Shankhpushpi
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 60 participants, researched for Memory & Cognitive Function, Anxiety, Stress & Thyroid.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Memory & Cognitive Function
WeakAnxiety, Stress & Thyroid
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Memory & Cognitive Function
Evidence for Shankhpushpi in neurological disorders
Study Type
Umbrella review
Purpose
Evidence for Shankhpushpi in neurological disorders
Dose
Various preparations
Participants
Umbrella review
Duration
Various
Results
Consistently demonstrated memory-enhancing, anti-anxiety, anti-stress, and neuroprotective properties. Primary bioactives include flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin) and alkaloids (shankhpushpine, convolvine).
How They Measured It
Review of animal, clinical, and network pharmacology studies
Nootropic, anxiolytic, CNS-depressant activity of different Shankhpushpi plant sources
Study Type
Comparative animal study
Purpose
Nootropic, anxiolytic, CNS-depressant activity of different Shankhpushpi plant sources
Dose
100mg/kg extract
Participants
Animal study
Duration
4 weeks
Results
C. pluricaulis showed greatest memory-enhancing effect, establishing it as the authentic Ayurvedic shankhpushpi source for cognitive applications.
How They Measured It
Morris water maze, EPM, phenobarbitone sleep potentiation
Protective mechanisms of Shankhpushpi against dementia
Study Type
Network pharmacology and in vitro study
Purpose
Protective mechanisms of Shankhpushpi against dementia
Dose
Various bioactive concentrations
Participants
In silico and in vitro
Duration
N/A
Results
Quercetin, kaempferol, and caffeic acid identified as multi-target compounds acting on AChE, TNF-alpha, VEGF and amyloid-beta pathways.
How They Measured It
Network pharmacology, AChE inhibition, anti-inflammatory assays
Anxiety, Stress & Thyroid
Shankhpushpi formulation on academic stress and anxiety in students
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Shankhpushpi formulation on academic stress and anxiety in students
Dose
5g churna twice daily
Participants
60 school children
Duration
6 months
Results
Significantly reduced anxiety scores and improved academic performance. Cognitive benefits consistent with nootropic classification in Ayurvedic medicine.
How They Measured It
Hamilton Anxiety Scale, academic performance scores
Anti-stress and adaptogenic effects of C. pluricaulis
Study Type
Animal pharmacological study
Purpose
Anti-stress and adaptogenic effects of C. pluricaulis
Dose
100-200mg/kg ethanol extract
Participants
Animal stress models
Duration
14 days
Results
Significantly reduced stress-induced cortisol elevation and improved swim endurance. Adaptogenic activity comparable to Panax ginseng at equivalent doses.
How They Measured It
Swim endurance test, restraint stress model, plasma cortisol
Effect of C. pluricaulis on thyroid function
Study Type
Thyroid pharmacological study
Purpose
Effect of C. pluricaulis on thyroid function
Dose
200mg/kg aqueous extract
Participants
Animal thyroid model
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly increased T4 levels and modulated hepatic deiodinase activity, suggesting pro-thyroid action. May benefit hypothyroid conditions as adjunct therapy.
How They Measured It
T3, T4, TSH measurements; hepatic deiodinase activity
Anticonvulsant activity of C. pluricaulis
Study Type
Antiepileptic study
Purpose
Anticonvulsant activity of C. pluricaulis
Dose
200-400mg/kg extract
Participants
Animal seizure models
Duration
Acute
Results
Significant anticonvulsant activity in both PTZ and MES models, likely via GABA-ergic mechanism. Supports traditional use in epilepsy management.
How They Measured It
PTZ and MES induced seizure models, GABA receptor binding
Nootropic properties of Shankhpushpi comprehensive review
Study Type
Review
Purpose
Nootropic properties of Shankhpushpi comprehensive review
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Memory enhancement, anti-anxiety, adaptogenic, antiepileptic, and neuroprotective properties well-documented. Widely used in Ayurvedic neurological formulations with good safety data.
How They Measured It
Literature review
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shankhpushpi research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), involving 60 total participants. Research covers Memory & cognitive function, Anxiety & stress reduction, Neuroprotection and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study), and reported outcomes.
Shankhpushpi has been researched for: Memory & cognitive function, Anxiety & stress reduction, Neuroprotection, Thyroid support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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