Shankhpushpi

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 activate PPARgamma signaling to ameliorate cognitive deficits.
• Tau protein modulation: Ameliorates hMAPtau-induced neurotoxicity, extending lifespan in Alzheimer’s Drosophila models.
• 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 effects through combined anti-AChE and antioxidant action.
• Key active constituents: Scopoletin, quercetin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ayapanin, convolamine, and 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. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. PMID 35878793 · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104795
  Comprehensive umbrella review validated ethnomedicinal uses (antispasmodic, 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. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM. PMID 36225186 · doi: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 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. Natural products and bioprospecting. PMID 35212831 · doi: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 and triterpenoids show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Shankhapushpine (alkaloid) is well-absorbed orally. The traditional Medhya 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 (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, Microphyllol, 20-Oxodotriacontanol

Extraction Methods

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

Synergistic Combinations

• Brahmi (premier nootropic synergy — clinically studied)
• Vacha (Medhya Rasayana combination per Charaka Samhita)
• Jatamansi (anxiolytic-cognitive combination)
• Ashwagandha (adaptogenic and memory-enhancing synergy)
• Mandukparni (comprehensive Medhya formulation)