Health Benefits & Uses of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape)

Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod or Pirandai is a traditional herb that is widely used in Ayurveda to treat many diseases. It is also known as Veldt Grape. It is a fleshy plant that is used in many traditional dishes such as soups, dals, and chutney in India. 

Cissus Quadrangularis is widely used in Indian medicines to strengthen your bones, joints, and improves bone growth. It is an effective natural remedy for bones and joint disorders, used to treat flatulence, loss of appetite, hemorrhoid, intestinal worms, indigestion, gout, weight loss, leucorrhea, and internal bleeding. 

Veldt Grape increases the mineral density of bones and fracture’s healing rate. It contains aphrodisiac action that helps to improve men’s vigor, stamina, and strength. 

In Ayurveda, it is recommended to drink 20 ml juice of Cissus Quadrangularis twice a day to increase the healing rate and fracture and restore bone mass in many diseases. For the external use, prepare a paste using Hadjod Powder and warm water for the same purpose.

About Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod (Pirandai)

Hadjod is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Vitaceae family, and it is native to hot and arid places of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Africa. 

It is scientifically known as Cissus Quadrangularis and grows up to 15-meter height with the branches, and it is split into four quadrangular arrangements. The leaves of this plant are bright green in color, sharp edges and contain three lobes. 

This plant contains white or jade flowers and red berries. Every part of Veldt Grape is edible, leaves and stem are used in traditional cooking and medicinal purposes. 

Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) is widely used globally due to its bone tissue development and other effective medicinal properties. It is hugely manufactured and sold in various forms, such as tablets, powders, capsules, and extracts.

Common Names of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape):

Botanical Name: Cissus Quadrangularis
English Name: Veldt Grape
Tamil Name: Pirandai
Malayalam Name: Cannalamparanta
Telugu Name: Nalleru
Kannada Name: Mangarahalli
Hindi Name: Hadjod
Marathi Name: Ghanasvel
Bengali Name: Harajora 
Gujarati Name: Asthisrnkhala

Medicinal Properties of Hadjod (Prandai)

• Strengthen bones and joints
• Hemostatic
• Hepatoprotective
• Accelerate the rate of fracture healing
• Digestive stimulant
• Restore bone mass

• Blood detoxifier
• Anti-hemorrhoid
• Anabolic supplement
• Anthelmintic or vermifuge
• Aphrodisiac
• Anodyne – pain relieving

Nutritional Values of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape)

Veldt Grape contains numerous nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium. Apart from this, it contains flavonoids, steroids, and resveratrol. 

These will help to improve the rapid healing of the fracture and provide great relief from pain and joint diseases. Thus, it is known as “Asthisamharaka,” which means “bone setter,” and it protects your bone from destruction. 

Moreover, the Cissus Quadrangularis is filled with many bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, carotenoids, and triterpenoids. 

It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, E, zinc, sodium, and iron that provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Short description of Cissus Quadrangularis (Pirandai)

Plant Growth Habit	Habit Herbaceous Deciduous Perennial succulent Climbing plant
Growing Climates	Acacia woodland Grassland with scattered trees Riverine thicket Coastal forest edges Sandy banks of rivers Dense mixed thicket
Soil	Light sandy Loamy and clay soils Well-drained soil  Nutritionally poor soil
Plant Size	Reach Up to 1.5 m length
Tendrils	Long, slender and simple
Stem	More or less glabrous Branched, thick, succulent Constricted at regular intervals 4-angled, square in cross section 4 angles are prominent, narrow, often reddish and smooth
Leaf	Somewhat fleshy, membranous, simple at the nodes Glabrous on both sides or sparingly pubescent Tendril emerging from the opposite side of the node

Flowering season	July – September
Flower	Small white Yellowish, or greenish Flower-bud 2–3 mm long, glabrous
Fruit	Ovoid to globular Succulent Very acidic Up to 8-12 × 5-8 mm Glabrous
Fruit Color	Green when young Red when ripe
Seed	Compressed-ellipsoid 5 mm long 4 mm broad Smooth with single dorsal crest
Propagation	Seed  Stem cuttings
Available Forms	Powder Juice  Capsule form
Taste	Acrid, Bitter
Plant Parts Used	Whole plant, stem, Aerial parts
Season	October – January

Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Hadjod (Cissus Quadrangularis)

Cissus Quadrangularis contains many powerful strengthening effects on bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. It is mainly used in the treatment of diseases associated with these structures.

Treats Osteoporosis

Hadjod or Cissus Quadrangularis is an effective remedy for osteoporosis that increases the strength of bones and restores bone mass. It also increases minerals in bones and improves the mineral nodules formation. 

It improves the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic. It increases the mineral density of bones and decreases the chances of bone fracture. 

The powder or juice of Hadjod is used with Muktashukti Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Godanti Bhasma, Kukkutandatvak Bhasma, Yashad Bhasma, Praval Bhasma, Ashwagandha, Amala, and Arjuna to treat many diseases in Ayurveda. These combinations help to increase the bone strength and restores the bone minerals.

Improves Digestion

The aerial parts of the Cissus Quadrangularis contain digestive action that helps to promote liver function and digestion. 

In folk medicine, the leaves of Hadjod are used to prepare veggies from aerial parts of C. Quadrangularis are used to enhance your digestive system. In traditional medicine, the stem powder of C. Quadrangularis is mixed with an equal amount of ginger powder and recommended to take to enhance appetite.

Note

• The extract of Hadjod (Veldt Grape) contains 2.5% of ketosteroids that help to control appetite and reduce weight.
• According to Ayurvedic properties, it helps to increase appetite while using it in natural form. The extract or derivatives are not recommended in Ayurveda, and it may not give the same results.
• The traditional preparation of Cissus Quadrangularis and ginger powder is an effective remedy for an appetizer.

Also Read: Herbs for Digestion

Treats Bone Fracture

Cissus Quadrangularis helps to cure bone fracture by increasing the speed of proliferative physiological processes in the bone. It increases the bone regeneration rate, enhances nutrient supply and blood circulation in the bone. 

It protects regeneration and bone tissue anabolism. It improves proliferation and the differentiation of osteoblastic. Lakshadi Guggul is generally used for this purpose in Ayurvedic medicine, and Hadjod is the main ingredient. 

This formulation is usually used with Abha Guggul and Gandha Thailam. The stem and fresh juice of Hadjod are more beneficial to increase the speed of fracture healing. 

Generally, 20 ml of Ayurvedic herbs can be taken with cow’s milk or ghee twice a day for increasing the healing rate of bone fractures. 

The extract or powder of Cissus Quadrangularis (Veldt Grape) is used where the fresh herb is not available. The paste prepared by using leaves and stem of Cissus Quadrangularis is applied to the fractured area for quick healing. 

It has been used in India since ancient times when there were no other orthopedic medicines available. During that time, the paste was applied to the fractured area after joining the broken bone and then closed with a cloth and wooden stick.

Reduces Weight

Many studies found that Hadjod provides powerful antioxidants and weight-reducing properties that helps to decrease body fat and enhance the overall lipid profile. 

The combination of Cissus Quadrangularis and Irvingia Gabonensis is very effective for weight loss. According to studies, the Hadjod contains strong synergistic effects that are used in managing obesity. 

Ayurvedic properties of Cissus Quadrangularis help to improve your metabolism and forms of bones. The Ayurveda concept of DHATUAGNI found that mostly the obese people have weak bones. Ayurveda suggests that the MEDA DHATUAGNI is essential for the bone formation. 

When you have the suitable MEDA DHATUAGNI, the bones will grow well. The modern medicines also suggest this same thing in different ways. 

The excess fat or adipose tissue affects the health of your bone. Low bone mineral density is the most common problem in the obese people. In Ayurveda, the Hadjod (Veldt Grape) helps to improve metabolism and decreases fat mass in your body. 

It also helps to enhance MEDA DHATUAGNI to increase the strength and mass of your bone. It increases the weight of your bones and decreases the deposition of fat around the belly, buttocks, pelvis, and upper thighs. 

It is noted that it is less to decrease body weight until the bones get weak. In Ayurveda, it helps to increase bone weight and decrease the fat of mass. 

The overall weight loss of your body may not be important until your bones get weak because the weight will transfer to your bones. 

When you consume Hadjod regularly for a long time, it decreases your overall weight of the body. It also makes your bone strength, and you don’t need extra nourishment for the joints and bones.

Also Read: Herbs for Weight Loss

Treats Dental Infections

The plaque, cavities, and tarter may cause discomfort in gums and teeth. Regularly Brush and rinse your mouth using Hadjod juice to kill all infectious agents that cause toothaches because the Cissus Quadrangularis juice contains great microbial characteristics.

Treats Syphilis

In traditional medicine, the fresh stems of Cissus Quadrangularis can be burned for some minutes and extract juice from them. Take 20 ml of extracted juice with 20 ml ghee after food twice a day for seven days. This combination is effectively used in treating syphilis and decreases its symptoms.

Cures Joint Pain cause due to Strenuous Exercises

Veldt Grape contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anodyne actions that help to decrease the pain and joint inflammation effectively. Many studies prove that it improves joint mobility and reduces joint pain in athletes due to hard exercises.

Effects on Lipid Profile

Many studies found that Cissus Quadrangularis promotes metabolism and lipid profile. It decreases total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol. Moreover, it increases HDL cholesterol.

Menorrhagia

Consume 20 ml fresh juice of leaves and stems of Cissus Quadrangularis with three gms of white sandalwood powder and one teaspoon of honey that helps to treat excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Efficiently Detoxifies The Body

Hadjod (Veldt Grape) contains vitamin C and many natural compounds like flavonoids that effectively eliminate the fluids, waste food particles, and harmful parts from your body and prevent accumulation in the kidney.

Also Read: Simple Ways to Detox Your Liver

Protects The Hepatic System

Cissus Quadrangularis contains a rich amount of vitamin C except the anti-inflammatory substances such as beta-sitosterol and triterpenoids. Thus, Hadjod protects your liver from fatty liver diseases and bile duct diseases.

Relieves Menstruation Cramps

Veldt Grape aids in raising serotonin levels in the body and thus regulates hormones. This activity gives relief from menstrual cramps, bloating, and pain. Mostly, women suffer from menstrual cramps every month, and this will be an effective and natural way to get relief.

Heart Health

Cissus Quadrangularis has a direct connection with cholesterol. So consuming it will lower the cholesterol level due to its strong impact on metabolic factors. By reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, Veld Grape will protect your cardiovascular system from strain, atherosclerosis, attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Boost Immunity

Veldt Grape has high levels of ascorbic acid, which makes the body a defensive shield against various pathogens and foreign substances; it gives antioxidant properties. Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C that improves the production of white blood cells (WBS) to fight against infections and improves overall health.

Also Read: Herbs to Boost Immune System

Wound Healing

Vitamin C found in the Cissus Quadrangularis is a vital element of collagen (Protein) which is used by the human body to build up muscles, blood vessels, and arteries. Vitamin C aids in the growth and repair of the body tissues, and speeds up the wound healing process. So you will be recovered from injury and illness quicker.

Diabetes

Veldt Grape has powerful anti-diabetic properties that fight against the conditions caused by diabetes. These beneficial health benefits of the veldt grape are due to the antioxidant properties. Further, it is also enriched with quercetin. Research in diabetics rats said that this plant is useful in enhancing histological, biochemical, and biomechanical changes.

Also Read: Herbs for Diabetes

Anti-Inflammatory and Respiratory Disorders

From ancient days, people in India and Asia used this plant for joint pain. Cissus Quadrangularis has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation in the joints and tendons. It is also used in treating hemorrhoids. Many researches found that it has anti-inflammatory properties. The Veldt Grape shows an effect similar to steroids. Thus it prevents respiratory issues such as asthma.

Bleeding Piles & Deworming

Veldt Grape is the best for treatmenting bleeding piles, and it should be done for at least 7 to 10 days to get good results. For the treatment, clean, scrap, and cut the Cissus Quadrangularis into small pieces. Then fry it with a little amount of ghee in a pan till the color changes. After frying, grind it to a paste by adding a few drops of boiled water. Then, store it in the refrigerator and consume 1/4 tsp daily for about ten days to get complete relief from anal itching, deworming, and piles. This also treats intestinal worms.

How to use Veldt grape according to Ayurveda

• Infrequent Menses: Just burn Veldt Grape and mix its ash with one teaspoon of ghee. Consume it three times for three days.
• Diarrhea: Mix one teaspoon of Cissus Quadrangularis ash with warm water. Drink it two times a day.
• Obesity: Add 1/2 tablespoon of Veldt Grape burnt powder with coconut water or Buttermilk and consume it two times a day.
• Piles: Take one tablespoon ash of Veldt Grape. Mix it with one teaspoon of ghee. Have it two times a day.
• Stomach Ache: Grind the same amount of Cissus Quadrangularis and Drumstick flowers and add one tablespoon of dried coconut to it. Then, extract the juice from it and drink it two times a day.
• Fracture: Mix the Veldt Grape juice with Sesame oil and boil it. Apply it over the fracture.
• Muscular Pain: Grind Veldt Grape plant with Turmeric rhizome and apply it on the painful areas.
• Asthma: Grind the fresh stems of Cissus Quadrangularis to make a paste. Have 2 grams of that paste with warm water once a day.
• Sexual Debility: Take one tablespoon of Cissus Quadrangularis, Nutmeg powder, and ghee. Mix them. Mix them and have it three times a day for a week in a divided portion.
• Digestive Disorder: Took 50 g dried Veldt Grape leaves to prepare powder. Add 25 g of dried ginger and Black Pepper powder. Consume this mixture for about 3 g twice a day.
• Throat Irritation: Consume fresh juice of Veldt grape stem with honey.

Culinary Uses

• Leaves and young shoots of Cissus Quadrangularis are used in the preparation of curries and fries.
• Veldt Grape ash is used as an alternative for baking powder.
• Young green stems can be eaten after cooking.
• Stem and leaves of Cissus Quadrangularis are made into chutney and then eaten.
• Veldt Grape young shoots and leaves are acidic in taste and can be eaten alone or with other vegetables.

Recipes using Cissus Quadrangularis

1. Veldt grape chutney

Ingredients

• Veldt Grape – 1 bunch
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Chana dal – 1 tbsp
• Dry Red chilli – 2 to 3
• Small onion – 10
• Garlic – 10
• Grated coconut – 1/2 cup
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Tamarind (lemon size)
• Salt to taste

Process

Peel the skin and fiber of the Veldt grape plant. Then cut it into small pieces.

Heat a pan, add oil, and roast dry chili and chana dal. Then add coconut, small onion, garlic, cumin seeds, and curry leaves and roast it.

Add veldt grape and roast it until the raw smell goes out. Then add tamarind.

After roasting, leave it for ten minutes. Then add salt and blend it using a blender.

For the seasoning, fry mustard seed, urad dhal, and curry leaves in a teaspoon of oil. Add them to the ground veldt grape paste.

2. Veldt Grape Rasam

Ingredients

• Chopped Veldt Grape – 1/2cup
• Split moong dal – 1/4cup (cooked and mashed)
• Tomato – 1no (crushed)
• Garlic cloves – 2nos (crushed)
• Green chilies – 2nos (slit opened)
• Mustard seeds – 1/2tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1/2tsp
• Asafoetida powder – 1/4tsp
• Dry red chilly – 1no
• Lemon juice – 1tbsp
• Ghee – 1tbsp
• Curry leaves

Ingredients to Roast and Grind into a paste

• Peppercorns – 1tbsp
• Cumin seeds – 1tsp
• Coriander seeds -2tbsp
• Dry red chilies – 2nos
• Channa dal – 1tsp

Process

Cook and mash the dal separately. Then add it with crushed tomatoes, crushed garlic, cloves, grounded paste, and salt in a bowl with enough water and keep separately.

Heat the pan and add ghee. Then fry mustard seeds, cumin seeds, slit opened green chilies, curry leaves, dry red chilly, and asafoetida powder for a few minutes.

Add chopped veldt grape pieces and saute them for a few minutes. Then mix the dal mixture that is prepared already and cook until the rasam starts bubbling.

Finally, add lemon juice and off the stove.

Effect On Doshas

Hadjod contains Madhura rasa and Katu that becomes Katu vipaka finally. It helps to balance and equalize Vata and Kapha doshas. 

It effectively eliminates AMA toxins present in the system because it may lead to incomplete digestion. Additionally, Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) contains an inherent Ushna virya and provides common Ruksha, Laghu, and Sara gunas.

Dosage of Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod)

The dosage of Hadjod can vary from person to person depending on the condition, age, and severity of the patients. It can vary depending on the formulation also.

Hadjod (Veldt Grape) Powder

The powdered form of Hadjod is prepared from leaves and stems of dried C. Quadrangularis. It is a finely ground powder of Hadjod herb.

Children	25 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 1.5 grams
Adults	50 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 3 grams
Maximum Possible Dosage	6 grams per day (in divided doses)

Take this powder along with warm milk or warm water twice a day 2 hours after food.

Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod) Juice 

The Cissus Quadrangularis juice is prepared by pressing and crushing the leaves and stem of the plant. It is also known as Hadjod Svarasa.

Infants (0 to 6 months)	5 drops
Infants (7 to 12 months)	10 drops
Children (1 to 3 years)	1 ml to 2.5 ml
Children (4 to 5 years)	2.5 ml to 5 ml
Children (Above 5 years)	5 ml
Adults	10 to 20 ml
Maximum Possible Dosage	40 ml per Day (in divided doses)

Drink this juice by mixing with an equal amount of cow’s ghee or a cup of milk twice a day after food.

Hadjod Extract

The standardized Cissus Quadrangularis extract contains 2.5% ketosteroids. It is extracted from the plant of Hadjod.

Children	5 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 300 mg
Adults	10 mg per Kg weight, but it should not exceed 600 mg
Maximum Possible Dosage	1200 mg per day (in divided doses)

Drink this extract along with warm milk or warm water twice daily 2 hours after food.

Hadjod Capsules & Tablets

There are two types of capsules and tablets prepared from Hadjod that are available in the name of Cissus Quadrangularis tablets and Hadjod capsules in the market. 

In many cases, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets or capsules twice a day after food. If they contain powder, the dosage can increase, as mentioned in the table.

Side Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod)

The natural form of Hadjod is safe to consume when you take the proper dosage. The high dose may cause some side effects, especially for Pitta Prakriti or Pitta health problems.

• Burning sensation
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Vertigo
• Sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Increased heat
• Restlessness
• Excessive sweating

Most of the side effects caused when the Cissus Quadrangularis is used in extract form more than 1200 mg. Ayurveda stated that people who have a Pitta type of body can be affected by these side effects in low dosage. Thus, the dosage can vary from person to person, so it is better to consult your doctor before consuming it.

Conclusion

Cissus Quadrangularis or Hadjod or pirandai or Veldt Grape is a traditional herb that contains sweet, tangy leaves, juice extracts, and stems. These are an effective remedy for treating many diseases and works as a perfect harmony of medicine and food.

According to ancient Ayurveda, Hadjod contains effective healing power for fractures and other bone problems. The important nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals combined with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and diuretic traits make Hadjod a versatile and powerful medicinal herb.