Convolvulus prostratus

BotanicalBest in the morning

What is it

Convolvulus prostratus (formerly C. pluricaulis, also called shankhpushpi or shankapushpi in Ayurveda) is a small creeping herb used in Indian traditional medicine as a brain tonic (medhya rasayana) for memory, learning, and anxiety.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Cognitive function (memory, learning)

Mixed Evidence

Animal evidence is encouraging; small human studies suggest possible benefit on attention and memory. Larger trials needed.

Anxiety

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use and preliminary animal data. Human clinical evidence is limited.

How it works

The whole plant contains alkaloids (shankapushpine, convolvine), flavonoids, and glycosides. Animal studies have shown effects on learning, memory, anxiety, and protection against drug-induced amnesia, possibly via cholinergic, GABAergic, and antioxidant mechanisms. Human clinical evidence remains limited but is growing.

Dosage

Traditional Ayurvedic doses use 3 to 6 grams of dried herb powder daily, or 5 to 15 mL of fresh juice. Standardized extracts vary by product.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken in the morning and/or evening as a tonic. Daily consistent use is suggested; effects, if any, build over weeks.

2 commercial forms

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

Shankapushpi powder (whole plant)

Authentic identification as C. prostratus is important; other 'shankapushpi' species are sometimes substituted.

Traditional preparation.

Standardized extract

Concentrated capsules of various 'memory' or 'brain tonic' formulas.

Variable.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Long-term safety data are limited. Note that 'shankapushpi' is sometimes used for other plants (such as Clitoria ternatea or Evolvulus alsinoides); product authentication matters.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Use cautiously with sedatives or psychiatric medications.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with sedatives, anticholinergic drugs, and CNS medications. Specific data are limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is shankapushpi the same as bacopa?⌄

No. Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a separate brain tonic herb, often combined with shankapushpi in Ayurvedic formulas.

How quickly does it work?⌄

Like other adaptogens, effects (if any) typically build over weeks of regular use.

References

Convolvulus prostratus on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Convolvulus prostratus (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Convolvulus prostratus with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
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.