Shankhpushpi
Also known as: Shankhpushpi, Shankhpushpi Plant, Convolvulus pluricaulis
Overview
Convolvulus pluricaulis, commonly known as Shankhpushpi, is a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, native to India. It's traditionally used to enhance memory, cognitive function, and to treat anxiety and depression. The plant is known for its antioxidant and potential neuroprotective effects. While research suggests neuroprotective effects, the evidence is primarily based on animal studies and in vitro experiments. Human clinical trials are limited, and the quality of evidence is moderate, necessitating more rigorous human studies to confirm its efficacy and safety. Shankhpushpi is available in various forms, including ethanolic and methanolic extracts, and is often consumed as a herbal supplement.
Benefits
Shankhpushpi may enhance memory and cognitive function, with some evidence suggesting antidepressant and antianxiety effects, primarily observed in animal models. It may also have antioxidant properties, potentially reducing oxidative stress. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for neurological conditions, specific population-based studies are lacking. The current evidence does not provide clear effect sizes or confidence intervals due to the limited number of human studies. The time course of benefits is not well-documented in human studies, and further research is needed to validate these potential benefits in humans.
How it works
Shankhpushpi's active compounds, such as scopoletin and quercetin, may interact with molecular targets involved in neuronal growth and survival, including enzymes like acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase. It may enhance neurotransmission by affecting neurotransmitter levels like acetylcholine and serotonin. Potential targets include PTGS1, NOS3, PPARG, ACHE, MAOA, and MAOB. However, there is limited information on the absorption and bioavailability of Shankhpushpi's active compounds in humans, and further research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action.
Side effects
Shankhpushpi is generally considered safe in traditional use, but comprehensive safety data from human trials are lacking. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented due to limited human studies. Potential interactions with drugs affecting the central nervous system are speculative and require further study. While no contraindications are documented, caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation due to lack of data. Caution is also advised in children and individuals with severe health conditions due to limited safety data. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Shankhpushpi, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose has not been established in human studies. Traditionally used in various forms, specific dosages are not standardized. A maximum safe dose has also not been established. Timing considerations are not specified. It is available in various forms, including ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Absorption factors are unknown, and required cofactors are not specified. Due to the lack of standardized dosing and safety data, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Shankhpushpi to determine an appropriate and safe dosage.
FAQs
What are the practical usage concerns for Shankhpushpi?
It is important to consult healthcare professionals before using Shankhpushpi, especially if considering it for medical conditions. Comprehensive safety data are lacking, so professional guidance is essential.
Is Shankhpushpi safe to use?
While traditionally used, comprehensive safety data are lacking. Caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
What results can I expect from taking Shankhpushpi?
Potential cognitive and mood benefits have been suggested, but human evidence is limited. It is often assumed to be a proven cognitive enhancer, but human trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://www.erpublications.com/uploaded_files/download/download_29_09_2017_12_43_07.pdf – This meta-analysis reviewed the neuroprotective effects of Shankhpushpi, highlighting its potential in reducing neurodegeneration through antioxidant and antianxiety activities. However, the study noted a lack of comprehensive human studies, indicating the need for further research to validate these effects in humans.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36225186/ – This research aimed to decipher the molecular basis of Shankhpushpi's neuroprotective effects using bioinformatics tools. It identified several phytochemicals with potential neuroprotective properties, providing insights into the plant's mechanism of action at a molecular level, but did not include human clinical trials.
- https://journals.lww.com/ijsgh/fulltext/2023/11010/role_of_shankhpushpi__convolvulus_pluricaulis__in.3.aspx – This review discussed the neurological benefits of Shankhpushpi but highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of its molecular mechanisms. It also emphasized the importance of conducting more human studies to validate its effects and establish its efficacy in treating neurological conditions.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21846173/ – This study investigates the protective effects of Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) against scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. The results suggest that Shankhpushpi may improve memory and cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, providing a potential therapeutic approach for cognitive disorders.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2022/1015310 – This study explores the potential of Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) in managing stress and anxiety. The findings indicate that Shankhpushpi possesses anxiolytic properties, possibly due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems and reduce oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a natural remedy for stress-related disorders.
