Shankhpushpi – Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

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Introduction

Shankhpushpi is a plant native to India. It is scientifically called Convolvulus pluricaulis. Shakhpushpi is a Sanskrit word. This word basically means or stands for the plant with bell shaped or conch shaped flowers. ^1,2

These flowers can be blue or white in color. In Ayurveda, it is recognized as ”Medhya Rasayana”, which means a drug that rejuvenates, maintains and potentiates intellect and memory. This plant is used from its root to its tips and has a wide range of potential uses in man.³

In India, it is also known by various other vernacular names like:

• Sankhapuspa
• Sankhapuspi
• Shankhavali
• Aparajit
• Bilikanthisoppu
• Shankhavela
• Shankhapuspi
• Sanghupushpam
• Kakkurattai.^1,2

Potential Uses of Shankhpushpi

The herb has diverse potential benefits for various systems of the body which are as follows-^1,4,5,6,7,8   

1. Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for the Brain: 

Shankhpushpi may have some benefits for brain:

• Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for Memory and ADHD

Shankhpushpi may have nootropic potential i.e., it may have potential effect on memory, learning capacity and concentration in the person consuming it. It may be able to have some effect on conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is usually seen in children, wherein the child has trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or is overly active.  However the studies available are insufficient to validate such claims and the exact effects on humans. You must consult a qualified doctor for proper advice and prescription.

• Potential Use of Shankhpushpi in Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Shankhpushpi may have neuroprotective potential, this indicates that it may have some beneficial effects on mental functions. Its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory potential may have possible benefit over brain functions like learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision making, and attention. You must consult a qualified doctor for proper advice and guidance.

• Potential Use of Shankhpushpi in Depression

Due to its potential anti-depressant activity, shankhpushpi may be able to enhance the mood of the person consuming the herb. You must always take advise from a professional Ayurvedic doctor before consuming the plant preparations in depression-like conditions.

Also Read: 15 Ways to Treat Depression Naturally 

2. Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for the Heart and Blood Vessels:

The herb shankhpushpi may have some effect on lowering blood pressure and is usually given to treat high blood pressure along with other herbal compounds. 

Various animal studies have revealed that its extracts lower Low-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-CH) which is the bad cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and phospholipid levels. However, the studies on humans are insufficient to establish these benefits.

Shankhpushpi may also be used in patients with high cholesterol due to its potential ability to lower cholesterol.

Shankhpushpi may have the potential effect on these conditions. However, you must consult a qualified doctor for the mentioned conditions for proper prescription and detailed guidance.

3. Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for the Stomach:

• The glycoprotein secretions of the herb may have shown some effect against various types of ulcers in the stomach. 
• It may help in healing stomach ulcers. But we need further studies to establish these benefits.

4. Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for the Skin: 

• It may make the skin glow. 
• It may help with acne or pimples, which is usually very problematic in the teenage years of life. 
• It may also help with skin infections. All these above potential uses are due to its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. You must consult a dermatologist for proper advice on skin conditions.

As is well-known with the brain-related effects of Shankhpushpi, it may also keep away the signs of ageing. Researchers think Shankshpushpi may be a natural anti-aging treatment. Antioxidants are thought to be abundant in it.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Other Potential use of Shankhpushpi

The extract of shankhpushpi and compounds like tannins, saponins, coumarin, flavonoids, phenol and triterpenoids that are present in shankpushpi contribute to its activity against various bacteria.  

• Shankhpushpi may be able to reduce the risk of epilepsy or fits. 
• Shankhpushpi may show anxiolytic activity i.e., it may induce a feeling of peace and calm, reduce stress and mental tiredness and improve sleep.
• As it may have the ability to lower blood sugar levels and thus may be used in persons with diabetes. These benefits may need further studies to establish

Also Read: 45 Food Items to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Though studies show the benefits of shankhpushpi against various disease conditions, these studies are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of shankhpushpi on human health. 

Did you know Shankhpushpi might be used for hair growth? Shankhpushpi oil is believed to reduce hair fall and enhance hair growth as a result of its rejuvenating nature.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use the Herb Shankhpushpi

Shankhpushpi is available as a powder, tablet, capsule, juice, syrup and oil as well. Except for the oil that is massaged, rest all forms can be consumed with water or milk after meals preferably in the morning.⁹ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking shankhpushpi or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Side effects of Shankhpushpi

Studies so far have not reported any major side effects of shankhpushpi. However, herbs react differently in different people and may have certain side effects and it should never be used for self-medication.^9,10 If you experience any discomfort, side effects or allergic reactions after using shankhpushpi, stop its use and contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Precautions

Follow general precautions for any herb as per your doctor’s advice. Kindly do not self-medicate and do not substitute, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own. Other precautions to be followed are:

• Long term diseases: In patients who are on medication(s) for long term diseases like chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, sugar disease etc. Shankpushpi should be consumed only after consulting his or her doctor who is treating the chronic disease.¹⁰ 
• Pregnancy and breast feeding: Even in pregnancy and during breast feeding, a doctor must be consulted before starting intake of herbal plant or its compounds.¹⁰

• Low blood pressure: Caution must be exercise before starting the herb in a person with low blood pressure. Due to its blood pressure lowering activity, shankpushpi combined with existing prescription medicines may cause low blood pressure and dizziness.¹⁰

Interactions of Shankhpushpi with other drugs

Mostly shankhpushpi is considered reasonably safe, but while using it the drugs mentioned below is to be avoided due to their interactions with the herb. ¹⁰ 

• Blood pressure lowering drugs– Due to its possible effect on blood pressure lowering shankhpushpi consumed with these drugs may lead to hypotension, that is a condition with very low blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness in patients already on blood pressure lowering drugs. 
• Phenytoin- It is seen that when shankhpushpi is given together with phenytoin, it reduces the antiepileptic activity and blood level. It therefore reduces the ability of phenytoin to control the seizure.  

Thus, patients taking blood pressure and seizure management medicines must consult their Ayurvedic physician before taking it.  

Moreover, Before consuming shankhpushpi for any health effects, talk to your doctor or physician about any precautions you might need to take. Consulting with your doctor will help you make better choices and avoid adverse health effects.

Also Read: Chirata – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Nagkesar – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

References:

1. Agarwal, P., Sharma, B., Fatima, A., & Jain, S. (2014). An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. Asian Pacific Journal Of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(3), 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2221-1691(14)60240-9  

2. Sethiya, N., Trivedi, A., Patel, M., & Mishra, S. (2010). Comparative pharmacognostical investigation on four ethanobotanicals traditionally used as Shankhpushpi in India. Journal Of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 1(4), 388. https://doi.org/10.4103/0110-5558.76437  

3. Sethiya, N., Nahata, A., Singh, P., & Mishra, S. (2019). Neuropharmacological evaluation on four traditional herbs used as nervine tonic and commonly available as Shankhpushpi in India. Journal Of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 10(1), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2017.08.012  

4. Balkrishna, A., Thakur, P., & Varshney, A. (2020). Phytochemical Profile, Pharmacological Attributes and Medicinal Properties of Convolvulus prostratus – A Cognitive Enhancer Herb for the Management of Neurodegenerative Etiologies. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00171  

5. Alzdiscovery.org. (2020). Retrieved 17 December 2021, from https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Shankhpushpi-Cognitive-Vitality-for-researchers.pdf.  

6. Patel, D., Chandola, H., Baghel, M., & Joshi, J. (2012). Clinical efficacy of Shankhapushpi and a herbo-mineral compound in type-II diabetes. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal Of Research In Ayurveda), 33(2), 230. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.105243  
7. Al-Rifai, A., Aqel, A., Al-Warhi, T., Wabaidur, S., Al-Othman, Z., & Badjah-Hadj-Ahmed, A. (2017). Antibacterial, Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Plant Extracts of Some Convolvulus Species and Their DART-ToF-MS Profiling. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5694305  

8. Bhowmik, D., & Kumar, S. Traditional Indian Herbs Convolvulus pluricaulis and Its Medicinal Importance. Phytojournal.com. Retrieved 3 January 2022, from https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_may_2012/4.pdf.  

9. Dandekar, U., Chandra, R., Dalvi, S., Joshi, M., Gokhale, P., & Sharma, A. et al. (1992). Analysis of a clinically important interaction between phenytoin and Shankhapushpi, an Ayurvedic preparation. Journal Of Ethnopharmacology, 35(3), 285-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(92)90026-n  

10. Umar, D., Ali, A., Farhan, M., Basheer, B., & Baroudi, K. (2015). Effect of Brahmyadi Churna (Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Jatamansi, Jyotishmati, Vacha, Ashwagandha) and tablet Shilajatu in essential hypertension: An observational study. Journal Of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research, 6(4), 148. https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-4040.165015  

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