Convolvulus Pluricaulis

BotanicalBest in the morningBest taken with food

What is it

Convolvulus pluricaulis (commonly called shankhpushpi) is a small flowering herb in the morning glory family used in Ayurvedic medicine as a 'medhya rasayana' (brain tonic) for memory, focus, and mental clarity.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Memory and cognitive function

Mixed Evidence

Small Ayurvedic trials suggest modest cognitive benefits; rigorous evidence is limited.

Anxiety and stress (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional adaptogenic use with limited human trial support.

How it works

The whole herb contains alkaloids (convolvine, convolamine), flavonoids, coumarins, and steroids. Preclinical studies report cholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective effects in models of memory impairment. Ayurvedic tradition uses shankhpushpi for cognitive enhancement, anxiety, and as a general adaptogen. Small clinical studies report modest improvements in memory and learning measures, but most trials are short, small, and methodologically limited. The name 'shankhpushpi' is sometimes used for multiple species (also including Clitoria ternatea and Evolvulus alsinoides), creating confusion in supplement identification. Authenticated Convolvulus pluricaulis is the traditional species.

Dosage

Traditional Ayurvedic doses: 3 to 6 grams of dried herb powder daily, often divided. Extract doses vary widely; typical supplement label doses are 250 to 1,000 mg per day.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken in the morning or twice daily with food. Modern supplement formats follow similar timing. Effects on cognition build gradually over weeks of consistent use.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Shankhpushpi whole herb powder

Used in Ayurvedic decoctions and powders.

Traditional preparation.

Standardized extract

Modern supplement format.

Varies by manufacturer.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Side effects are uncommon and include mild GI upset. Long-term safety data are limited. Species confusion is a quality concern.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to insufficient safety data. Caution with concurrent psychiatric or neurological medications. Verify species identification with reputable suppliers.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with sedatives, anticonvulsants, and cholinesterase inhibitors based on preclinical pharmacology. Clinical interactions are not well characterized.

Frequently asked questions

Is shankhpushpi always Convolvulus pluricaulis?⌄

No. The name is used for several Ayurvedic plants including Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitoria ternatea, and Evolvulus alsinoides. Look for explicit species identification on labels.

Does shankhpushpi work for memory?⌄

Small trials suggest modest cognitive benefits, but evidence is limited and effects are not dramatic. Better-studied options exist for cognitive support.

References

Convolvulus Pluricaulis on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Convolvulus Pluricaulis on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Convolvulus Pluricaulis (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.