Botanical Overview
Convolvulus pluricaulis belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is commonly known as Shankhpushpi or Indian bindweed. It is native to India and South Asia where the whole plant and leaves are traditionally used medicinally. The herb is closely associated with cognitive enhancement and nervous system support in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian herbal medicine.
Energetics
Convolvulus pluricaulis has a cooling and moistening energetic profile. It tastes bitter and sweet, and is tonifying in nature, particularly supporting the qi (vital energy) of the nervous system.
Primary Actions
- Cognitive enhancer
- Nervine tonic
- Sedative
- Anti-anxiety
Indications
Western
- Anxiety
- Memory impairment
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Cognitive decline
Syndromes
- Nervous system disorders
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Neurodegenerative conditions (adjunct)
TCM
No well-established traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
- Mental fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic)
- Unmada (psychological disorders)
- Ojas depletion
Unani
- Memory loss
- Nervous disorders
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Sada-e-damagh (brain diseases)
- Sauda imbalance
Constituents & Mechanisms
The herb contains alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, and triterpenoids contributing to its neuroprotective, sedative, and anxiolytic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of whole plant: 3-6 grams daily
- Powder: 1-3 grams 1-2 times daily
- Tincture (1:5 in 50% ethanol): 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Considered safe in traditional doses but caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. The herb may potentiate sedative medications. Avoid overdosing to prevent CNS depression.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary and elemental rulers are not well established for Convolvulus pluricaulis.
Selected References
- Neuropharmacological review of Convolvulus pluricaulis: An Ayurvedic herb – Shukla et al., 2011
- Pharmacological insights on Convolvulus pluricaulis: a traditional herb for brain health – Kumar et al., 2015
- Convolvulus pluricaulis – PFAF Plant Database
- Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species – K.C. Chunekar, 2008