Evolvulus alsinoides(Convolvulaceae) - Shankhapushpi

Das K
Nov 7
8 min read

Evolvulus alsinoides (Sankhapushpi)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Evolvulus alsinoides

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Evolvulus

Related Herbs from the same family:

Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato): The leaves are used as a nutritious vegetable, and the tubers are a food source. While from the same family, its medicinal use is minimal compared to its dietary importance.

Cuscuta reflexa (Dodder, Amar bel): A parasitic plant used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, jaundice, and urinary problems. This highlights the diverse medicinal applications within the Convolvulaceae family.

Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed): Considered a weed in many regions, but has traditional uses as a purgative and fever reducer, showing a different therapeutic profile.

The Convolvulaceae family is primarily known for its climbing plants, with Evolvulus alsinoides standing out for its profound neuro-medicinal value in Ayurveda.

3. Medicinal Uses:Medhya (Brain Tonic), Nootropic (cognitive enhancer), Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), Antidepressant, Nervine (calms nerves), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Adaptogenic, Blood Purifier, Beneficial for speech disorders.

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant, including the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers, is used medicinally. It is most potent when used in its entirety.

Whole Plant: This is the primary and most commonly used part. It is harvested, dried, and used for preparing powders, decoctions, and medicated ghee (ghrita).
Leaves and Flowers: Sometimes specified in fresh juice preparations or pastes for cognitive and speech-related issues.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The reputation of Evolvulus alsinoides as a premier brain tonic is supported by a unique combination of alkaloids, scopoletin, and other bioactive compounds.

Alkaloids (Evolvine, Betaine): These are considered central to its neuropharmacological effects. Their primary actions are Nootropic and Anxiolytic, enhancing memory, learning, and reducing anxiety by modulating neurotransmitters like acetylcholine.

Scopoletin: A coumarin compound with documented sedative, anxiolytic, and Antipyretic properties. It contributes significantly to the plant's calming effect on the central nervous system.

Flavonoids (Kaempferol): These compounds provide potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory support, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying factors in cognitive decline.

Tannins: Contribute to the plant's mild Astringent property.

Sterols (β-Sitosterol): Known for their Anti-inflammatory and potential cholesterol-lowering effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Medhya Rasayana (Prime Brain Tonic for Intellect and Memory)

Formulation: Powder (churna) or medicated ghee (Shankhapushpi Ghrita).

Preparation & Use: The powdered whole plant is taken with milk or ghee. Medicated ghee prepared with Shankhapushpi is a classic formulation for enhancing memory, concentration, and intelligence in children and adults.

Reasoning: The alkaloids and scopoletin are believed to enhance cholinergic activity in the brain, improve cerebral blood flow, and protect neurons from damage, thereby improving cognitive function.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant (For Anxiety, Stress, and Insomnia)

Formulation: Plant decoction or powder.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the whole plant is consumed daily to calm the mind, relieve stress and anxiety, and promote restful sleep. It is considered a natural tranquilizer without the side effects of synthetic drugs.

Reasoning: Scopoletin and the alkaloids have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to balance stress hormones and promote a state of mental relaxation.

Vakshuddhikara (For Speech Clarity and Disorders)

Formulation: Fresh plant juice with honey.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the plant is mixed with honey and given to children experiencing delayed speech or stammering. It is also used for adults to improve eloquence and clarity of speech.

Reasoning: In Ayurveda, it is believed to have a specific affinity for cleansing and strengthening the channels related to speech (vak srotas). Its overall nervine and rejuvenative properties support neurological function required for proper speech.

Antipyretic and Blood Purifier (For Fevers and Skin Health)

Formulation: Plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is used to reduce fevers, especially those associated with Pitta imbalance. It is also used as a blood purifier to help manage skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Reasoning: The Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce fever and cleanse the blood of toxins that can manifest as skin diseases.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Evolvulus alsinoides is not a culinary herb but is a powerful medicinal preparation.

Classic Brain Tonic Decoction

Purpose: To enhance memory and cognitive function.

Preparation & Use:

Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, powdered Evolvulus alsinoides whole plant.
Boil in 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of milk for 5-10 minutes.
Strain and drink warm once or twice a day, preferably with a teaspoon of ghee or honey.

Calming Tea for Anxiety and Sleep

Purpose: To relieve stress and promote restful sleep.

Preparation & Use:

Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried powder in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
Strain and drink about 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Fresh Juice for Speech and Memory

Purpose: For speech disorders and as a potent memory enhancer.

Preparation & Use:

Grind a handful of the fresh plant with a little water.
Strain to obtain the juice.
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of this juice with an equal amount of honey.
Consume this mixture daily on an empty stomach.

Medicated Ghee (Shankhapushpi Ghrita)

Purpose: A renowned Ayurvedic preparation for profound mental rejuvenation.

Preparation & Use:

This is a complex preparation made by cooking a decoction of Shankhapushpi with ghee and milk over a low fire for several hours.
A small dose (e.g., 1-2 teaspoons) is taken daily under guidance.

In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Evolvulus alsinoides

Evolvulus alsinoides stands as a cornerstone of Ayurvedic neuropharmacology. Its Sanskrit name, "Sankhapushpi," meaning "conch shell flower," alludes to its traditional use for sharpening the intellect and memory with the clarity of a conch shell's sound. Unlike herbs with broad systemic actions, its phytochemistry is remarkably focused on modulating neurochemistry, protecting neural tissue, and enhancing cognitive function, validating its ancient status as a powerful nootropic and nervine tonic.

1. Alkaloids: The Primary Neuroactive Agents

Key Compounds: Betaine, Shankhapushpine, Evolvine, and other pyrrolidine and pyridine alkaloids.
Actions and Clinical Relevance:This class is the driving force behind the plant's profound impact on the central nervous system.
- Nootropic & Memory Enhancement: Betaine acts as a methyl donor in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter for learning, memory, and focus. This mechanism directly validates its use as a cognitive enhancer.
- Anxiolytic & Sedative: The alkaloidal fraction, including Shankhapushpine, has demonstrated significant anti-anxiety and mild sedative effects in experimental models, likely through modulation of GABAergic pathways. This explains its traditional use for calming the mind, treating insomnia, and managing stress without inducing significant drowsiness.
- Neuroprotective: These compounds help protect neurons from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.

2. Coumarins: The Key to Nootropic and Neuroprotection

Key Compound: Scopolletin
Actions and Clinical Relevance:The presence of Scopolletin is a critical aspect of E. alsinoides's bioactivity.
- Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition: Scopolletin is a known inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. By preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, it increases the levels and duration of action of this vital neurotransmitter in the brain synapses, providing a powerful and direct mechanism for its memory-enhancing and cognitive effects.
- Antidepressant & Anxiolytic: Scopolletin also exhibits activity on serotonergic and other monoaminergic systems, contributing to its reported antidepressant and mood-stabilizing properties.

3. Flavonoids: The Neural Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatories

Key Compounds: Kaempferol, Quercetin, and their glycosides; Apigenin.
Actions and Clinical Relevance:Flavonoids provide the essential protective backdrop for the nervous system.
- Neural Antioxidant: The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage. These flavonoids are potent free-radical scavengers that cross the blood-brain barrier to protect neuronal cells from lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
- Anti-neuroinflammatory: They inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain (microglia), reducing neuroinflammation, a key factor in cognitive decline and several neurological disorders.
- Synergistic Nootropic: By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, they create a healthier environment for the alkaloids and coumarins to exert their neurochemical effects.

4. Sterols: The Membrane Stabilizers

Key Compounds: β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Campesterol.
Actions and Clinical Relevance:
- Neural Membrane Integrity: Phytosterols, particularly β-Sitosterol, incorporate into neuronal cell membranes, helping to stabilize them and improve fluidity. This is crucial for optimal neurotransmission and signal conduction.
- Anti-inflammatory: Their systemic anti-inflammatory action supports the overall calming effect of the herb.
- Cholesterol-Lowering: By reducing serum cholesterol, they contribute to improved cardiovascular health, which indirectly supports cerebral blood flow.

5. Tannins: The Astringent Protectors

Key Compounds: Predominantly Gallotannins and Ellagitannins.
Actions and Clinical Relevance:
- Astringent & Gastroprotective: Their astringent property helps tone the digestive tract, which is relevant given the strong gut-brain axis. A healthy gut is linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
- Antioxidant Support: While not the primary antioxidants in this herb, they contribute to the overall radical-quenching capacity.

6. Volatile Oils and Aromatic Compounds

Key Compounds: Various sesquiterpenes and aromatic acids.
Actions and Clinical Relevance:
- Bioavailability Enhancement: Volatile oils can enhance the absorption and bioavailability of other co-occurring phytochemicals, ensuring they reach their target sites in the body and brain—a classic example of phytosynergy.
- Mild Sedative: Some aromatic components may contribute to the plant's calming aroma and mild tranquilizing effects.

An Integrated View of a powerful Nervine Tonic:

The power of Evolvulus alsinoides lies in the exquisite synergy of its compounds, all converging to support brain function:

For Memory and Cognition (Nootropic): A powerful combination where Scopolletin (Coumarin) inhibits acetylcholine breakdown, while Betaine (Alkaloid) facilitates its synthesis. This dual action is further supported by Flavonoids that protect the neurons responsible for these functions.
For Anxiety and Stress (Anxiolytic): The Alkaloids and Scopolletin modulate key neurotransmitter systems (GABA, Serotonin) to produce a calming effect, while β-Sitosterol helps stabilize the physiological response to stress.
For Neuroprotection and Longevity: The Flavonoids and Sterols provide a robust defense against oxidative damage and inflammation, the two primary drivers of neuronal aging and degeneration.

This targeted phytochemical profile solidifies Evolvulus alsinoides's reputation not as a general tonic, but as a specialized and potent herb for the mind, perfectly engineered by nature to enhance cognitive function and promote neurological resilience.

Disclaimer:

Evolvulus alsinoides is generally considered safe. However, due to its sedative properties, it may potentiate the effects of sedative medications. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using it, especially if you are on medication for anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders, or if you are pregnant or lactating. This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Species: Bacopa monnieri | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Bacopa
Similarities: This is the other premier Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) in Ayurveda, often used alongside or interchangeably with Shankhapushpi. Both are renowned for enhancing memory, learning, and concentration, and for their anxiolytic effects, though their phytochemical profiles (bacosides vs. evolvine) are different.

2. Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni / Gotu Kola)

Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella
Similarities: Another celebrated brain tonic and nervine. It shares the nootropic, anxiolytic, and wound-healing properties with Shankhapushpi. All three—Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, and Mandukaparni—are often combined in formulations for synergistic effects on the mind and nervous system.

3. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Species: Withania somnifera | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Withania
Similarities: While Ashwagandha is a more general adaptogen that builds vitality, it shares the anxiolytic and anti-stress properties with Shankhapushpi. They are often used together, with Ashwagandha providing physical grounding and Shankhapushpi offering mental clarity and calm.

4. Convolvulus pluricaulis

Species: Convolvulus pluricaulis | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Convolvulus
Similarities: In many classical texts and practices, the name "Shankhapushpi" is attributed to Convolvulus pluricaulis instead of Evolvulus alsinoides. They are used interchangeably for the same medicinal purposes—as brain tonics and nervines—creating a classic case of botanical confusion in Ayurveda, but with aligned therapeutic intentions.