Pirandai, hadjod in Hindi, is veld grape, a succulent vine with jointed, four-angled green stems that clambers over dry hedges. Tamil homes cook young stems into pirandai thuvaiyal, roasted in oil with tamarind to tame their itchiness. Its Hindi name means bone joiner, and Ayurveda uses it as asthisamharaka for fractures. It is a member of the grape family.
- Botanical name
- Cissus quadrangularis L.
- Family
- Vitaceae
- Tamil
- Pirandai
- Hindi
- Hadjod
- Sanskrit
- Asthiśṛṅkhalā
- Parts used
- Stem
- Habit
- Succulent four-angled climber of dry hedges
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Pirandai
It is a climbing succulent with thick, green, four-angled stems divided into joints about ten centimetres long.
Small, heart-shaped, fleshy leaves grow at the joints and fall early.
Tendrils grow opposite the leaves.
Tiny greenish flowers form small clusters, followed by round berries that turn red.
Its square, jointed stems are unlike any other hedge climber.
Traditional use of Pirandai
Kitchen
Young stems are peeled, fried in oil and ground with tamarind, chilli and urad dal into pirandai thuvaiyal.
Tamil food practice
Ayurveda
Asthisamharaka is used in Ayurveda to support healing of broken bones.
Ayurvedic practice
Siddha
Pirandai is used in Siddha for digestion and bone and joint complaints.
Siddha practice
Modern notes on Pirandai
Fresh stems contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause itching; frying with tamarind reduces the effect.
Small clinical studies suggest it may speed fracture healing, but they are not conclusive.
It is sold in weight-loss supplements, where evidence is weak.
Pirandai safety
Oil your hands or wear gloves when peeling pirandai, and always cook it. Do not rely on it for fractures, which need medical care.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows across dry tropical Africa, Arabia and South Asia.
Its succulent stems store water through long droughts.
Birds eat the red berries.
Each stem joint can root and grow into a new plant if it falls to the ground.
Related plants
Also in Vitaceae
Questions about Pirandai
What does hadjod mean?
Bone joiner.
Why does pirandai itch?
It contains oxalate crystals.
How is Pirandai cooked?
Fried and ground into chutney with tamarind.
Is Pirandai a grape?
It belongs to the grape family.
Does Pirandai heal fractures?
Evidence is limited; fractures need medical care.
Can I grow Pirandai at home?
Yes, from stem cuttings in a dry, sunny spot; it needs little water.
Sources
- Cissus quadrangularis L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q2157164 (Cissus quadrangularis)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.