CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS L A COMPREHENSIVE MULTIDISCIPLINARY REVIEW
Abstract
Cissus Quadrangularis L., a perennial succulent climber belonging to the family Vitaceae, is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Commonly referred to as “Hadjod” or “Asthi-samharaka,” the plant has been extensively utilized for the management of bone fractures and musculoskeletal disorders. In recent years, growing scientific interest has led to comprehensive investigations into its phytochemical composition and diverse pharmacological activities.
Phytochemical studies have revealed that Cissus Quadrangularis contains a wide array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols (β-sitosterol), stilbene derivatives, iridoids, phenolic compounds, calcium, and vitamin C. These compounds contribute synergistically to its therapeutic effects. Experimental and preclinical studies have demonstrated significant osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, wound healing, and potential anticancer activities.
Among its pharmacological properties, the osteogenic and fracture-healing effects are the most extensively documented, with evidence showing stimulation of osteoblast activity, enhanced collagen synthesis, and improved bone mineralization. Additionally, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms play crucial roles in mediating its protective effects in various pathological conditions. Although preclinical findings are promising and some clinical studies suggest beneficial outcomes, variability in extract standardization and limited large-scale trials necessitate further rigorous research.
Cissus Quadrangularis represents a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant therapeutic potential. This review highlights its botanical characteristics, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and emerging clinical evidence, while emphasizing the need for standardized formulations and well-designed clinical studies to validate its efficacy and safety for broader therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
Cissus quadrangularis; Hadjod; Asthi-samharaka; Vitaceae; Medicinal plant; Phytochemistry; Flavonoids; β-sitosterol; Osteogenic activity; Fracture healing; Anti-inflammatory activity; Antioxidant activity; Pharmacological activities; Herbal medicine; Nutraceuticals; Traditional medicine; Bone regeneration; Wound healing; Anti-obesity activity; Phytoconstituents.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
1. Khatri, R. (2025). A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology, 40(10), 63–71.
2. Nesur, K., Nadaf, A., & Mareguddi, S. (2025). A review on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potentials of Cissus Quadrangularis (Asthi Shrinkhala). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 14(5), 535–543.
3. Stohs, S. J., & Ray, S. D. (2013). A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), 1107–1114.
4. Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2015;9(17):124–129.
5. Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2016;10(20):1–12.
6. Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
7. Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
8. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
9. Bafna, P. S., & Mishra, S. H. (2004). Effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on fracture healing: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2–3), 273–278.
10. Stohs, S. J., & Ray, S. D. (2013). A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), 1107–1114.
11. Bhutani, K. K., & Kapoor, R. (1998). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cissus Quadrangularis L. extract. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 36(3), 255–258.
12. Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Vanitha, A., Rajesha, J., Mahadeva Swamy, M., Sowmya, P. R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2003). In vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(2), 99–105.
13. Singh, V., & Udupa, K. N. (1963). Studies on the fracture healing property of Cissus Quadrangularis. Journal of Research in Indian Medicine, 1(3), 7–13.
14. Jainu, M., & Devi, C. S. S. (2006). The effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on gastric mucosal defense and its anti-inflammatory properties: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104(1–2), 123–126.
15. Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Vanitha, A., Rajesha, J., Mahadeva Swamy, M., Sowmya, P. R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2003). In vivo antioxidant activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(2), 99–105.
16. Shirwaikar, A., Khan, S., & Malini, S. (2003). Antiosteoporotic effect of ethanol extract of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. on ovariectomized rat. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2–3), 245–250.
17. Jainu, M., & Devi, C. S. S. (2004). Effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on gastric mucosal defensive factors in experimentally induced gastric ulcer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 90(2–3), 271-276.
18. Viswanatha Swamy, A. H. M., Kulkarni, R. V., Thippeswamy, A. H. M., Koti, B. C., & Gore, A. (2010). Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract against isoniazid-induced liver damage in rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 42(6), 397-400.
19. Kim JW, Jeong JS, Kim JH, Chung EH, Kim CY, Lee DR, Choi BK, Lim JH, Ko JW, Kim TW. Anti-hyperglycaemic effects of Cissus Quadrangularis extract via regulation of gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024 Jul 10;15:1415670.
20. arekh, J., & Chanda, S. V. (2007). In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of some Indian medicinal plants including Cissus Quadrangularis. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 38(3), 391–397.
21. Shirwaikar, A., Khan, S., & Malini, S. (2003). Antiosteoporotic and cytotoxic evaluation of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2–3), 245–250.
22. Carvalho, J. C. T., de Oliveira Silva, F., Matias, E. F. F., Cearê, C. G. de A., & de Sousa, D. P. (2019). Natural products from Vitaceae species with potential anticancer bioactivity: A review. Molecules, 24(14), 2549.
23. Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, Momo C, Talla X. The use of a Cissus Quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2006 Sep 2;5(1):24.
24. Benjawan S, Nimitphong H, Tragulpiankit P, Musigavong O, Prathanturarug S, Pathomwichaiwat T. The effect of Cissus Quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2022 Jul 1; 101:154115.
25. Nash R, Azantsa B, Kuate D, Singh H, Oben J. The use of a stem and leaf aqueous extract of Cissus Quadrangularis (CQR-300) to reduce body fat and other components of metabolic syndrome in overweight participants. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Paradigm, Practice, and Policy Advancing Integrative Health. 2019 Jan;25(1):98-106.
26. Parinam PS, Hedaoo RP, Patil M, Mohile A, Khatwani N, Aainapure A. Therapeutic potential of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. (Veldt grape) in osteoporosis and arthritis: A scoping review of preclinical evidence. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2025 Oct 5;15(11):008-20.
27. Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
28. Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
29. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
30. Tsegaye Kelbore et al., “Value addition of Cissus Quadrangularis stem powder in Ethiopian flat bread: Injera and its effect on Nutritional composition, Sensory attributes and Microbial load,” J Food Sci Technol., 2022.
31. Khushbu Singh et al., “Formulation of Cissus Quadrangularis stem powder and its nutritional and phytochemical analysis,” Int. J. Adv. Biochem. Res., 2025;9(7):1444-1446.
32. Jae-Joon Lee et al., “Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Powder on Proximate Composition, Physicochemical and Textural Properties of Tteokgalbi,” Food Sci Anim Resour., 2024;44(3):684-698.
33. Global Cissus Quadrangularis market size, growth forecasts, and trends, including projections of market value increase from USD 19.75 million in 2025 to USD 27.06 million by 2032 (CAGR ~4.6%).
34. Industry analysis showing the global Cissus Quadrangularis market projected to grow from about USD 16.9 million in 2025 to USD 26.4 million by 2035 driven by rising demand for natural supplements.
35. Future Market Insights Report — estimates the global Cissus Quadrangularis market value at around USD 15.6 million in 2023, growing to USD 26.4 million by 2035 with a projected CAGR of ~14.6 %.
36. Pharmacognosy Reviews Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
37. Pharmacognosy Reviews Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
38. Phytotherapy Research Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
39. Phytochemistry Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
40. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
41. BestSource Nutrition Cissus Quadrangularis Extract Capsule.
42. StoPorus CQ – EBC Pharma.
43. Nutricost Cissus Quadrangularis.
44. Raskam Healthcare Cissus Quadrangularis Veg Capsule.
45. Fitbal Cissus Quadrangularis Capsule.
46. Nutridom Cissus Quadrangularis 300.
47. Pharmacognosy Reviews Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
48. Pharmacognosy Reviews Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
49. Phytotherapy Research Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts. Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
50. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
51. Journal of Food Science and Technology Tsegaye Kelbore et al. Value addition of Cissus quadrangularis stem powder in Ethiopian flat bread: Injera and its effect on nutritional composition, sensory attributes and microbial load. J Food Sci Technol. 2022.
52. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research Khushbu Singh et al. Formulation of Cissus quadrangularis stem powder and its nutritional and phytochemical analysis. Int J Adv Biochem Res. 2025;9(7):1444–1446.
53. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
2. Nesur, K., Nadaf, A., & Mareguddi, S. (2025). A review on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potentials of Cissus Quadrangularis (Asthi Shrinkhala). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 14(5), 535–543.
3. Stohs, S. J., & Ray, S. D. (2013). A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), 1107–1114.
4. Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2015;9(17):124–129.
5. Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2016;10(20):1–12.
6. Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
7. Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
8. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
9. Bafna, P. S., & Mishra, S. H. (2004). Effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on fracture healing: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2–3), 273–278.
10. Stohs, S. J., & Ray, S. D. (2013). A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytotherapy Research, 27(8), 1107–1114.
11. Bhutani, K. K., & Kapoor, R. (1998). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cissus Quadrangularis L. extract. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 36(3), 255–258.
12. Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Vanitha, A., Rajesha, J., Mahadeva Swamy, M., Sowmya, P. R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2003). In vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(2), 99–105.
13. Singh, V., & Udupa, K. N. (1963). Studies on the fracture healing property of Cissus Quadrangularis. Journal of Research in Indian Medicine, 1(3), 7–13.
14. Jainu, M., & Devi, C. S. S. (2006). The effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on gastric mucosal defense and its anti-inflammatory properties: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104(1–2), 123–126.
15. Chidambara Murthy, K. N., Vanitha, A., Rajesha, J., Mahadeva Swamy, M., Sowmya, P. R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2003). In vivo antioxidant activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract. Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(2), 99–105.
16. Shirwaikar, A., Khan, S., & Malini, S. (2003). Antiosteoporotic effect of ethanol extract of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. on ovariectomized rat. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2–3), 245–250.
17. Jainu, M., & Devi, C. S. S. (2004). Effect of Cissus Quadrangularis on gastric mucosal defensive factors in experimentally induced gastric ulcer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 90(2–3), 271-276.
18. Viswanatha Swamy, A. H. M., Kulkarni, R. V., Thippeswamy, A. H. M., Koti, B. C., & Gore, A. (2010). Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Cissus Quadrangularis stem extract against isoniazid-induced liver damage in rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 42(6), 397-400.
19. Kim JW, Jeong JS, Kim JH, Chung EH, Kim CY, Lee DR, Choi BK, Lim JH, Ko JW, Kim TW. Anti-hyperglycaemic effects of Cissus Quadrangularis extract via regulation of gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024 Jul 10;15:1415670.
20. arekh, J., & Chanda, S. V. (2007). In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of some Indian medicinal plants including Cissus Quadrangularis. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 38(3), 391–397.
21. Shirwaikar, A., Khan, S., & Malini, S. (2003). Antiosteoporotic and cytotoxic evaluation of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(2–3), 245–250.
22. Carvalho, J. C. T., de Oliveira Silva, F., Matias, E. F. F., Cearê, C. G. de A., & de Sousa, D. P. (2019). Natural products from Vitaceae species with potential anticancer bioactivity: A review. Molecules, 24(14), 2549.
23. Oben J, Kuate D, Agbor G, Momo C, Talla X. The use of a Cissus Quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2006 Sep 2;5(1):24.
24. Benjawan S, Nimitphong H, Tragulpiankit P, Musigavong O, Prathanturarug S, Pathomwichaiwat T. The effect of Cissus Quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2022 Jul 1; 101:154115.
25. Nash R, Azantsa B, Kuate D, Singh H, Oben J. The use of a stem and leaf aqueous extract of Cissus Quadrangularis (CQR-300) to reduce body fat and other components of metabolic syndrome in overweight participants. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Paradigm, Practice, and Policy Advancing Integrative Health. 2019 Jan;25(1):98-106.
26. Parinam PS, Hedaoo RP, Patil M, Mohile A, Khatwani N, Aainapure A. Therapeutic potential of Cissus Quadrangularis Linn. (Veldt grape) in osteoporosis and arthritis: A scoping review of preclinical evidence. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2025 Oct 5;15(11):008-20.
27. Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
28. Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
29. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
30. Tsegaye Kelbore et al., “Value addition of Cissus Quadrangularis stem powder in Ethiopian flat bread: Injera and its effect on Nutritional composition, Sensory attributes and Microbial load,” J Food Sci Technol., 2022.
31. Khushbu Singh et al., “Formulation of Cissus Quadrangularis stem powder and its nutritional and phytochemical analysis,” Int. J. Adv. Biochem. Res., 2025;9(7):1444-1446.
32. Jae-Joon Lee et al., “Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Powder on Proximate Composition, Physicochemical and Textural Properties of Tteokgalbi,” Food Sci Anim Resour., 2024;44(3):684-698.
33. Global Cissus Quadrangularis market size, growth forecasts, and trends, including projections of market value increase from USD 19.75 million in 2025 to USD 27.06 million by 2032 (CAGR ~4.6%).
34. Industry analysis showing the global Cissus Quadrangularis market projected to grow from about USD 16.9 million in 2025 to USD 26.4 million by 2035 driven by rising demand for natural supplements.
35. Future Market Insights Report — estimates the global Cissus Quadrangularis market value at around USD 15.6 million in 2023, growing to USD 26.4 million by 2035 with a projected CAGR of ~14.6 %.
36. Pharmacognosy Reviews Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus Quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
37. Pharmacognosy Reviews Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus Quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
38. Phytotherapy Research Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus Quadrangularis extracts. Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
39. Phytochemistry Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayachandra, Ravishankar GA. Phytochemical analysis of Cissus Quadrangularis stem. Phytochemistry. 2003;62(4):643–647.
40. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus Quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
41. BestSource Nutrition Cissus Quadrangularis Extract Capsule.
42. StoPorus CQ – EBC Pharma.
43. Nutricost Cissus Quadrangularis.
44. Raskam Healthcare Cissus Quadrangularis Veg Capsule.
45. Fitbal Cissus Quadrangularis Capsule.
46. Nutridom Cissus Quadrangularis 300.
47. Pharmacognosy Reviews Gupta V, Sharma R. Cissus quadrangularis L.: A review on its pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015;9(17):124–129.
48. Pharmacognosy Reviews Shetty S, Udupa S, Rao S, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cissus quadrangularis. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):1–12.
49. Phytotherapy Research Stohs SJ, Ray SD. A review and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Cissus quadrangularis extracts. Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1107–1114.
50. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
51. Journal of Food Science and Technology Tsegaye Kelbore et al. Value addition of Cissus quadrangularis stem powder in Ethiopian flat bread: Injera and its effect on nutritional composition, sensory attributes and microbial load. J Food Sci Technol. 2022.
52. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research Khushbu Singh et al. Formulation of Cissus quadrangularis stem powder and its nutritional and phytochemical analysis. Int J Adv Biochem Res. 2025;9(7):1444–1446.
53. Annual Research & Review in Biology Khatri R. A review on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Cissus quadrangularis L. Annual Research & Review in Biology. 2025;40(10):63–71.
Statistics