Adamant Creeper : Cissus Quadrangularis

Adamant Creeper : Cissus Quadrangularis

Adamant creeper is a perennial plant of the grape family. It has been used as a medical plant since ancient times. The origins of adamant creeper are relatively unknown, but it is believed to be native to Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka. It is largely available in India and Sri Lanka. It belongs to creeper variety. Different varieties of this creeper plant are found in various regions.

Adamant creeper reaches a height of 1.5 meters and has long, slender, quadrangular stems with internodes 8 -10 centimetres long  and 1-2 centimetres in diameter. The green stems are rubbery to the touch and are thick and succulent. Each stem is segmented by many nodes with small leaves, and curly tendrils may appear at the tips of the stems. It has small white, yellowish or greenish flowers and the globular berries are red when ripe.  

Scientific name: Cissus Quadrangularis

Family: Vitaceae

English: Veld grape, Devil’s backbone, Four-angled vine

Malayalam: Changalam pirandai

Tamil: Pirandai

Hindi: Hadjod

Sanskrit: Asthisamhari, Vajravalli

The stems and leaves of adamant creeper are used in culinary preparations. When adamant creeper stems are peeled, they reveal a bright green, jelly-like flesh. Its essence is little pungent and highly acidic. Hence, if it gets in contact with our skin, we will have itching sensation. Adamant creeper needs to be handled carefully in its raw form as it can cause itchiness.

We can make chutney, soup, dosai, gravy and pickle using tender adamant creeper stem and leaves. The matured stem is too hairy and not edible.  We can make adamant creeper salt from dried and burned stems and leaves of this plant. It can be consumed regularly for treating obesity.

Adamant creepers are easy to grow plants. We can plant them in pots or in ground. The cuttings of the plants are used for propagation. They will start grow wildly once it sets its roots. They are low-maintenance plants.

Adamant creeper stems must be soaked and cooked, as they contain oxalate crystals which can cause an uncomfortable itching sensation in the throat and mouth. It contains vitamin C and vitamin E and is also a rich source of calcium, phosphorous and phytoestrogens. It is an anti-oxidant containing flavonoids and quercetin.

In traditional medicine, adamant creeper is used to reduce swelling, as a pain reliever, and to help relieve wounds and burns. It is also well-known for its use in the treatment of gastric disorders, owing to its rich source of carotenoids, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid. It is also believed to help with recovery from injured ligaments, sprains, and broken or fractured bones. 

This plant is widely used in treatment of diabetes, obesity, constipation, gastritis, eye disease, anemia, worm infestation, osteoporosis, bone fractures, malaria, asthma, stomach disorders, menstrual pains, peptic ulcer, etc. It helps in reducing bad cholesterol. It improves bone health. Regular consumption of this plant stem and leaves improves brain function and boosts our immunity. It is found to be effective in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome, particularly for central obesity.

The anti-inflammatory property of adamant creeper is ideal for the treatment of internal inflammation and pain. It can be used like a poultice or applied directly on the affected area. Adamant creeper is well-known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti hemorrhoidal and analgesic activities.

Plant an adamant creeper in your home garden and enjoy the endless benefits of this valuable medicinal plant.

Happy gardening !!!

Disclaimer: Information on this website is not an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Please consult your physician or health care provider before taking any home remedies.