Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract
Also known as: Dwarf Morning Glory, Shankhpushpi, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides
Overview
Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract is derived from the plant *Evolvulus alsinoides*, a small creeping herb with light blue flowers, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential cognitive enhancement, anxiety reduction, and neuroprotective properties. Historically, it has been utilized as a brain tonic, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. While traditional use is extensive, the scientific research on this extract is still in its preliminary to moderate stages, with most evidence stemming from animal studies and phytochemical analyses. High-quality human clinical trials are limited, making it challenging to definitively establish its efficacy and safety in humans. The extract is believed to exert its effects through various bioactive compounds, including phenolics and flavonoids.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract are suggested cognitive enhancement and memory improvement, largely based on traditional use and preclinical animal studies. Some anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and neuroprotective effects have also been observed in animal models. Secondary benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, identified through phytochemical analyses, which may contribute to its neuroprotective potential. For instance, methanolic extracts have shown significant phenolic and flavonoid content, indicating antioxidant capacity. However, there is a lack of robust human clinical data to confirm these benefits in specific populations, and the strength of evidence, effect sizes, and clinical significance are not well established due to the absence of rigorous human trials. The time course for observing effects in humans is currently unknown.
How it works
Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract contains various bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolics and flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. For example, methanolic extracts have been found to contain approximately 35.7 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content and 38.8 mg QE/g of flavonoid content. The proposed mechanisms of action include antioxidant activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress in the body, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also hypothesized to modulate neurotransmitter systems, potentially involving GABAergic and cholinergic pathways, which could contribute to its cognitive and anxiolytic properties. However, the specific molecular targets are not fully elucidated, and the pharmacodynamic properties are largely inferred from its phytochemical constituents. Data on absorption and bioavailability in humans are currently lacking.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract is not well characterized in humans due to the limited number of clinical studies. While traditional use suggests a low toxicity profile, concerns exist regarding the variability in herbal preparations and potential contamination, which could impact safety. There are no well-documented common or rare side effects reported in controlled human studies. Furthermore, potential drug interactions are currently unknown but are considered possible, especially given the extract's suggested central nervous system (CNS) activity. Contraindications and specific considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions) have not been formally studied. Therefore, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use, particularly for individuals on medication or with underlying health issues.
Dosage
There are no established minimum effective or optimal dosages for Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract derived from high-quality human clinical trials. Traditional Ayurvedic usage varies widely, and standardized extract dosages are not well defined in scientific literature. Specific recommendations based on the form of the extract (e.g., aqueous vs. methanolic) or timing considerations for administration are also not established. Factors influencing absorption and any required cofactors for optimal efficacy remain uncharacterized. Due to the lack of rigorous human safety and efficacy data, it is challenging to provide precise dosing guidelines or upper limits. Individuals considering this supplement should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially given the absence of comprehensive safety data.
FAQs
Is Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract safe for consumption?
Traditional use suggests a low toxicity, but rigorous human safety data is lacking. Caution is advised, especially due to potential variability in herbal preparations and unknown drug interactions.
Does it improve memory and cognitive function?
Animal studies and traditional use indicate potential for memory and cognitive enhancement, but sufficient human evidence from well-designed clinical trials is currently unavailable to confirm these effects.
How long does it take to see effects from Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract?
The time course for observing effects in humans is currently unknown due to the limited number of human studies. Animal studies suggest effects after repeated administration.
Can Dwarf Morning Glory Root Extract interact with other medications?
Potential drug interactions are possible, especially given its suggested CNS activity, but these have not been formally studied. Consult a healthcare professional if you are taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.nutrahacker.com/journal_club/en/dwarf-morning-glory.php – This source provides a general overview of Dwarf Morning Glory (*Evolvulus alsinoides*), discussing its traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine for cognitive enhancement, anxiety reduction, and neuroprotection. It highlights the plant's role as a brain tonic, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent, while also noting the preliminary to moderate level of research maturity and the limitations of current evidence, primarily from animal studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10794760/ – This article, Nithya et al. (2023), focuses on the phytochemical analysis of *Evolvulus alsinoides* methanolic extract. It identified 10 compounds and quantified significant phenolic (~35.7 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (~38.8 mg QE/g) content, suggesting strong antioxidant potential. The study provides in vitro evidence for the extract's bioactive constituents but lacks clinical data on efficacy or safety in humans.
- https://www.rroij.com/open-access/formulation-evaluation-and-antimicrobial-activity-of-evolvulus-alsinoides-cream.php?aid=91695 – This research by Roy et al. (2022) describes the formulation and in vitro antimicrobial activity of a cream containing *Evolvulus alsinoides* aqueous extract. The study found that the cream exhibited antimicrobial properties against *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Escherichia coli*. However, it is an in vitro study and does not provide clinical efficacy or safety data for human use.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8206464/ – This systematic review by Rengasamy et al. (2021) summarizes traditional uses and pharmacological properties of various analgesic herbs, including *Evolvulus alsinoides*. It notes the plant's traditional use and neuropharmacological potential. While it provides a broad overview of ethnopharmacology, it does not present focused randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically on the cognitive effects or clinical efficacy of *Evolvulus alsinoides*.
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