# Shankhpushpi

> Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as Shankhpushpi (whole plant). AChE inhibition: Significantly inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity in cortex and hippocampus, increasing acetylcholine retention in synapses.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Convolvulus pluricaulis
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as Shankhpushpi (whole plant). API recommends the plant for epilepsy. Documented in Indian Pharmacopoeia since the 1996 edition with quality control standards. First referenced in Charaka Samhita (c. 1st-2nd century CE) as a brain tonic for intellect and nervous system. No standalone WHO monograph identified.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shankhpushpi |

## How does it work?

- AChE inhibition: Significantly inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity in cortex and hippocampus, increasing acetylcholine retention in synapses.
- Multi-target neuroprotection: Active compounds interact with PTGS1/2, NOS3, INSR, HMOX1, ACHE, PPARG, MAOA, and MAOB molecular targets.
- PPARgamma activation: 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and [scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin) activate PPARgamma signaling to ameliorate cognitive deficits.
- Tau protein modulation: Ameliorates hMAPtau-induced neurotoxicity, extending lifespan in Alzheimer's Drosophila models.
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity: Enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing oxidative stress in neural tissue.
- Synaptic plasticity modulation: Modulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons.
- Dual mechanism: Exerts [nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic) effects through combined anti-AChE and antioxidant action.
- Key active constituents: Scopoletin, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ayapanin, convolamine, and [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/).

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sharma R, Singla RK, Banerjee S and others 2022. [Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in neurological disorders: An umbrella review covering evidence from ethnopharmacology to clinical studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35878793/). *Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews*. PMID [35878793](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35878793/) · [doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104795](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104795)  
  Comprehensive umbrella review validated ethnomedicinal uses ([antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic), [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/), anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, memory-boosting) through neuropharmacological studies. Highlighted need for multicentric clinical trials across diverse populations.
- Hannan MA, Sultana A, Rahman MH and others 2022. [Protective Mechanisms of Nootropic Herb Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) against Dementia: Network Pharmacology and Computational Approach](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36225186/). *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM*. PMID [36225186](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36225186/) · [doi:10.1155/2022/1015310](https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1015310)  
  Network pharmacology identified scopoletin as having highest binding affinity with PTGS1, NOS3, PPARG, ACHE, MAOA, MAOB, and TRKB molecular targets. [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) showed highest affinity with PTGS2. These compounds ameliorate cognitive deficits through PPARgamma signaling activation.
- Karunakaran KB, Thiyagaraj A, Santhakumar K 2022. [Novel insights on acetylcholinesterase inhibition by Convolvulus pluricaulis, scopolamine and their combination in zebrafish](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35212831/). *Natural products and bioprospecting*. PMID [35212831](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35212831/) · [doi:10.1007/s13659-022-00332-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-022-00332-5)  
  Zebrafish model demonstrated that C. pluricaulis treatment inhibits AChE activity comparable to standard AChE inhibitors. CP was superior as evidenced by retention of avoidance response behavior in adult zebrafish.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- LD50 determined at 1250 mg/kg (range 1000-1500 mg/kg) for whole extract, indicating a relatively high safety margin at therapeutic doses.
- Critical drug interaction: Reduces antiepileptic activity of phenytoin and lowers plasma phenytoin levels. Multiple-dose administration significantly impairs phenytoin efficacy.
- May interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other neurotransmitter-affecting medications.
- Potential interaction with blood pressure medications due to mild hypotensive effect.
- Possible interaction with sedatives and CNS depressants due to sedative-hypnotic properties.
- Side effects uncommon; mild nausea possible due to bitter taste.
- Cross-allergenicity possible in individuals allergic to Convolvulaceae family plants (e.g., sweet potato).
- People with low blood pressure should use with caution; consult physician before use during pregnancy.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Syrup, Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kwatha (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Ghana vati, Drops (for children)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day; 10-20 mL syrup twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily; 5-10 mL swarasa twice daily; children: 2.5-5 mL syrup twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) and [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Shankhapushpine (alkaloid) is well-absorbed orally. The traditional Medhya [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) preparation with ghee significantly enhances lipophilic constituent absorption (1.5-2x improvement). Scopoletin shows good oral bioavailability (40-55%).

**Optimal Timing:** Morning and evening for cognitive benefits; traditionally taken with ghee or milk. Before exams/study sessions for students (traditional use).

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized whole plant extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis (10:1), NLT 5% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as kaempferol equivalents by HPLC); NLT 0.3% scopoletin by HPLC; HPTLC fingerprint matching reference

**Shelf Life:** 12-18 months for syrup; 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules/tablets

**Storage:** Syrup: below 25 deg C, refrigerate after opening. Capsules and churna: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Shankhapushpine, Scopoletin, Kaempferol, Convolvuline, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Microphyllol, 20-Oxodotriacontanol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for swarasa
- Extraction in ghee (traditional [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) preparation)
- UAE (ultrasound-assisted) for improved flavonoid yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (premier nootropic synergy — clinically studied)
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (Medhya Rasayana combination per Charaka Samhita)
- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) ([anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/)-cognitive combination)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and memory-enhancing synergy)
- [Mandukparni](/herb/mandukparni/) (comprehensive Medhya formulation)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shankhpushpi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.