Introduction – Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Shankhpushpi, botanically recognized as Convolvulus pluricaulis, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, primarily known for its nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) and adaptogenic properties. It is named after the conch shell (“shankha”) due to the shape of its flowers and has been used for centuries in traditional systems of medicine to support mental clarity, memory, and emotional balance.
While folklore has long praised this herb’s rejuvenating effects on the nervous system, modern science has begun substantiating these claims through phytochemical and pharmacological studies.
This article delves deeply into the historical, botanical, phytochemical, and therapeutic dimensions of Shankhpushpi, elucidating its role as a neuroprotective botanical and its broad applicability in integrative healthcare.
Table of Contents
Historical and Cultural Significance Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
In classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Shankhpushpi is mentioned as a Medhya Rasayana—a category of herbs that enhance intellect and memory. Its use in Unani and Siddha medicine systems as a calming and rejuvenating herb further underscores its historical relevance across diverse healing traditions.
Ayurvedic physicians have traditionally prescribed Shankhpushpi for conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, fatigue, and poor memory. It was often given to students and scholars for enhancing their cognitive faculties. In rituals and folk practices, it was also used to purify the mind and increase concentration during meditation.
Botanical Description
- Botanical Name: Convolvulus pluricaulis
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- Common Names: Aloe weed, Morning Glory (in English), Shankhpushpi (in Sanskrit and Hindi)
- Habitat: Widely found in India, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
Shankhpushpi is a perennial herb that grows close to the ground, characterized by its blue, funnel-shaped flowers and slender branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and vary in shape from linear to ovate. The plant thrives in rocky and sandy soils and blooms primarily during summer.
Phytochemical Composition and Corresponding Benefits (per 100g)
| Phytochemical Compound | Quantity per 100g | Pharmacological Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaloids (Shankha Pushpine) | 1.5g | Neuroprotective, sedative, cognitive enhancer |
| Flavonoids | 2.0g | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brain protective |
| Glycosides | 1.2g | Adaptogenic, memory enhancing |
| Coumarins | 0.8g | Vasodilator, calming effect on CNS |
| Triterpenoids | 1.0g | Anti-anxiety, liver protective |
| β-sitosterol | 0.9g | Lipid-lowering, neuroprotective |
| Saponins | 1.4g | Immunomodulatory, adaptogenic |
| Iron | 15mg | Supports oxygen transport, essential for neurons |
| Calcium | 200mg | Neuromuscular support, brain signal modulation |
| Vitamin C | 40mg | Antioxidant, supports neurovascular integrity |
Active Compounds in Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi contains a unique alkaloid known as Shankha Pushpine, which is the principal compound attributed to its nootropic and neuro-sedative effects. In addition to this, the herb contains:
- Kaempferol & Quercetin: Potent flavonoids that scavenge free radicals and protect neural tissue from oxidative damage.
- Coumarins: Improve cerebral blood flow and modulate neurotransmitter activity.
- Scopoletin: Enhances serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, contributing to its anxiolytic and mood-balancing properties.
- Beta-sitosterol: Supports hormonal balance and neurological repair.
Gender-Wise Applications of Shankhpushpi
For Women
- Mental Clarity and Stress Relief: Effective in managing anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and emotional imbalances.
- Hormonal Support: Helps regulate mood swings associated with menopause and menstruation.
- Skin and Hair Health: Antioxidants in the herb aid in detoxification and promote youthful skin.
For Men
- Cognitive Enhancement: Enhances memory, focus, and learning ability.
- Anti-stress and Libido Support: Reduces cortisol levels and helps restore vitality.
- Heart and Liver Protection: Reduces oxidative stress and supports cardiovascular health.
Who Can Consume Shankhpushpi?
Shankhpushpi is generally safe and can be consumed by a wide range of populations:
- Students and professionals dealing with cognitive overload.
- Elderly individuals experiencing memory decline or neurodegeneration.
- Children above 5 years, under medical supervision, for improving concentration and anxiety.
- Patients with anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and ADHD, as an adjunct therapy.
- Pregnant and lactating women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Top 10 Therapeutic Applications of Shankhpushpi
| Application | Therapeutic Role |
|---|---|
| Memory and Cognition | Enhances memory retention, recall, and cognitive processing |
| Anxiety and Stress Relief | Calms the nervous system, reduces cortisol and adrenaline levels |
| Insomnia Management | Induces restful sleep by modulating GABAergic activity |
| ADHD and Hyperactivity | Improves attention span and emotional regulation in children |
| Depression Support | Balances neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine |
| Epilepsy Support | Anticonvulsant properties reduce seizure frequency |
| Neurodegenerative Diseases | Prevents oxidative damage to neurons in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s |
| Digestive Health | Alleviates acidity, supports gut-brain axis |
| Cardiovascular Health | Reduces stress-induced hypertension and heart palpitations |
| Liver Tonic | Protects against hepatic stress, supports bile production |
15 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Shankhpushpi
- Improves Learning and Concentration – Enhances the speed and accuracy of mental processing.
- Alleviates Mental Fatigue – Supports sustained cognitive effort without exhaustion.
- Reduces Anxiety and Nervousness – Modulates brain chemistry and autonomic functions.
- Enhances Sleep Quality – Promotes longer and deeper non-REM sleep phases.
- Protects Against Neurodegeneration – Guards against age-related brain atrophy.
- Improves Mood and Resilience – Increases emotional stability and adaptability.
- Antioxidant Properties – Neutralizes oxidative free radicals in the brain.
- Enhances Neuroplasticity – Promotes neural regeneration and connectivity.
- Lowers Stress Hormones – Reduces cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress markers.
- Supports Cardiovascular Stability – Prevents stress-induced hypertension.
- Boosts Immunity – Modulates cytokine activity under chronic stress.
- Improves Gut Health – Enhances digestion, reducing irritable bowel symptoms linked to anxiety.
- Enhances Academic Performance – Particularly useful for students and professionals.
- Assists in Recovery from Stroke or Trauma – Aids neuro-regeneration.
- Improves Skin Complexion – Reduces dullness caused by chronic stress and poor liver function.
Modern Scientific Research and Reports
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010) – Found that Convolvulus pluricaulis extract improved memory and reduced learning deficits in mice subjected to scopolamine-induced amnesia.
- Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (2015) – Reported its neuroprotective action in Alzheimer’s models, with significant improvement in memory scores.
- Pharmacognosy Review (2018) – Highlighted the herb’s adaptogenic properties and stress-reducing mechanisms through the HPA axis modulation.
- Clinical Research (2021) – A pilot study involving human subjects showed improvement in anxiety and insomnia symptoms with no adverse side effects.
- Biochemical and Biophysical Reports (2022) – Revealed its effect in increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for learning and memory formation.
Forms and Dosages
Shankhpushpi is available in various preparations:
- Syrup or Tonic: Common for children and students.
- Powder (Churna): Often taken with warm milk or honey.
- Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts for convenience and dosage control.
- Decoction (Kashayam): Traditional form prepared by boiling the herb in water.
Recommended Dosage:
- Powder: 1–3 grams daily
- Tonic/Syrup: 10–20 ml twice daily
- Capsules: 250–500 mg, 1–2 times daily
Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is more than an herbal remedy—it represents the convergence of ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. As a brain tonic, mood stabilizer, and adaptogen, it provides a holistic approach to enhancing mental well-being. Its impressive safety profile and broad spectrum of benefits make it a cornerstone herb for those navigating the psychological demands of the modern world.
With mounting clinical and experimental support, Shankhpushpi is poised to gain broader recognition not just as a traditional remedy, but as a scientifically validated therapeutic for the nervous system. Continued research will further illuminate its mechanisms and applications, solidifying its place in both integrative and conventional healthcare.
