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Asthisamharaka अस्थिसंहारक
Cissus quadrangularis · Vitaceae
Also known as: Hadjod, Veldt Grape, Asthisangharak
Part used: Stem
Asthisamharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), the adamant creeper or Hadjod, is a square-stemmed climber used in Ayurveda for bone healing. Its Sanskrit name means "that which joins bone", and the Hindi Hadjod says the same. It is the classical drug for fractures, and is also used for joint pain and low bone density.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Cissus quadrangularis
- Part used: Stem
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Stem powder 3–5 g or fresh juice; used during fracture recovery.
Asthisamharaka in other languages
Introduction
Asthisamharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), or Hadjod, is Ayurveda's foremost bone-healing herb — its very name means "that which prevents the destruction of bone." The succulent stem is used to speed the healing of fractures and strengthen the skeletal frame.
Classification
Of the Vitaceae family, Asthisamharaka is grouped among the Asthisandhanaka (bone-uniting) and Vata-Kapha-pacifying dravyas. Its warming potency and tissue-building action nourish the Asthi dhatu.
Uses & benefits
The name means 'that which joins bone', and this is its use: Hadjod is given internally and applied externally in fractures, to speed union and to strengthen bone after injury. It is also used in weak joints and in backache of Vata origin, and appears in Lakshadi Guggulu for exactly this purpose.
Asthisamharaka for fractures
The classical bone-knitting drug, taken through the healing period. Its Sanskrit and Hindi names both describe exactly this use — it is used alongside proper immobilisation, never instead of it.
Hadjod for bone density
Used where bones are thin or fracture easily, particularly after menopause, as part of a longer Rasayana approach.
Asthisamharaka for joint pain
Applied as a paste and taken internally for painful, weakened joints, often with Guggulu in classical compounds.
Hadjod for ligament and tendon injury
Traditional practice extends its use from bone to the connective tissue around it — sprains and slow-recovering soft-tissue injuries.
Asthisamharaka for back pain
Used in chronic low back pain of Vata origin, where the complaint sits in bone and joint rather than muscle.
Hadjod for digestion
The stem is Deepana and is used in indigestion and loss of appetite — a lesser-known but genuine classical indication.
Asthisamharaka for piles
Named in classical texts for Arshas, taken as a powder or the fresh stem juice.
Hadjod for menstrual irregularity
Traditionally used for irregular periods and associated discomfort, though it is a secondary rather than primary indication.
Asthisamharaka as a fresh juice
The fresh stem Swarasa is the preferred form in fracture healing where it can be obtained, taken with milk.
Hadjod in classical bone formulations
A standard component of the traditional bone-setter's preparations across India, usually with Arjuna and Guggulu.
Dosage — how much to take
Stem powder 3–5 g or fresh juice; used during fracture recovery. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Asthisamharaka?
The citations held for Asthisamharaka in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Asthisamharaka?
Described as bone-uniting (Asthisandhanaka). Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Asthisamharaka traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
The name means 'that which joins bone', and this is its use: Hadjod is given internally and applied externally in fractures, to speed union and to strengthen bone after injury. It is also used in weak joints and in backache of Vata origin, and appears in Lakshadi Guggulu for exactly this purpose.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Asthisamharaka?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Asthisamharaka classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Asthisamharaka carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Asthisamharaka is used medicinally?
The part used is Stem.
How much Asthisamharaka is taken, and how?
Stem powder 3–5 g or fresh juice; used during fracture recovery. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Asthisamharaka be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Asthisamharaka grow?
Hadjod is a climbing succulent of dry regions across India, often found scrambling over hedges and rocks.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as bone-uniting (Asthisandhanaka). - Classical Bhagna texts — Asthi-Bhagna Chikitsa
Cited for fracture healing.
Modern research
-
Comparison of Teriparatide and Combination of Cissus quadrangularis and Dalbergia sissoo on Bone Healing in Maxillofacial Fractures: A Randomized Open-label Control Trial
(see source). (2023)
A randomized open-label trial reporting Cissus quadrangularis (with Dalbergia sissoo) supported bone healing in maxillofacial fractures.
View study doi:10.1177/19433875211067007 -
The effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
(see source). Phytomedicine (2022)
A randomized placebo-controlled trial (n=134) reporting Cissus quadrangularis (Asthisamharaka / Hadjod) helped delay bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Hadjod is a climbing succulent of dry regions across India, often found scrambling over hedges and rocks.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hadjod really help fractures heal faster?
It is the classical Ayurvedic drug for fracture healing and has been used that way for centuries, with some supporting modern work. It is taken alongside proper medical treatment — setting, immobilisation and follow-up — never as a replacement for them.
What is the dose of Asthisamharaka?
Stem powder 3–6 g per day, or fresh stem juice 10–20 ml, usually with milk. In fracture healing it is taken through the whole recovery period rather than briefly.
Why is it called Hadjod?
Haad means bone and jod means to join, in Hindi. The Sanskrit Asthisamharaka carries the same meaning. Both names record its single best-known use, which is unusually direct for a plant name.
Can I apply Hadjod externally?
Yes. A paste of the fresh stem is traditionally applied over the injured area alongside internal use, and this is standard practice among traditional bone-setters.
Are there side effects of Asthisamharaka?
Generally well tolerated. The fresh stem contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat, so it is prepared or cooked rather than eaten raw. Consult a physician in pregnancy and if you have a history of kidney stones.
How is Cissus quadrangularis identified?
By its distinctive four-angled, square, fleshy green stems with a node every few inches, from which tendrils and small leaves emerge. It is a climber found across drier parts of India.
Does it help osteoporosis?
It is used traditionally where bone is thin or fractures easily, and forms part of a longer approach that includes diet and weight-bearing activity. Osteoporosis needs proper diagnosis and monitoring — treat this as supportive.
