A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of an Indian Plant: Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae) is a common perennial succulent climber plant belonging to the Vitaceae family. The plant has a strong pharmacological profile with a variety of phytoconstituents and is geographically distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is prominently found in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The plant is found all over India, but its presence is dominantly observed in states such as Assam, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The plant in India is popularly called ‘Hadjod’ or ‘Asthisamharaka’ and is very well established as a medicine related to the management of bone, muscles, and ligament issues. Traditionally, almost all aerial and underground parts have medicinal value, but the stem is most commonly used. Phytochemicals studies performed on the plant revealed the presence of a variety of constituents, viz., tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, phenol flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, vitamin C, and alkaloids. In addition, these plants are also a rich source of calcium. The systematic review also established the pharmacological role of the plant as a bone setter and fractured bone healer; its antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and anti-oxidant effects; bone turnover; cardiovascular and hepatoprotective properties; and many more. The current review article carried out a detailed discussion of its phytochemical and pharmacological potential.