Shankhpushpi
Also known as: Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria ternatea, Medhya Rasayana, brain elixir herb
Effective Dosage
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Shankhpushpi is a traditional Ayurvedic herb — actually a name applied to three different plants (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Clitoria ternatea) depending on the region of India. In animal studies, extracts have shown potential to improve memory, reduce anxiety, and protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Lab studies suggest it may support DNA repair and neuronal differentiation in brain cancer cell lines, but none of this has been tested in human clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to enhance memory or cognition in humans — all supporting evidence comes from rats and cell cultures. Won't treat dementia or Alzheimer's disease. No human data on effective dose. The name 'Shankhpushpi' doesn't even refer to one single plant, so products may contain very different ingredients.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Shankhpushpi is a traditional Ayurvedic herb — actually a name applied to three different plants (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Clitoria ternatea) depending on the region of India. In animal studies, extracts have shown potential to improve memory, reduce anxiety, and protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Lab studies suggest it may support DNA repair and neuronal differentiation in brain cancer cell lines, but none of this has been tested in human clinical trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic or bioavailability data in the provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- The name 'Shankhpushpi' refers to at least three completely different plant species — you may not know what you're actually taking
- Zero human clinical trials in the provided evidence base — all findings are from animal or cell-culture studies
- Animal study doses (100–200 mg/kg) do not translate directly to human dosing without clinical validation
- Some studies show CNS-depressant effects at higher doses, which could interact with sedatives or alcohol
- 58 registered supplement products exist despite no clinical trial evidence of efficacy in humans
Products Containing Shankhpushpi
See how Shankhpushpi is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09