Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Hadjod Extract

Also known as: Hadjod, Veldt Grape, Devil's Backbone, Cissus quadrangularis

Overview

Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as Hadjod, is a perennial plant native to tropical Asia and Africa, traditionally utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for its bone-healing properties and efficacy in musculoskeletal disorders. This herbal supplement is primarily recognized for its ability to promote bone healing, enhance bone mineral density, and support connective tissue repair. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to bioactive compounds such as β-sitosterol, vitamin C, calcium, flavonoids, and tetracyclic triterpenoids. Research on Hadjod has progressed from in vitro and animal studies to human clinical trials, with recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its osteogenic potential. While the evidence quality is moderate, including well-conducted randomized controlled trials, further high-quality research is needed to establish definitive clinical guidelines.

Benefits

Hadjod extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on bone health. Its most significant effect is accelerating bone healing and increasing bone mineral density. Randomized controlled trials involving mandibular fracture patients demonstrated that Cissus quadrangularis supplementation (500 mg/day) significantly improved biochemical markers like serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase, alongside radiographic bone density, within 42 days compared to control groups. A systematic review and meta-analysis further support its role in promoting bone formation and modulating bone biomarkers, including an increase in serum parathyroid hormone levels, indicating enhanced bone remodeling. Beyond fracture healing, Hadjod exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to reduced pain and swelling post-injury. It also shows potential in osteoporosis management by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and supporting osteoblast activity, particularly in estrogen-deficient models. These benefits are most relevant for adults with traumatic bone fractures, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and individuals seeking enhanced bone regeneration. Clinical improvements in fracture healing contexts are typically observed within 3 to 6 weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Cissus quadrangularis promotes osteogenesis by directly stimulating osteoblast proliferation and enhancing collagen synthesis, which are crucial for the formation of new bone matrix. It also plays a role in modulating the osteoimmune system by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, thereby reducing bone resorption and maintaining bone integrity. The bioactive compounds within Hadjod, such as β-sitosterol, vitamin C, and tetracyclic triterpenoids, are believed to enhance mucopolysaccharide accumulation at fracture sites, which is vital for accelerating bone mineralization. Furthermore, Hadjod has been shown to enhance serum parathyroid hormone levels, a key regulator of calcium metabolism and overall bone remodeling. Its oral bioavailability is supported by its common use in capsule form, with absorption potentially influenced by formulation and cofactors like vitamin C.

Side effects

Cissus quadrangularis is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects at typical dosages of 500 mg/day. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible side effect. While no significant drug interactions have been extensively documented, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants due to the potential effects of phytosterols. Specific contraindications are not well-established, but due to a lack of comprehensive safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Long-term safety data are limited, with most studies focusing on short-term use (up to 6 weeks). Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those on other medications should consult their doctor before starting Hadjod supplementation.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Cissus quadrangularis for fracture healing, as established in clinical trials, is 500 mg per day, typically administered as two 250 mg capsules. The optimal dosage range generally falls between 500 mg and 1000 mg per day, depending on the specific clinical context and the formulation of the extract. While a definitive maximum safe dose has not been established, doses up to 1000 mg per day have been well-tolerated in short-term studies. For optimal absorption and to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects, it is recommended to take Hadjod twice daily with meals. Standardized extracts in capsule form are preferred to ensure consistency in the concentration of active compounds. The presence of vitamin C and other cofactors may further enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of the supplement.

FAQs

Is Hadjod extract safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term safety data exist for Hadjod extract. Short-term use, typically up to 6 weeks, has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical studies.

How quickly does it work for bone healing?

Clinical improvements in bone healing parameters with Hadjod extract have been observed as early as 3 weeks post-injury in some studies, with significant benefits seen within 6 weeks.

Can it be used for osteoporosis?

Preclinical studies and some clinical evidence suggest potential benefits for osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation, but more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Are there any known drug interactions?

No significant drug interactions have been widely reported. However, caution is advised when taking Hadjod with blood thinners due to potential phytosterol effects; consult a healthcare professional.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6954941/ – This prospective randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Cissus quadrangularis (500 mg/day) on mandibular fracture healing in 30 patients over 42 days. The study found that CQ significantly improved serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pain, swelling, and radiographic bone density compared to controls, demonstrating its osteogenic potential despite a small sample size.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12288206/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from multiple randomized controlled trials on Cissus quadrangularis and bone biomarkers. It concluded that CQ increases serum parathyroid hormone levels and promotes markers of bone formation, supporting its role in bone health. The study highlighted heterogeneity among included studies and some risk of bias, suggesting a moderate-high quality of evidence.
https://www.scitechnol.com/peer-review/role-of-cissus-quadrangularis-in-the-treatment-of-osteoporosis-a-review-TNBr.php?article_id=7876 – This review article explores the role of Cissus quadrangularis in the treatment of osteoporosis. It discusses how CQ inhibits osteoclastogenesis and enhances osteoblast proliferation, thereby contributing to bone health. The review primarily draws from preclinical data, indicating a strong mechanistic basis but acknowledging the need for more extensive clinical validation.
https://stomatology-mfsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PHYTOCHEMICAL-INFUSED-SCAFFOLDS-THE-ROLE-OF-CISSUS-QUADRANGULARIS-IN-ADVANCING-BONE-TISSUE-ENGINEERING-A-SYSTEMATIC-REVIEW-1.pdf – This systematic review focuses on the role of Cissus quadrangularis in advancing bone tissue engineering, particularly through phytochemical-infused scaffolds. It synthesizes evidence on CQ's ability to modulate the osteoimmune system and enhance bone regeneration. The review highlights the mechanistic clarity from preclinical studies but notes the ongoing process of clinical translation.