Convolvulus Pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) Overview

1) Studied Conditions

Convolvulus Pluricaulis has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and has been studied for conditions including:

• Cognitive disorders
• Stress and anxiety
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Epilepsy

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on Convolvulus Pluricaulis suggests potential benefits in improving cognitive function and reducing stress and anxiety. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine its efficacy in treating these conditions.

3) Health Benefits

Reported health benefits of Convolvulus Pluricaulis include:

• Enhancement of memory and cognitive function
• Anxiolytic effects, aiding in stress reduction
• Sedative properties, potentially improving sleep quality
• Neuroprotective effects that may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases
• Antioxidant properties

4) Downsides

While Convolvulus Pluricaulis is generally considered safe when used in traditional amounts, it can have downsides, including:

• Potential interaction with other medications
• Side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses
• Limited scientific evidence and lack of standardization in products

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

There is currently a lack of robust scientific data on the relationship between Convolvulus Pluricaulis and specific genetic variations. Thus, it is not possible to conclusively state whether it is particularly beneficial or harmful for any genetic variations without further research.

Convolvulus Pluricaulis in Ayurvedic Medicine

Convolvulus Pluricaulis, commonly known as Shankhpushpi, is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for enhancing memory and cognitive functions. Alongside three other species, it forms the basis of Shankhpushpi remedies. Scientific research has been conducted to validate the pharmacognostic characteristics, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects of Convolvulus Pluricaulis.

Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Uses

Studies have shown that Convolvulus Pluricaulis has nootropic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. It is also effective in improving memory and cognitive impairments caused by neurotoxicity. Furthermore, it possesses antioxidant, anticonvulsant, anti-ulcer, and potential anti-hyperthyroidism activities.

Medicinal Efficacy and Standardization

The aim of the research is to differentiate between the botanical sources of Shankhpushpi and to establish standard parameters for authenticating commercially sold varieties. Techniques such as high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are used for this purpose, in accordance with WHO guidelines.

Neuroprotective Effects

Convolvulus Pluricaulis aqueous extract has been found to have neuroprotective effects against scopolamine-induced memory deficits in rats, as well as against aluminium chloride-induced neurotoxicity. It has shown to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity, increase antioxidant enzyme levels, and maintain important neurotransmitter receptor levels.

Antidepressant-like Effects

Certain extracts of Convolvulus Pluricaulis have demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effects in mice, indicating interactions with adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems.

Conclusion

Research supports the use of Convolvulus Pluricaulis in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. The plant has shown potential in treating a variety of neurological conditions, justifying further study and standardization for medicinal use.

References:

1. An update on Shankhpushpi, a cognition-boosting Ayurvedic medicine
2. Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy in brain aging
3. Comparative pharmacognostical investigation on four ethanobotanicals traditionally used as Shankhpushpi in India
4. Chemical investigation of Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois
5. Spectrofluorimetric Estimation of Scopoletin in Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. and Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy
6. Gas chromatographic identification of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and hydrocarbons of Convolvulus pluricaulis (Chois)
7. Nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant studies on different plant sources of shankhpushpi
8. In vivo investigation of the neuroprotective property of Convolvulus pluricaulis in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in Wistar rats
9. Supplementation of Convolvulus pluricaulis attenuates scopolamine-induced increased tau and amyloid precursor protein (AβPP) expression in rat brain
10. In vitro screening on amyloid precursor protein modulation of plants used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for memory improvement
11. Neuroprotective role of Convolvulus pluricaulis on aluminium induced neurotoxicity in rat brain
12. Study of Convolvulus pluricaulis for antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity
13. Evaluation of the antidepressant-like activity of Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy in the mouse forced swim and tail suspension tests
14. Effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois on gastric ulceration and secretion in rats
15. Inhibition of T3 production in levothyroxine-treated female mice by the root extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis

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