Rasa (Taste)
Madhura
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Asthishrinkhala (Edible Stem Vine)
Asthishrunkhala commonly grows in South India.
Medicinal Plant
Asthishrinkhala (Edible Stem Vine)
Cissus quadrangularis Linn · Vitaceae
Asthishrunkhala commonly grows in South India.
Scientific Name
Cissus quadrangularis Linn
Family
Vitaceae
Hindi Name
Harjora
Used Part
Kanda (Stem)
Botanical Description
About the Asthishrinkhala Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
Asthishrunkhala commonly grows in South India.
A tendril climber with stout fleshy jointed quadrangular stems.
Leaves are simple, broadly reniform, entire or toothed.
Flowers are small and greenish. Fruits are ovoid or globose red berries with ellipsoid seeds.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Ruksha
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Madhura
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Vata Kaphahara.
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Ushna
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Bhagna Sandhanakara, Arshoghna, Krimighna, Netrarogahara, Pachana, Vrishya, Balya.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Laxative, Anthelmintic, Carminative, Digestive, Stomachic, Haemostatic, Aphrodisiac and Ophthalmic.
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Stem contains two Tetracyclic Triterpenoids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin and β-amyron.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Asthishrinkhala
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
In case of Bhagna (Fracture) one should take milk processed with Asthisamhara, ghee, lac, wheat and Arjuna.
02
To achieve conception, lady after having seasonal bath should consume juice and paste of Vajra vallari mixed with oil.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Asthishrinkhala is a key ingredient.
- Asthisamharadi Churna , Asthisamhara Taila , Lakshadi Guggulu
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
अस्थिसंहारकः प्रोक्तो वातश्लेष्महरोऽस्थिरुक् । उष्णः सरः कृमिघ्नश्चदुर्नामघ्नोऽक्षिरोगजित् ।। रुक्षः स्वादुर्लघुर्वृष्यः पाचनः पित्तलः स्मृतः ॥ (भा.प्र. गुडूच्यादि वर्ग-226-227) वज्रवल्ली सरा रुक्षा कृमिदुर्नमनाशिनी। दीपत्युष्णा विपाके च स्वाद्वी वृष्या बलप्रदा ॥ अस्थि सन्धानजननी वातश्लेष्महरा गुरुः ॥ (कै.नि. ओषधि वर्ग-1594-1595)