Hadjod – Traditional Support for Bone & Joint Health

The Legacy of Hadjod in Herbal Medicine

Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), also known as "Asthisamhari" in Ayurveda, is a sturdy, angular-stemmed vine native to India and tropical Asia. Its Sanskrit name means “that which joins bones,” reflecting its traditional role in supporting musculoskeletal strength and recovery.

For centuries, Hadjod has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and folk traditions to maintain bone density, joint function, and tissue repair. Village healers often recommended it as part of post-injury recovery and overall physical well-being.

Today, modern research has begun to validate these traditional uses — particularly Hadjod’s potential to support bone health, joint flexibility, and the body’s natural tissue repair mechanisms.

Hadjod and Its Wellness Benefits

1. Bone & Skeletal System Support: Hadjod is widely known in traditional medicine for its role in supporting bone strength and maintaining bone integrity. The plant contains natural compounds such as ketosteroids and flavonoids, which are believed to assist the body’s normal bone regeneration processes. It’s often used by individuals looking to maintain bone density, particularly as they age or during active recovery.


2. Joint Comfort & Mobility: By supporting collagen formation and connective tissue strength, Hadjod plays a role in promoting joint flexibility and mobility. In Ayurveda, its traditionally used to help manage occasional stiffness or joint discomfort. Its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to this supportive role.


3. Support for Tendons, Ligaments & Muscle Recovery: Hadjod may help maintain the health of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles — making it a popular herb for those with active lifestyles. It’s often included in herbal wellness routines designed to support physical resilience and post-exertion recovery.


4. Metabolic & Digestive Support: Traditional Ayurvedic texts also mention Hadjod for its effects on metabolism and digestion. It is thought to support healthy lipid metabolism and promote internal tissue comfort, including in the gastrointestinal tract. Some emerging research also explores its role in weight balance and blood sugar regulation.

How Hadjod Works in the Body

Hadjod’s wellness benefits are linked to a range of plant-based compounds, including:

  • Ketosteroids: Believed to support natural bone regeneration pathways.
  • Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Assists collagen production and tissue repair.
  • Flavonoids & Carotenoids: Antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
  • Minerals (e.g., Calcium): Naturally occurring elements that contribute to bone strength.

Rather than acting like synthetic drugs, Hadjod supports the body’s natural ability to maintain musculoskeletal health, particularly during periods of physical stress or recovery.

How to Use Hadjod (Traditional & Modern Forms)

  • Powder (Churna): Traditionally taken with warm water, milk, or honey.
  • Capsules/Tablets: A convenient, standardized form often used in modern herbal supplements.
  • Decoction (Kashayam): Used in classical Ayurvedic formulations.
  • Topical Paste: Traditionally applied externally as part of supportive therapies.

Tip: Hadjod is often paired with calcium-rich foods or herbs in traditional use for enhanced synergy.

Lesser Known Insights & Traditional Wisdom

  • Ayurvedic Classification: Hadjod is grouped under Sandhaniya (tissue-supporting) and Balya (strength-promoting) herbs.
  • Cultural Use: Historically consumed as a leafy vegetable in some regions, offering both nutrition and herbal value.
  • Athlete’s Ally: Often used by traditional sports practitioners to support muscle and joint health during training and recovery.
  • Additional Research: Studies are exploring its benefits for metabolic wellness, dental health, and tissue resilience.

Safety, Dosage & Precautions

Hadjod is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

  • Recommended dose: 500–1000 mg extract daily (standardized), or as advised by a qualified practitioner.
  • Precautions:
    1. Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
    2. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution.
    3. May interact with certain medications; medical guidance is advised in such cases.

Final Thoughts

Hadjod is a time-honored herb known for its ability to support the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, and connective tissues. With roots in Ayurvedic tradition and growing modern interest, it serves as a natural ally for those seeking to maintain physical vitality, especially during times of recovery, aging, or active lifestyles. Whether you're looking to support joint flexibility, maintain bone strength, or assist your body’s natural repair systems, Hadjod offers a gentle yet powerful form of herbal support grounded in both tradition and science.