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Limited evidenceBrain & cognition

Shankhpushpi

An Ayurvedic brain tonic, usually Convolvulus pluricaulis. The published evidence is overwhelmingly animal work; the few human studies are small and poorly controlled.

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What the science says

  • Memory and cognition Limited evidence

    An umbrella review covering ethnopharmacology through clinical studies found that most of the memory-enhancing evidence for Convolvulus pluricaulis comes from rodent models, with only a handful of small and methodologically weak clinical reports. The authors called for properly controlled trials.

  • Anxiety and sedation Limited evidence

    Experimental work reports central nervous system depressant and anti-anxiety activity of Convolvulus pluricaulis leaves in animal models. No placebo-controlled human trial supports a calming effect.

  • Product identity varies Limited evidence

    Preparations sold as shankhpushpi may contain Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitoria ternatea, Evolvulus alsinoides or Canscora decussata, so published findings on one species do not necessarily apply to what is in the bottle.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional use is roughly 1–3 g/day of the dried whole-plant powder, or an equivalent syrup or extract. No dose has been established in controlled human research.
SafetyHuman safety data are minimal. Reported effects include gastrointestinal upset and drowsiness; additive sedation with sleep medicines, alcohol and anti-anxiety drugs is plausible. Species substitution and heavy-metal contamination have both been documented in Ayurvedic products. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children in the absence of data.

How to take it

TimingEvening, since drowsiness is the most consistently reported effect.
With food?With food if it upsets your stomach; otherwise it does not matter.
Worth knowingBuy only from brands that publish heavy-metal testing and name the botanical species, because Ayurvedic products sold as shankhpushpi come from at least four different plants.

Interactions

With medications

  • sedatives, benzodiazepines, sleep medication and alcohol

    Shankhpushpi is reported to cause drowsiness, which adds to the sedation of these drugs. do not combine without medical supervision, and do not drive until you know how it affects you

With other supplements

  • melatonin, valerian, kava and other sedating supplements

    Additive drowsiness and next-morning grogginess. use one sedating supplement at a time

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does shankhpushpi improve memory?

The evidence is limited: an umbrella review found most of shankhpushpi's memory evidence comes from rodent studies, with only a handful of small, weak human reports.

What plant is shankhpushpi?

Shankhpushpi usually means Convolvulus pluricaulis, but products sold under the name may contain Clitoria ternatea, Evolvulus alsinoides or Canscora decussata, so buy from brands that name the species and publish heavy-metal testing.

Is shankhpushpi safe?

Human safety data on shankhpushpi are minimal; stomach upset and drowsiness are reported, so avoid combining it with sedatives, sleep medication or alcohol. Avoid it in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children.

Scientific references

Related in Brain & cognition

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)