Convolvulus Pluricaulis

Convolvulus pluricaulis, also written as Convolvulus prostratus and sometimes C. microphyllus, is a low, spreading perennial herb belonging to the Convolvulaceae, the same botanical family as bindweed and morning glory ^[1][2]. It grows in India and neighbouring regions and bears small pale flowers ^[1]. In Ayurveda it is one of the plants called shankhpushpi, a name that has caused some confusion because it is also applied to other species, notably Evolvulus alsinoides and the blue-flowered Clitoria ternatea; comparative pharmacological work has suggested that Convolvulus pluricaulis is the most appropriate source of shankhpushpi where memory enhancement is concerned ^[2][4].

In traditional Indian medicine, shankhpushpi is classed among the Medhya Rasayana herbs, the group regarded as rejuvenators of the mind and intellect ^[2]. The whole plant is used, and preparations have been taken as a brain and nerve tonic to strengthen memory and learning, to ease anxiety and mental stress, to aid sleep, and to help with conditions such as epilepsy ^[2]. It is a common ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulations aimed at the nervous system ^[2].

Chemical study of the herb has identified a mixture of constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins such as scopoletin, steroids and glycosides, which are thought to underlie its biological activity ^[2]. As with many traditional botanicals, the exact combination of active compounds varies with the plant material and the preparation, and no single molecule is regarded as solely responsible for its effects ^[2].

Laboratory studies, mostly in rodents, have reported a broad range of effects for Convolvulus pluricaulis extracts on the nervous system, including improved performance on memory tasks and anxiolytic, antidepressant, antistress, sedative and anticonvulsant actions ^[2][4]. Other work has pointed to antioxidant and neuroprotective activity; for example, an extract lessened brain injury in a rat model of reduced blood flow to the brain, an effect attributed to its scavenging of harmful free radicals ^[3]. Recent reviews that gather this evidence conclude that the herb shows genuine promise for memory and neurological health, while stressing that most findings come from cell and animal experiments and that well-designed human trials are still lacking ^[2][5].

Convolvulus pluricaulis is used as a herbal remedy and dietary supplement rather than as an approved drug, and it is sold as dried herb, powders (churna), syrups and extracts, often as part of multi-herb Ayurvedic products ^[1][2]. In traditional use it has a long record of tolerability, but standardised safety and dosing data from modern clinical research are limited ^[2].

Generally well tolerated with a long traditional record and few reported side effects; high doses may cause mild sedation or GI upset. Human safety data at standardized doses is limited. Because of possible sedative and thyroid effects, take care combining with sedatives or thyroid medication.