Shankhapushpi: - A Novel Herb of Ayurveda

Abstract

Shankhpushpi is a well-known Ayurvedic medicine primarily used for its positive effects on the central nervous system, especially in enhancing memory and improving intelligence. References from Ayurvedic and Sanskrit literature indicate that the name Shankhpushpi has been used for four different plant species. These plants are often used individually or in combination with other herbs in various traditional Ayurvedic formulations mentioned in ancient texts. The plants identified as Shankhpushpi include Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (Convolvulaceae), Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convolvulaceae), Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Papilionaceae), and Canscora decussata Schult. (Gentianaceae). This review aims to summarize the available scientific information on the pharmacognostic characteristics, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and both preclinical and clinical studies of these different Shankhpushpi species. Such an overview helps to establish clear differentiation parameters among them and to evaluate variations in their therapeutic effects based on botanical sources.

Keywords

Introduction

Description of Plant

The scientific classification of Convolvulus pluricaulis

# Shankhpushpi Syrup       

Composition: -                                                         

1] Shankhpushpi = 4 gm

2] Brahmi Powder = 1 gm

3] Sugar = 160 gm

4] lemon juice = Q. S

5] Colour = Q. S

6] water = 200- 300 ml

Procedure

• Take 4 g of Shankhpushpi powder,
• 1 g of Brahmi powder,
• 160 g of Sugar
• and a few drops of citric acid or lemon juice.
• Add the Shankhpushpi powder, Brahmi powder and Sugar into a vessel along with approximately 200 - 300 ml of water.
• Heat the vessel over a medium flame.
• Constantly stir the solution until the sugar dissolves into the liquid.
• Once the liquid has cooled a bit, add the lemon juice, stir and store for use in an airtight jar.

How to Use:

Consume a spoonful of the syrup when you fill like experiencing tension, fatigue or sleeplessness.

Purpose:

Both Bacopa?monnieri (Brahmi) and Convolvulus?pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) are widely used in Ayurveda as “medhya?ras?yanas” – herbs that support cognition and mental calm.

Brahmi

# Randomised, double?blind trials in healthy adults showed significant improvements in short? and long?term memory, working?memory and verbal learning after 12?weeks of 300?mg?BME daily; the same regimen also raised serum BDNF, reduced cortisol and lowered anxiety scores?

# A 12?week, 450?mg?per?day study reported a modest increase in BDNF and better sleep quality, although cognitive benefits were not uniformly reproduced?

# An acute?dose crossover study (320?mg and 640?mg) reported faster reaction times on attention tasks, reduced cortisol and a trend toward improved mood within?2?h of ingestion?

# Review articles summarise Brahmi’s neuro?protective actions (antioxidant, cholinergic, serotonergic and GABA?modulating) that underlie its memory?enhancing and anxiolytic effects?

Shankhpushpi

# Network?pharmacology and docking studies identified flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin) and scopoletin as ligands for acetylcholinesterase, MAO?A/B and neuro?trophic pathways, supporting a mechanistic basis for cognition and stress relief?

# Pre?clinical work in rodents shows anxiolytic?like behaviour, reduction of stress?induced biochemical markers and modest improvement in memory tasks, although one mouse model of electro?convulsive?shock?induced amnesia found no benefit?

# Clinical data are limited, but the?same?day stress?reduction trial during the COVID?19 pandemic reported significant drops in depression, anxiety and stress scores after 30?days of 500?mg?Brahmi twice daily?suggesting that a combined Brahmi? Shankhpushpi syrup could address stress?related insomnia.

Practical implication – A syrup containing both extracts can plausibly enhance memory, attenuate stress/tension and improve sleep quality in individuals whose sleeplessness is stress?driven, though the magnitude of benefit may vary with dose, duration and individual susceptibility.

CONCLUSION: -

Convolvulus?pluricaulis (CP), commonly called Shankhpushpi, is classified in Ayurveda as a?Medhya?Ras?yana—a brain?tonic herb believed to enhance intellect. Phytochemical analyses have identified alkaloids (e.g., convolvine), flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin, coumarins (scopoletin), phenolic acids, and glycosides as the principal bioactive constituents?

1. Pre?clinical experiments demonstrate that extracts of CP protect neurons against oxidative stress, ischemic injury, and scopolamine?induced amnesia, partly by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and modulating nitric?oxide synthase and heme?oxygenase?1 pathway.

2. Clinical investigations, though limited, have reported significant improvements in short?term and long?term memory, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall cognitive performance in healthy volunteers?

3. Despite these encouraging findings, the exact molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined, and variations in extraction methods and dosage hinder reproducibility. Systematic, evidence?based studies—including randomized controlled trials, pharmacokinetic profiling, and safety assessments—are needed to validate therapeutic claims, establish optimal formulations, and ensure long?term safety?

4.  Such rigorously designed research will be essential to translate the traditional reputation of Shankhpushpi into standardized, clinically reliable nootropic interventions.                                          

REFERENCE

1. Jaiswal, R. K., Dikshit, M., Tiwari, R. C., Singh, A. K., & Sharma, V. B. (n.d.). Study of pharmaceutical & physicochemical evaluations of Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois – A research article. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal (IAMJ). ISSN: 2320-5091.
2. Bibave, M. K., & Khade, P. P. (2023). A review on Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis). International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications, 8(5), 1635–1642.
3. Devi, P. (2021). An updated review on Shankhpushpi – As Medhya Rasayana. Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, 7(2), 119–123.
4. Kirte, K. (2024). Controversial review of Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois.) and its conservation with special reference to conservation and propagation of medicinal plants. International Journal of Advanced Research, 12(3), 1052–1057.