Last verified: 17 days ago
Shankhpushpi
Also known as: Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria ternatea, Medhya Rasayana, shankhpushpi
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Ayurvedic herb used for memory and brain health. Evidence is animal-only — no human trials yet.
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What it does
Shankhpushpi is a traditional Ayurvedic herb — actually a name shared by three different plants (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Clitoria ternatea) — used for centuries as a...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Shankhpushpi is a traditional Ayurvedic herb — actually a name shared by three different plants (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Clitoria ternatea) — used for centuries as a brain tonic. Animal and cell-based studies suggest it may support memory, reduce anxiety, and protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Lab studies also show potential for DNA repair and neuronal differentiation in cancer cell lines, but none of this has been tested in humans.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to enhance memory in humans — all memory studies are in animals. Not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's, or any brain disease. The three plants sold under this name are not interchangeable — you may not be getting what you think. No human clinical trials exist to confirm any benefit.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Improved memory and reduced amnesia in animal models of cognitive impairment.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 100–200 mg/kg in rats/mice (no human dose established)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduced anxiety-like behavior in animal studies across multiple plant species.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 100–200 mg/kg in animal studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Showed protective effects against neurotoxin-induced brain damage in rats.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 200 mg/kg extract in rats
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Enhanced DNA repair and reduced oxidative stress in brain cancer cells in the lab.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data available from provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Three completely different plant species are all sold as 'Shankhpushpi' — product labeling may not tell you which one you're getting
- Zero human clinical trials in the provided evidence — all findings come from animal or cell-based studies
- CNS-depressant effects observed at higher doses in animal studies — potential interaction with sedatives or alcohol
- 58 registered supplement products exist despite no clinical trial evidence of efficacy or safety in humans
Products Containing Shankhpushpi
See how Shankhpushpi is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Shankhpushpi do?
Ayurvedic herb used for memory and brain health. Evidence is animal-only — no human trials yet.
What is the effective dose of Shankhpushpi?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Shankhpushpi safe?
Three completely different plant species are all sold as 'Shankhpushpi' — product labeling may not tell you which one you're getting
What doesn't Shankhpushpi do?
Not proven to enhance memory in humans — all memory studies are in animals.
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: 2026-05-25