Organic Shankhpushpi
Also known as: Shankhpushpi, Shankhapushpi, *Convolvulus pluricaulis*
Overview
Shankhpushpi is a herb from the family Convolvulaceae traditionally used in Ayurveda, recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It is primarily acknowledged for managing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and cognitive impairments. Key bioactive compounds include convolidine, convolvine, scopoletin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol, which confer various therapeutic activities. While preliminary studies indicate potential benefits, further rigorous clinical trials are warranted to affirm its efficacy and safety profile. Common forms include powder, paste, syrup, and various extracts, appealing to its versatility in use.
Benefits
1. **Memory Enhancement**: Ethanolic extracts of Shankhpushpi have demonstrated the ability to enhance memory and learning behavior, improving brain protein levels significantly in animal studies. 2. **Anxiolytic Effects**: Shankhpushpi has shown significant anxiolytic properties in animal models, effectively reducing anxiety behaviors. 3. **Neuroprotective Effects**: The herb scavenges reactive oxygen species and modulates neurohumoral responses, providing neuroprotection. 4. **Antidepressant Activity**: Interaction with adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems suggests it has potential antidepressant effects, particularly noted in preclinical studies. 5. **Antioxidant Activity**: Showing promise in mitigating age-related cognitive decline, Shankhpushpi’s antioxidant capabilities are supported by various studies highlighting its significance in prolonged cognitive health.
How it works
Shankhpushpi operates through modulation of several biological pathways including PTGS1, NOS3, and ACHE, influencing neurotrophin and insulin signaling systems. It impacts central nervous system functions by interacting with GABA-A receptors and various neurotransmitter systems (adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic), enhancing cognitive function, and regulating emotional responses. The absorption of its bioactive compounds suggests varying bioavailability contingent on extraction methods.
Side effects
Shankhpushpi is generally considered safe with traditional usage; however, comprehensive toxicity data is limited, especially in humans. No significant common side effects have been reported (>5%), and there is a lack of data on uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects. Potential drug interactions, particularly with phenytoin, may occur. There are no well-documented contraindications, but caution is advised for patients on concurrent medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
The literature suggests a minimum effective dose around 100mg/kg in animal studies, effectively addressing models of anxiety. Optimal dosages range between 100mg/kg to 500mg/kg; however, these values have not been thoroughly defined for human consumption. Timing for administration is traditionally flexible, based on therapeutic needs. Shankhpushpi is available as powder, paste, syrup, and aqueous or ethanolic extracts, although specific absorption factors and maximum safe doses remain under-researched.
FAQs
Is Shankhpushpi safe for daily use?
While Shankhpushpi is generally safe at traditional doses, comprehensive safety studies are lacking, especially in humans.
How should I take Shankhpushpi?
Administration can vary; traditionally, it is used as needed. Specific timing guidelines are yet to be established.
What cognitive benefits can I expect?
Users may experience improved cognitive function, reduced anxiety, and enhanced neuroprotection, based on preliminary studies.
Are there any common misconceptions about Shankhpushpi?
Many believe it is fully validated for human application, but extensive clinical trials are still necessary to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
Research Sources
- https://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_202172_10.pdf – This review article details the pharmacological activities of Shankhpushpi, highlighting its memory-enhancing and anxiolytic properties while acknowledging the limited clinical data supporting its use.
- https://www.erpublications.com/uploaded_files/download/download_29_09_2017_12_43_07.pdf – A meta-analysis that synthesizes various studies on Shankhpushpi, illustrating its neuroprotective and antidepressant activities, while calling for more rigorous clinical investigations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00171/full – This article reviews the potential therapeutic role of Shankhpushpi in neurological disorders, underscoring its diverse molecular targets yet emphasizing the need for more detailed human studies.
- https://journals.lww.com/ijsgh/fulltext/2023/11010/role_of_shankhpushpi__convolvulus_pluricaulis__in.3.aspx – A comprehensive review assessing Shankhpushpi's role in neurological disorders, noting its pharmacological properties and the necessity of further research into its clinical utility.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380232784_Shankhpushpi_Convolvulus_pluricaulis_Exploring_its_Cognitive_Enhancing_Mechanisms_and_Therapeutic_Potential_in_Neurodegenerative_Disorders – This research highlights the cognitive-enhancing mechanisms of Shankhpushpi while acknowledging the need for validated human clinical trials to support its therapeutic potential.