Cissus Quadrangularis to heal Joint Pains from Exercise

Continuing from my previous blog post where I had discussed a ‘low weekly mileage 40 day workout routine’ to reduce 10k running time, as promised, here I’m writing about a herb which reduces joint pains called ‘Cissus Quadrangularis’ A.K.A. ‘Devils Backbone’ or ‘Hadjod’ (in India), which I’m currently using for my knee pain and other assorted creaks. Very ironically, my knee pain has originated from the aforesaid workout. I made the classical exercise mistake called ‘too much, too soon’ :D

In fact, some research papers state that Cissus Quadrangularis/Hadjod (CQ) does not just heal joint pains, but even repairs bone disorders[1], fractures[2] and damaged tendons and ligaments, helps to reduce bodyweight (emphasis on central obesity)[3], treats arthritis and other inflammatory disorders[4], helps controlling bone loss (during and after menopause)[5] and also reduces cortisol.

CQ is a plant from the grape family and is indigenous to India. Assamese[6] people and tribes from Meghalaya have long been using CQ for healing fractures. Hadjod, as the name suggests, means that it joins bones. In Sanskrit, its name is Asthisamharaka which translates to that which prevents the destruction of bones.

Bite Me

Considering how preoccupied researchers, runners, and the people who don’t run are with damage to bones, knee joints, tissues and ligaments due to running (especially long distances), based on the results of the research papers on CQ, it makes immense sense for everyone engaged in running short distances, marathons, ultramarathons, crossfit, bodybuilding and triathlons to incorporate CQ as a training supplement for longevity and vitality, and also because CQ has no notable side-effects[7].

In a pilot study, titled “Cissus quadrangularis reduces joint pain in exercise-trained men”, (Phys Sportsmed. 2013 Sep;41(3):29-35. doi: 10.3810/psm.2013.09.2021), it was found that 8-weeks of supplementation with CQ reduced joint pain by about 31% in a sample of 29 young, otherwise healthy, exercise-trained men (who had joint pain).[8] Do note that this was a pilot study so the results are not conclusive, however, considering the other research papers out there which suggest that CQ has significant benefits for the musculoskeletal system with no noted side-effects, CQ supplementation for athletes makes mighty sense.

CQ extract (250mg per tablet) named Hadjod is readily and cheaply available on Amazon from Himalaya Herbal Healthcare.

- Aman Yadav

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[1] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24803925

[2] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24163553 and www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25298715

[3] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570348/

[4] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26342521

[5] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22779034 & www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388386/

[6] nif.org.in/innovation/traditional_bone_healer/265

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24113700

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24113700