Hadjod

Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) is a medicinal plant commonly used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine, especially in India and Africa. The plant is famously touted as a bone-promoting and healing herb. Its peculiar quadrangular stems are an observable characteristic. Hadjod comes from the Hindi words had, which means bone, and jod, which means join, which is effective for managing bone fractures and related injuries as per traditional use.
Hadjod plant has high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and calcium content, and it increases bone growth further by expanding the development of osteoblasts, which are cells in charge of forming bones. It also aids in collagen synthesis, essential to bone and cartilage healing. This is why, apart from bone health, Hadjod is also used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties to help ease joint pain, swelling, and mucous infections. New research indicates that it might benefit osteoporosis by promoting bone mineral density.

Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) is called by different names based on regional culture and language. In Sanskrit, it is called Asthisamharaka or Asthishrinkhala, meaning bone setter, which highlights its traditional use in bone healing. In Hindi, it is also called Hadjor, which means "bone joiner." In Tamil, the plant is known as Pirantai and Veldt Grape in English; 

Hadjod, commonly known as Cissus Quadrangularis, is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Hadjod benefits involve supporting bone health, but it also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic benefits.

1. Promotes bone healing

One of the most famous uses of Hadjod is in treating bone fractures. The plant contains an array of calcium ,powerful phytosterols and other bioactive compounds that directly stimulate osteoblasts (bone-building cells). This greatly promotes the regeneration of bone and accelerates fracture healing. Research has found that Hadjod can improve bone mineral density, making it useful in managing osteoporosis.

2. Inflammation reduction and pain relief

Hadjod contains strong anti-inflammatory properties; due to this, it is effective in managing inflammation in arthritis. Inflammation is a leading cause of pain in conditions like haemorrhoids and rheumatoid arthritis, and Hadjod helps to reduce these inflammatory markers in the body. This helps manage joint and muscle pain as well as improves comfort.

3. Weight loss and metabolism

Hadjod had become increasingly popular as a weight management option. A few studies indicate it improves lipid metabolism, thereby reducing body fat. For example, extracts of the herb Hadjod have been observed to affect key enzymes involved in fat metabolism and energy regulation. It prevents fat storage by reducing lipid levels in the blood, which promotes weight loss.

4. Gastrointestinal Health

Hadjod is used in traditional medicine to manage digestive complaints. This is especially beneficial for supporting the health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including reinforcing the gastric and intestinal mucosal lining. These traits can help people relieve gastric ulcers because it helps the action of stomach acid not hurt the area.

5. Cardiovascular health

Hadjod is another great addition to your diet if you want a natural antioxidant for overall health, especially cardiovascular. The plant reduces oxidative stress owing to its antioxidants, a well-known factor for heart disease. Hadjod is loaded with antioxidants and maintains heart health by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation and the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis. In addition, Hadjod can be beneficial for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby preventing heart disease.

6. Hormonal balance and reproductive health

Hadjod is widely used in traditional medicine to ease menstrual problems in women. It helps balance hormones and ease period cramps. The anti-inflammatory nature of the plant and its analgesic properties help in pain reduction, which is often related to menstruation, including dysmenorrhea. Hadjod also helps to balance out hormonal dysfunction, which is common in many females and may cause problems like irregular cycles. Studies have shown this herb benefits all aspects of reproductive health, as many components work systemically to balance the reproductive system.

Hadjod, scientifically known as Cissus quadrangularis, is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda. People in India have used the plant for centuries due to its medicinal qualities. They are famous for their functions in boosting bone health and healing from fractures. The following are its uses based on which it can be beneficial for Hadjod:

1. Bone Healing and Fracture Repair

Hadjod is well known for its ability to heal bones and mend fractures. It has phytochemicals like steroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, which are thought to help repair fractured bones. Research shows that Cissus quadrangularis speeds up the division of osteoblasts, the cells that build bone, making bone regeneration more efficient.

Additionally, Hadjod helps relieve the pain and inflammation of fractures, so it should be a good supplement in the first few weeks of the bone healing process. It also accelerates the process of bone remodeling, which is necessary to repair fractures. This is especially good for athletes and active individuals who want to minimise downtime due to injuries involving bones.

2. Osteoporosis and Bone Demineralisation

Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bones and susceptibility to fractures. Hadjod is used to help control and possibly reverse the process of bone demineralization, which often causes osteoporosis. The plant is full of calcium and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining the health of bones and restoring bone density.

Hadjod, an ayurvedic medicine for bone fractures, not only increases bone density, but its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reverse bone demineralization. It fights oxidative stress in the bone tissue and helps maintain bone density and strength.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic

Besides helping in bone healing, Hadjod is also used for pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. This makes it a popular Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis and joint pain. People with inflammatory joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can also benefit from this herb to relieve their symptoms.

4. Weight Loss and Metabolic Health

Hadjod is sometimes used in weight management because it reduces body fat and improves metabolism. It can impact lipid metabolism, making it an interesting herb for researchers to study concerning lowering body fat. People suffering from metabolic syndrome can benefit from this also for those wanting to improve their cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

5. Gastrointestinal Health

Additionally, Hadjod is traditionally used to improve digestion. This herb is thought to strengthen the mucus lining of the gastrointestinal tract and has been usually used as a cure for issues including tummy cramps, arthritis, and hemorrhoids.

6. Management of Menstrual Disorders

In Ayurveda medicine, Hadjod is sometimes recommended for women who face issues with their menstruation process. Its ability to regulate hormones and anti-inflammatory effects may help women with conditions like irregular menstruation or dysmenorrhea.

Hadjod is popular for its bone healing, weight management, and inflammation reduction properties. But just like any herbal medicine or drug, there are particular precautions regarding the dosage of Hadjod that should be heeded by those who have health issues.

Pregnant and lactating mothers

There is a lack of scientific evidence regarding whether Hadjod is safe for breastfeeding moms. Hadjod has many benefits, but there is a lack of data about its use while breastfeeding and transmitting active compounds through breast milk. So, it is advisable for the women who are breastfeeding to get in touch with a medical practitioner before they start Hadjod.

Patients with diabetes 

There are also reports that Hadjod helps reduce blood sugar, which is helpful for diabetes. Studies also showed that it can benefit carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. However, in the case of patients with diabetes who are taking medications to lower blood sugar levels, they should be careful when consuming this herb. If you are diabetic, combining Hadjod with antidiabetic medicines might cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Individuals with Heart Disease

Hadjod has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits due to reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles. They have been studied for their potential to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, two of the primary risk factors for heart disease. Still, patients with heart diseases should be careful using it due to its effects on metabolism and possible blood pressure reduction. The nitrates in traditional ED drugs like Viagra and blood pressure or cholesterol medication may lower the blood pressure, combining these with hadjod may increase the risk for hypotension. So if you're on either, consult your doctor before popping a pill. 

People with Kidney Disease

Limited studies are available about the use of Hadjod in patients with kidney-related problems. Given that Hadjod is rich in calcium, it could mean a danger for those with kidney stones or patients experiencing chronic kidney diseases as they have an impaired calcium metabolism. Therefore, people with kidney stones must be careful and not consume excessive calcium.

Hadjod With Alcohol

While there is no particular known research correlating Hadjod with alcohol, it isn't considered safe to take herbal supplements, which can influence metabolism and inflammation along with consuming alcohol. The body's metabolism can be altered by alcohol, and inflammation can also increase, hindering the benefits of Hadjod. Additionally, alcohol can be very detrimental in certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, and combining it with Hadjod to manage bone problems is likely to nullify the benefits.

Hadjod is in many forms, like powder, tablets, or capsules. Every form is administered differently, and the dosage depends on what is being treated. 

1. Hadjod Powder

• Dose: 1-2 tsp powder of Hadjod to be taken daily in the morning.
• Directions To Use: Mix the Hadjod powder in warm water or milk. You can mix it with honey or ghee to make the taste bearable.
• How to Take: Consume about 300 mg continuously for 10 weeks for bone healing, digestion, and weight loss.

2. Hadjod Tablets

• Dose: 1–2 tablets (500 mg–1 g) twice daily
• Directions To Use: Take these tablets with water after a meal.
• How to Take: Take one tablet daily after meals for bone fractures, joint pain, and general supplements. The Hadjod tablet uses can make a big difference in your health.

3. Hadjod capsules

• Dose: 1-2 capsules (500 mg to 1 g) twice daily.
• Direction of Use: Take the capsules after meals with water.
• How To Take: Take capsules daily and take them for the long term to prevent osteoporosis or weight loss.

4. Hadjod Paste (External Use)

• Dose: Make a fine paste of Hadjod powder with water or carrier oil.
• Directions to Use: The paste can be applied externally to the affected area (fractures or joint pain) for its anti-inflammatory properties.

The appropriate dose of Hadjod will depend on its response and tolerance, but there is no normal dosage for this supplement. The general dosage of Hadjod powder is 1 to 2 teaspoons (3 to 6 grams) daily, which may be mixed with a suitable vehicle like warm water, milk, or honey and taken post-meals, preferably once or twice a day.

Take Hadjod Tablets/Capsules twice a day after meals. This form makes more sense for long-term use for conditions like bone health, body weight, or inflammation. Besides, for conditions of bone fractures or inflammation, Hadjod paste can be applied topically for muscle pain and to treat wounds. Hadjod juice can be taken in a dose of 5 ml twice a day and about 1 teaspoon twice daily for its ghee version. Patients with certain health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, must take medical advice before starting Hadjod.

Hadjod may interact with some medications to either potentiate or reduce their effect. 

• Diabetes medications: Hadjod may decrease blood sugar levels. Consuming together with anti-diabetic measures, it may bring about low glucose;
• Cholesterol-lowering medications: Hadjod might increase the effects of statins or other lipid-lowering medications, increasing the risk of excess cholesterol reduction.
• Antihypertensive medications: The hypotensive effects of Hadjod may have potentiation by interaction with antihypertensive drugs.
• Calcium supplements: The presence of calcium in Hadjod may increase the risk of kidney stones when taken with calcium supplements.
• Hormonal Medications: The presence of phytoestrogens in hadjod may interact with hormonal medications, potentially affecting hormone levels.

• Bone Health: Hadjod is commonly used to improve bone regeneration and strengthen bone.
• Anti-inflammatory: It reduces swelling, which helps to provide relief from joint pain and arthritis.
• Weight Management: It improves lipid metabolism and controls body fat.
• Medications: Caution is advised for those who have diabetes, heart, or kidney disorders 
• Drug interactions: When taking blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and hormonal medications, seek medical advice.

Conclusion

Hadjod is renowned for its exceptional ability to promote bone healing and enhance overall skeletal strength. Revered for centuries, this plant offers a natural approach to managing fractures, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair. Its rich nutrient profile and additional benefits for digestive health further enhance its therapeutic value. Whether used in traditional remedies or modern supplements, Hadjod continues to play a vital role in holistic health practices, making it a trusted choice for those seeking natural support for bone and joint wellness.