Dwarf Morning Glory

Botanical

What is it

Dwarf morning glory (Evolvulus alsinoides), known as shankhapushpi in Ayurveda, is a creeping herb traditionally used for memory, anxiety, and cognitive support. Convolvulus prostratus is also marketed under the shankhapushpi name.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Memory and cognitive support

Limited Evidence

Small studies suggest possible benefits on memory measures, but evidence is preliminary and often based on multi-herb formulations.

Anxiety and stress

Limited Evidence

Traditional use is consistent and preclinical anxiolytic activity exists, but human trial data are sparse.

How it works

The herb contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins. Preclinical studies suggest cholinergic, antioxidant, and anxiolytic activity in animal models. Specific mechanisms in humans remain to be established. Shankhapushpi formulations have a long history in classical Ayurvedic preparations for cognitive enhancement and stress management. Modern clinical research is limited and often combines shankhapushpi with other adaptogens.

Dosage

Traditional doses use 3 to 6 g of dried herb daily. Modern extracts typically deliver 300 to 500 mg per capsule.

When and how to take it

Traditional use is once or twice daily, often before meals.

1 commercial form

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

Whole herb powder or extract

Available as standardized extracts or as part of multi-herb Ayurvedic blends.

Not well characterized.

Safety

Generally considered safe at traditional doses with limited reports of adverse effects. Long-term safety in concentrated extract form is not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Use caution with cognitive medications, sedatives, or anticonvulsants.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with phenytoin and other anticonvulsants based on preclinical reports. Caution with sedatives.

Frequently asked questions

What is shankhapushpi?⌄

An Ayurvedic term for several morning glory species used traditionally for memory and stress.

Does dwarf morning glory work for anxiety?⌄

Traditional use is suggestive; clinical evidence is preliminary.

References

Dwarf Morning Glory on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dwarf Morning Glory on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dwarf Morning Glory (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.