Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Shankhpushpi work to improve memory and cognitive function?

Shankhpushpi contains active compounds including shankhpushpine, convolamine, convolvine, scopoletin, and flavonoids that are believed to support cognitive function. These constituents may exert antioxidant and neuroprotective effects while potentially modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain. In Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi is classified as a medhya rasayana (brain tonic) that rejuvenates neural tissue, enhances memory consolidation, and improves learning capacity. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use).

Does Shankhpushpi interact with any medications?

Shankhpushpi may interact with central nervous system depressants, including sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications, potentially enhancing their sedative effects. Due to its contraindication in hypothyroidism, individuals taking thyroid hormone replacement medications should avoid Shankhpushpi or consult a healthcare provider before use. Always inform your physician about all herbal supplements when taking prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage of Shankhpushpi for adults?

The typical adult dosage of Shankhpushpi is 3-6 grams of dried whole herb powder daily, or approximately 20ml of fresh plant juice. This can be divided into two doses, traditionally taken with warm water or milk. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and individual constitution. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Shankhpushpi safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Shankhpushpi is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern safety assessments contraindicate its use in pregnant women. There is insufficient safety data regarding use during breastfeeding, so nursing mothers are also advised to avoid this herb. Pregnant women seeking cognitive or anxiety support should consult their healthcare provider for safer alternatives. Evidence level: Traditional/Expert consensus.

What are the main benefits of Shankhpushpi for anxiety and stress?

Shankhpushpi is traditionally used as a calming agent that helps reduce anxiety, stress, and mental restlessness. It is believed to act as a natural anxiolytic by modulating stress hormones and supporting healthy nervous system function. The herb is commonly prescribed for individuals experiencing mental fatigue, nervousness, or difficulty relaxing. These calming properties also make it useful for promoting restful sleep in those with stress-related insomnia. Evidence level: C.

What side effects can Shankhpushpi cause?

Shankhpushpi is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include drowsiness (due to its calming properties) and mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals. The herb is contraindicated in hypothyroidism and pregnancy. Those operating machinery or driving should exercise caution due to potential sedation. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a healthcare provider. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is a perennial Ayurvedic herb used as a brain tonic for memory enhancement and the management of various neurological disorders [PMID:35878793, PMID:25182446].

Background

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy is a perennial herb native to northern India, often found in sandy and rocky xerophytic conditions [PMID:22280406, PMID:35878793]. It is recognized in Ayurveda as a Medhya Rasayana (nootropic) and is used in both Indian and Chinese medicine [PMID:36225186, PMID:25182446].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used as a brain tonic for mental stimulation, rejuvenation therapy, and the treatment of chronic cough, sleeplessness, epilepsy, hallucinations, anxiety, and hypertension [PMID:36825716, PMID:25182446, PMID:28324296].

Active compounds

The herb contains alkaloids, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and triterpenoids [PMID:35212831].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition [PMID:35212831, PMID:29530454], modulation of synaptic plasticity by enhancing long-term potentiation (LTP) and reducing long-term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus [PMID:32282574], and antioxidant activity via free radical scavenging [PMID:30302329, PMID:22280406]. In Drosophila models, it modulates genes such as sod1, glut1, and GABA-B-R1 [PMID:41602909, PMID:40631234].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DCognitive Impairment/Memory

Demonstrated memory-enhancing effects in young and aged mice, showing higher percent retentions than piracetam at 200 mg/kg [PMID:20795365].

Evidence DAlzheimer's Disease (Animal Models)

Aqueous extract offset hMAPτ-induced early death, extended lifespan, and diminished τ protein levels in Drosophila models [PMID:29051039].

Evidence DAnxiety and Depression

Methanolic extract of aerial parts showed antidepressant-like effects in chronic rat models [PMID:30551424] and reduced alcohol withdrawal anxiety in mice [PMID:28479740].

Evidence DHyperlipidaemia

Methanolic extract significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and atherogenic index in rats [PMID:30182365].

Evidence DCerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Exhibited neuroprotective activity against bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats [PMID:31743764].

Safety & adverse effects

An acute toxicity study in albino male mice using hydroalcoholic extract of leaves (doses up to 2000 mg/kg) was conducted, though specific adverse outcomes were not detailed in the abstract [PMID:36825716].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, rats, zebrafish, and Drosophila), with a strong emphasis on neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. There is a lack of human clinical trial data in the provided abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 33917843 (2021) — Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. · Biomolecules
2.PMID: 35878793 (2022) — Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in neurological disorders: An umbrella review covering evidence from ethnopharmacology to clinical studies. · Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
3.PMID: 25182446 (2014) — An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. · Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine
4.PMID: 36225186 (2022) — Protective Mechanisms of Nootropic Herb Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) against Dementia: Network Pharmacology and Computational Approach. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
5.PMID: 36825716 (2023) — Evaluation of CNS Depressant and Anti-anxiety Activities of Leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis.

Shankhpushpi

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Shankhpushpi