “Master of Recovery” in India, Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod) is a key Ayurvedic ingredient. Collected in the tropical regions of India, it’s valued for its healing and rejuvenating powers. The main traditional use is to support bone health.
Preparations are used as a tonic for connective tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Therapeutic uses also include strengthening and nourishing the joint tissues and supporting the rapid recovery from exercise. Highly revered in India, it is believed to increase energy, strength, and resilience.
Bone and Cardiovascular Health
Cissus is most famous for its role in bone health. Sometimes called the “bone-setter,” it stimulates osteoblast activity, increases bone mineral uptake, and helps accelerate fracture healing. These properties make it valuable for individuals dealing with age-related bone loss, osteoarthritis, or post-menopausal bone density decline.
Beyond bones, Cissus also demonstrates potential cardiovascular benefits. Its flavonoids may support healthy blood pressure, improve circulation in veins and arteries, and promote balanced cholesterol and cortisol levels—all contributing to stronger metabolic and heart health.
Cissus quadrangularis and Lyme Disease
Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 Americans each year, causing symptoms such as inflammation, fever, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. While antibiotics are the standard treatment, they often do little to address lingering inflammation, tissue damage, or chronic joint issues caused by the Borrelia spirochete.
This is where Cissus quadrangularis may provide meaningful support. Known for its ability to nourish and regenerate connective tissues, Cissus can help repair cartilage, ligaments, and tendons often damaged by Lyme disease. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also ease pain and improve mobility for those struggling with Lyme-related arthritis.
Herxheimer Reactions and Immune Balance
Another area where Cissus shows promise is in moderating the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JH)—a temporary worsening of symptoms that can occur when antibiotics kill Lyme bacteria. This reaction triggers a flood of inflammatory cytokines, often intensifying fever, pain, and cognitive symptoms.
Cissus may help by reducing this cytokine cascade, calming inflammation, and supporting more balanced cortisol levels in the aftermath of a JH flare. Though not considered a classical adaptogen, Cissus does act on both hormonal and immune systems, lending it adaptogen-like qualities.
Women’s Health and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
For women, Cissus has long been used to help balance hormonal issues such as heavy periods, dysmenorrhea, and post-menopausal changes. It may ease bone loss after menopause, reduce insulin resistance, and improve circulation to help with varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
More broadly, its anti-inflammatory activities make it useful in calming joint and lymph node inflammation linked not only to Lyme disease but also to arthritis and exercise-induced muscle pain. By improving transcapillary filtration, Cissus may also reduce edema and swelling. Taken together, Cissus quadrangularis is a versatile herb with wide-reaching benefits for connective tissue repair, inflammation management, and whole-body resilience.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems suggest Cissus quadrangularis may support:
- Healthy bones
- Healthy immune response
- Healthy heart
- Healthy joints
- Healthy respiratory system
- Healthy metabolism
Serving Suggestion
Instructions: Add 1/4 teaspoon of concentrate to 8 ounces of water, a cup of juice, or your favorite smoothie. Stir until dissolved. Drink 1-2 glasses a day.
Additional Information
The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care. The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency. Not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or curing of any medical condition. Consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement.
As a key ingredient in Ayurvedic practice, Cissus quadrangularis (Hadjod, Veld grape) is used to provide support for a wide variety of health issues. It is regarded in traditional systems as being useful for malaria, fever, colic, diarrhea, epilepsy, gout, piles, skin diseases, and syphilis. However, the core of its uses are in balancing hormones in menopause and in helping to heal bones.
The Ayurvedic name Hadjod translates as bone-joiner or “prevents destruction of bones.” Preparations are also used as a cardiotonic. As a mouthwash, it is used for oral and dental health issues. Externally, applications are used on eczema, acne, and small wounds. It may prove useful in helping to find balance when under stress. In addition, it is believed to help with recovery after exercise.
Adamant creeper, Asthisamharaka, Hadjod, Harbhanga, Hadsanka, Kandvel, Mogaroli, Nalleru, Namunungwa, Phet Cha Sang Kat, Pirandai, Samroi, San Cha Khuat, Vajravalli, Vedhari, Veld Grape, Winged Treebine
Anthocyanins: Delphinidin 3-O- Xyloside
Flavinoids: Apigenin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Myricetin, Rutin, Genistein and Daidzein
Glycosides: 6′-O-trans-cinnamoyl-catalpol, 6-O-{2,3-dimethoxy}-t-cinnamoyl-catalpol, and 6-O-m-methoxy-benzoyl catalpol
Irioids: picroside
Ketosteroids: onocer-7-ene-3α,21β-diol, onocer-7-ene-3β,21α-diol, 7-oxoonocer-8-ene-3β,21α-diol
Phenolics: Gallic acid, 3-O-methylgallic acid, Propyl gallate, Gallic acid 3-O-gallate, 2-O-Feruloyl tartaric acid, Vanillic acid 4-sulphate, Trans-5-O-caffeoyl-D-quinic acid, 3,3′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybiphenyl
Phytosterol: Stigmastanol, β-Sitosterol, Campesterol
Other Polyphenols: Coumarin
Stilbebes: Astringin, Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, Piceatannol, Pallidol, Parthenocissine A, and Quadrangularin A-C
Terpenoids: Friedelin, Cycloartenol acetate, Amyrin, Amyrone
Vitamins: Riboflavin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Cissus quadrangularis is generally well tolerated. Some people might experience headache, dry mouth, or insomnia. There is the possibility that Cissus may interact with (increase the effect of) medication intended to lower blood sugar.
If you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant discuss your plans with your health care provider before starting any herbal supplement.






