Arthritis can be a life-altering condition, especially for adults over 35. The pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility aren’t just physically draining, they can take a toll on mental health too. It’s no surprise then that many people turn to natural remedies in the hope of finding relief. One such remedy often whispered about in traditional healing circles is Hadjod, also known as Cissus quadrangularis. From Ayurvedic scripts to modern-day wellness blogs, hadjod is hailed as a bone-healing miracle. But does it really live up to the claims when it comes to arthritis?
Let’s dig into the science, separate fact from folklore, and explore whether hadjod truly has a role in managing arthritis, especially for people seeking practical, evidence-based answers.
Can hadjod actually reduce joint pain in arthritis?
May be. While some early studies suggest that hadjod may help ease joint pain, it’s not a guaranteed fix. Hadjod is a vine found mainly in India and Sri Lanka, known in Ayurveda for its supposed bone-setting and anti-inflammatory properties. The part used for medicinal purposes is usually the stem, which is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, triterpenoids, and other antioxidants, all compounds that, in theory, could help reduce inflammation.
Some animal studies and small-scale human trials have hinted that hadjod extracts may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, a study published in 2024 showed that patients given hadjod extract experienced less joint swelling. Another small clinical trial published in 2024 noted improvements in joint function and pain levels in people with osteoarthritis who took hadjod supplements.
But here’s the catch, most of these studies are either limited in size or lack rigorous controls. That means we don’t yet have enough strong, large-scale human trials to confidently say hadjod works as a pain reliever for arthritis.
What does this mean for you? Hadjod might offer some pain relief, especially if inflammation is a major part of your arthritis experience. But it’s not a substitute for proven medical treatments. At best, it could be used as a complementary remedy , something to add to your arthritis management plan, not replace it.
And always remember: just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Talk to your doctor or a qualified dietitian before trying hadjod, especially if you’re already on medications like blood thinners or anti-inflammatories. Interactions are a real concern.
Does hadjod help improve joint mobility or stiffness?
Maybe. There are some signs that hadjod could help with joint stiffness, but the evidence is far from conclusive. One of the biggest struggles people with arthritis face is limited movement. Over time, joints become less flexible, and the stiffness can make simple tasks feel like a chore. Hadjod, with its blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, is believed to promote joint flexibility and healing.
A few herbal studies have explored this. A 2025 study involving arthritis-induced rats found that those given hadjod extract had improved joint movement and less cartilage erosion. Researchers believed this effect was due to the antioxidant action of flavonoids present in hadjod, which helped reduce oxidative damage in the joints. So, while there are some promising observations, no major clinical study has confirmed that hadjod significantly improves mobility in arthritis patients.
Can hadjod support bone and cartilage health in arthritic joints?
Yes, to an extent. Hadjod’s strongest evidence lies in its potential to support bone and connective tissue repair. The name ‘hadjod’ literally means “bone joiner” in Hindi, and that’s no coincidence. Traditionally used to heal fractures, hadjod has shown promise in supporting bone density and possibly cartilage regeneration, two things that can benefit some forms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
In a 2024 study published, hadjod supplementation accelerated fracture healing in rats by stimulating the formation of osteoblasts, the cells that build bone. This is helpful, because in many arthritis cases, especially where joint degeneration is involved, the surrounding bone gets weakened. Hadjod also contains compounds like ketosteroids and beta-sitosterol, which have shown potential in preserving cartilage cells in lab tests. These properties could, in theory, help slow down cartilage damage, one of the core issues in arthritis.
Still, while these findings are exciting, they aren’t yet a green light to take hadjod blindly. The body of evidence is still evolving, and not all the studies meet the highest scientific standards. So while hadjod may support joint structure and bone health, it’s not an arthritis cure.
And of course, results may vary from person to person. Someone in the early stages of arthritis may notice subtle benefits, while others may not feel much of a difference at all.
Is it safe to take hadjod daily for arthritis relief?
Maybe. While many people use hadjod without side effects, there isn’t enough long-term data to say it’s completely safe for daily use, especially in high doses.
Studies done so far have mostly used hadjod for short periods, a few weeks to a couple of months. In these timeframes, most participants tolerated it well. Commonly used forms include hadjod capsules, powders, or even boiled stem juice.
However, some users have reported mild digestive issues like bloating, nausea, or diarrhoea. There are also concerns that hadjod might interfere with how the liver processes medications. If you’re already on drugs for blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, this could be risky.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid hadjod unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. And anyone with a history of kidney stones should be cautious, hadjod is high in calcium oxalate, which can contribute to stone formation in susceptible individuals.
In short, hadjod might be safe for occasional or short-term use, but we don’t yet have enough research to recommend it as a daily supplement for arthritis. If you do decide to try it, keep the dosage moderate, and inform your doctor.
Conclusion
Hadjod isn’t a miracle cure, but it could be a helpful part of a broader arthritis management plan, especially if you’re interested in natural or Ayurvedic options. The scientific evidence so far is encouraging, particularly around its potential to support bone and cartilage health. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might provide some pain relief and support joint function.
However, more research is needed. Until then, hadjod should be used as a complementary aid, not as a replacement for your prescribed arthritis treatments. Consult your doctor or dietitian before adding it to your routine, especially if you’re on medication or managing multiple health issues. In the end, managing arthritis is about finding what works for you. Hadjod may or may not be part of that solution, but it’s worth exploring, thoughtfully and carefully.
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