Nootropic profile
Convolvulus Pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi)
Convolvulus pluricaulis, known as Shankhpushpi in Ayurvedic medicine, is one of the most revered brain tonics in the Indian tradition. It has been used for centuries to enhance memory, learning, and concentration, with animal research supporting its nootropic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties.
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Convolvulus Pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi)?
Convolvulus pluricaulis is a perennial herb from the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family, found throughout India in sandy and rocky terrain.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Traditional Ayurvedic dose: 3-6 g of whole plant powder per day, taken with milk or honey
- Extract: 250-500 mg of standardised extract, 1-2 times daily
- Syrup: 5-10 ml of Shankhpushpi syrup, 1-2 times daily (a popular commercial form in India)
- Fresh juice: 10-20 ml of fresh plant juice per day (traditional preparation)
- Timing: Traditionally taken in the morning or before study/mental work. Can also be taken before bed for its calming effects.
Watch out for
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated with centuries of traditional use. Mild GI discomfort possible at higher doses.
- Thyroid effects: Some animal studies suggest Shankhpushpi may suppress thyroid function. Those with hypothyroidism or on thyroid medications should exercise...
- Species confusion: The name "Shankhpushpi" is applied to at least four different plants in India (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria...
- Pregnancy: Traditionally avoided during pregnancy. Insufficient modern safety data.
- Drug interactions: May interact with thyroid medications, sedatives, and anticholinergic drugs.
The science, if you're curious.
- Extracts of Convolvulus pluricaulis have shown AChE inhibitory activity in animal studies, increasing acetylcholine availability for memory and learning...
- The flavonoid and phenolic content provides significant antioxidant activity, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
- The herb appears to modulate GABA receptors, contributing to its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. This may underlie the calm focus reported by...
- Animal studies suggest Shankhpushpi may reduce elevated cortisol levels, supporting cognitive function during chronic stress.
Where to find it
- Whole plant powder: The traditional form, widely available from Indian herbal suppliers
- Shankhpushpi syrup: A popular commercial preparation in India, often combined with other medhya herbs
- Standardised extracts: Capsules available from Ayurvedic supplement companies
- Traditional formulations: Part of various Ayurvedic brain tonic preparations (Medhya Rasayana blends)
- Fresh plant: Grows wild across India and can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates
Frequently asked
Convolvulus pluricaulis, known as Shankhpushpi in Ayurvedic medicine, is one of the most revered brain tonics in the Indian tradition. It has been used for centuries to enhance memory, learning, and concentration, with animal research supporting its nootropic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties.
The main benefits people report from Convolvulus Pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Memory, Mood, Stress Relief.
Traditional Ayurvedic dose: 3-6 g of whole plant powder per day, taken with milk or honeyExtract: 250-500 mg of standardised extract, 1-2 times dailySyrup: 5-10 ml of Shankhpushpi syrup, 1-2 times daily (a popular commercial form in India)Fresh juice: 10-20 ml of fresh plant juice per day (tradition...
Side effects: Generally well tolerated with centuries of traditional use. Mild GI discomfort possible at higher doses.Thyroid effects: Some animal studies suggest Shankhpushpi may suppress thyroid function. Those with hypothyroidism or on thyroid medications should exercise...Species confusion: The...
Extracts of Convolvulus pluricaulis have shown AChE inhibitory activity in animal studies, increasing acetylcholine availability for memory and learning...The flavonoid and phenolic content provides significant antioxidant activity, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.The...
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