Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Aurvedic Aspects | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Convolvulus prostratus Forssk.
- Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy
- Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb.
Common Names
- Shankhpushpi
- Shankhini
- Samkhapushpi
- Sadaphuli
- Shankhapushpi
- Sankhaphuli
- Bindweed
Parts Usually Used
The whole plant including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Shankhpushpi is a perennial herb belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a prostrate, spreading plant that resembles morning glory with conch-shaped flowers. The plant has linear-lanceolate leaves with short petioles and sharp tips, measuring 0.5 to 2 cm in length and 0.1 to 0.5 cm in width. The flowers are pink or white, appearing singly or in pairs, and are sessile or subsessile. The stems are light green, thin, cylindrical, and covered with pronounced hairs at nodes and internodes.
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Where Found
Shankhpushpi is ubiquitous in the north-western regions of India and is also found in Burma. It flourishes in sandy and gravelly soils under xerophytic conditions, particularly thriving in the arid regions of Northern India.
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Medicinal Properties
Shankhpushpi has been shown to contain nootropic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, sedative, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, and anthelmintic properties.
Studies have demonstrated that this herb can improve memory retention, reduce anxiety and stress, protect against neurodegeneration, and help manage conditions such as epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes, and various neurological disorders. It has shown particular promise in protecting against oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function.
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Ayurvedic Aspects
In Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi is classified as a “Medhya Rasayana” (brain tonic and rejuvenator) and is considered superior to other nootropic drugs mentioned in ancient texts. According to the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Indian medicinal scripture, this plant holds a prominent position among cognitive enhancing herbs.
The herb is described with the following Ayurvedic properties:
- Sara – Laxative properties
- Medhya – Nootropic (brain tonic) properties
- Vrsya – Aphrodisiac properties
- Rasayana – Rejuvenator properties
Acharya Charaka traditionally used the white-flowered variety of Shankhpushpi along with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Kushtha (Saussurea lappa) for treating insanity and epilepsy. The herb is believed to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, particularly benefiting the nervous system and mental faculties.
The name “Shankhpushpi” itself derives from Sanskrit, meaning “the plant with flowers shaped like a conch,” where the conch (shankha) is one of Lord Shiva’s sacred instruments used in Hindu rituals.
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Biochemical Information
The major phytoconstituents include:
- Alkaloids: convolamine, convolvine, convoline, convolidine, phyllabine, subhirsine, sankhpuspine
- Flavonoids: kaempferol, quercetin
- Coumarins: scopoletin, scopolin, ayapanin
- Steroids: β-sitosterol, phytosterol
- Terpenoids: taraxerol, taraxerone
- Phenolic compounds: hydroxy-cinnamic acid
- Anthocyanins: delphinidine
- Carbohydrates: D-glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, maltose
- Vitamins and minerals: calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, vitamin C and E
Uses
Shankhpushpi is used extensively in traditional medicine systems for treating various neurological and systemic conditions including:
- Memory enhancement and cognitive improvement
- Anxiety neurosis and stress management
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- Hysteria and psychoneurosis
- Hypertension and cardiovascular conditions
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
- Digestive disorders and gastric ulcers
- Respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis
- Skin conditions and wound healing
- Urinary tract disorders
- As a general brain tonic and rejuvenator
In modern applications, Shankhpushpi is used in pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Various commercial formulations include tablets, syrups, powders, oils, and herbal combinations for neurological and cognitive health.
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Formulas or Dosages
In clinical studies, Shankhpushpi has been administered as 500 mg tablets twice daily after food with milk for cognitive enhancement in healthy volunteers.
Traditional preparations include:
- Decoction of the herb with milk for amnesia
- Paste of leaves (100 g) with black pepper (3-4 grains) once daily for diabetes
- Powder (3 g) mixed with sugar (5 g) and milk (20 ml) twice daily for headache
- Juice of leaves (10 mL) thrice daily for respiratory conditions
How Sold
Shankhpushpi is available in various commercial forms including tablets, capsules, syrups, powders, oils, juices, and decoctions. Popular commercial products include Patanjali Divya Shankhpushpi Churna, Dabur Shankhpushpi Syrup, Baidyanath Shankhpushpi Sharbat, and various nutraceutical formulations.
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Warning
Shankhpushpi has a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, so people with low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medications should consult healthcare providers before use.
Based on herb-drug interaction studies, Shankhpushpi may decrease concentrations of the anti-seizure medication phenytoin, potentially leading to decreased seizure control.
While generally considered safe with no toxicity observed up to 5,000 mg/kg in animal studies, it is important to discuss safety issues with a physician before taking any new supplement, especially for pregnant or nursing women, children, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
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Resource Links
Cognitive Vitality – Shankhpushpi
Journal of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine – An updated review on Shankhpushpi- As Medhya Rasayana
Wikipedia – Convolvulus prostratus
