Cissus (Cissus quadrangularis): Traditional Uses, Research & Facts

Cissus is a climbing plant traditionally used in Ayurveda and other South Asian systems of medicine. It is especially known as Hadjod, a traditional name closely associated with its historical use in bone and musculoskeletal preparations.

Modern research has examined Cissus quadrangularis for bone health, fracture recovery, body composition, metabolic markers, and other areas. [1] [2]

What Is Cissus?

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent climbing plant found across parts of Asia and Africa. Its thick, jointed stems give the plant its distinctive appearance.

In Ayurveda, Cissus has a long history of use in preparations associated with bones, joints, and physical recovery.

Traditional use, however, is not the same as established medical effectiveness.

What Is Cissus Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Cissus has been used in preparations associated with:

• Bone and joint wellness

• Recovery following fractures

• General musculoskeletal support

• Physical strength

• Digestive wellness

Modern researchers have become particularly interested in its traditional connection with bone health.

Cissus and Bone Health: What Does Research Say?

Cissus is one of the Ayurvedic botanicals that has been studied in humans for bone-related outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis examined clinical studies involving Cissus quadrangularis and found some promising results related to bone and fracture recovery. However, the studies varied considerably in design and quality.

A newer systematic review examining bone-related biomarkers also found some changes in selected markers, but the researchers rated the overall certainty of evidence as very low. [2]

This means the research is interesting, but stronger and better-controlled human studies are still needed.

Does Cissus Heal Broken Bones?

Myth if taken literally.

Cissus has a genuine traditional association with fracture recovery, and some human studies have investigated this area.

However, it should not be described as something that can independently “heal a broken bone.”

Proper fracture care can involve medical evaluation, alignment, immobilization, nutrition, rehabilitation, and other treatment depending on the injury.

A more accurate statement is:

Cissus has traditionally been used for bone wellness and has been studied for fracture-related outcomes, but it is not a replacement for appropriate orthopedic care.

Cissus and Weight Management

Cissus has also appeared in supplements marketed for weight management.

Some clinical research has reported changes in body weight and metabolic markers. However, several studies used combination formulas containing multiple ingredients, making it difficult to determine how much of the effect was caused by Cissus itself. [1]

Therefore, claims such as “Cissus causes weight loss” go beyond what current evidence can establish.

Whole Cissus vs. Cissus Extract

Cissus supplements may contain either whole plant material or concentrated extracts.

Whole-herb powder contains dried plant material in a less concentrated form.

Cissus extract is processed to concentrate particular plant constituents.

Many research studies have used extracts rather than ordinary whole-herb powder. A result from a clinical study using a particular extract therefore should not automatically be applied to an equal amount of whole Cissus powder.

What Should You Look For in a Cissus Product?

When comparing Cissus supplements, consider:

• Botanical name: Cissus quadrangularis

• Plant part used

• Whole herb or extract

• Amount per serving

• Standardization information, if applicable

• Complete ingredient disclosure

• Identity and contaminant testing

• Transparent sourcing and manufacturing

The Bottom Line

Cissus has an interesting combination of traditional history and emerging scientific research.

Its association with bone wellness is not simply an internet invention — it comes from traditional use and has led to human research. At the same time, current evidence is not strong enough to call Cissus a proven fracture-healing treatment.

Tradition is worth understanding. Research is worth following. And myths should stay myths.

Research & References

[1] Efficacy and Safety of Cissus quadrangularis L. in Clinical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28165166/

[2] The Effects of Cissus quadrangularis on Bone-Related Biomarkers in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40707943/

[3] Cissus quadrangularis L.: A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Review

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34181958/